How long will it take to pay off A$100,000 in student loans?

Depends on your rate and monthly payment. As a rough guide, at 10% over 7 years, it’s ~A$1,650/month; paying more than the minimum shortens the term.

Which bank is best for international student loans?

Policies change. Compare eligibility for temporary residents, rates, and fees at major banks like ANZ, CBA, NAB and shortlist based on your visa, income, and term.

Can international students apply for HECS?

No. HECS-HELP requires CSP and specific citizenship/residency criteria. Temporary visa holders are not eligible.

Can an international student loan (from home) be used in Australia?

Often yes—many banks abroad release funds for overseas study once you provide your CoE and fee schedule. Check disbursement and FX rules with your lender.

Who is eligible for an education loan in Australia?

There’s no national “education loan” scheme for internationals. Bank personal loans are possible if you hold an eligible visa, earn income in Australia, and pass credit checks; uni interest-free loans also exist for enrolled students.

How fast can you pay off $50,000 in student loans?

If you can put ~A$1,100/month at ~9%, expect around 4½ years. Increase your monthly payment and cut that timeline.

Will student loans ever be forgiven?

There is no Australian government forgiveness for private loans. Some lenders and universities may offer hardship arrangements or payment plans, but don’t expect blanket write-offs. For domestic HECS-HELP, policy settings change over time but that system doesn’t apply to international students.

Student Loans in Australia for International Students - Full Guide

Student Loans in Australia for International Students – Full Guide

Worried about funding your degree in Australia? Here’s how international students actually manage loans, fees, and debt.

Why Loans Matter for International Students

With tuition fees for international students averaging A$30,000–A$45,000 per year in Australia, many students ask: Can I get a student loan in Australia?

If you’re an international student, you’re balancing tuition, living costs, transport, and visa-related expenses—often without access to the same government loans locals use. The good news: there are pathways to finance your studies responsibly.

In this guide, you’ll learn how study loans really work for international students—covering education loans, personal loans, car loans, interest-free options, refunds, and debt management.

💡 PickMyUni regularly assists students comparing universities and exploring funding options like scholarships, bursaries, and education loans.

Can International Students Get Loans in Australia?

Government study loans like HECS-HELP are not available to international students. Those loans are tied to Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) and specific citizenship/residency rules, so temporary visa holders miss out.

What lenders usually check:

visa type and expiry, stable income (casual/part-time counts), credit history, local address, and a guarantor or co-borrower if required. Expect loan terms to end before your visa expires.

Common misconceptions to drop:

There are no “free government loans” for international students in Australia, but you can explore scholarships, bursaries, and university payment plans that don’t accrue interest.
Explain the general rule: international students are not eligible for government HECS-HELP loans, but private and bank loans may be available.
Conditions lenders usually look at (visa status, income, guarantors).
Misconceptions to clear up (no “free loans” but there are alternatives like scholarships and grants).

Types of Study Loans for International Students in Australia

1) Education loans via home-country banks

Often the most accessible for undergrads. These are typically secured (property/FD) or backed by parents, with approval based on admission to a recognised Australian institution.

Pros: Larger limits; familiar banking environment; predictable processes.
Cons: Collateral or co-signer needed; FX exposure; disbursement rules may be strict.

2) Personal loans in Australia (unsecured)

Some Australian banks consider temporary residents with income and an eligible visa. Policies vary; many require income deposited to an Australian account and may cap the term to your visa duration.

Pros: No collateral; quick approvals; funds can cover living or study costs.
Cons: Higher rates than secured loans; stricter eligibility; term may be limited by visa.

3) University/partner lender programs

Some universities acknowledge private lenders for specific cohorts (e.g., US or Canadian student aid, or private partners such as Spark Finance at the University of Sydney; Prodigy Finance for certain postgrad programs). Check your faculty’s finance page.

Pros: Tailored to students; sometimes no collateral; study-aligned disbursement.
Cons: Limited to select courses/citizenships; not every uni participates.

Quick Student Loans comparison

Option	Typical Use	Usual Requirements	Watch-outs
Home-country education loan	Tuition + living	Admission offer, co-signer/collateral	FX risk; processing time
Australian personal loan	Living, equipment, part of tuition	Eligible visa, income in AU, credit check	Term tied to visa; higher rates
Uni/partner programs	Tuition + living (eligible programs)	Enrolment in partner courses, citizenship criteria varies	Limited availability; lender-specific conditions

Personal Loan Options for International Students

How to apply for a Personal Loan:

Check eligibility on bank websites;
estimate repayments;
prepare ID, visa grant, proof of income and address;
submit online or in a branch.

Eligibility you’ll likely need:

Student visa (Subclass 500) or other eligible visa with sufficient validity.
Income evidence (payslips/contract).
Australian address and bank account.
A guarantor may help approval or reduce the rate.

Typical limits & timelines:

Unsecured personal loans can range from ~A$2,000 to A$55,000 with 1–7 year terms;
approval can be fast if you meet criteria. Actual limits depend on income, credit, and visa length.

📞 PickMyUni can connect you with financial advisors who specialise in student-friendly banking options.

🚗 Student Car Loans in Australia

Why students consider car finance: flexible transport to uni, placements, and work—especially in suburbs with limited late-night public transport.

Eligibility rules to expect:

Proof of regular income;
Acceptable temporary visa;
Loan term ending before your visa expiry (a common lender rule);
Comprehensive insurance on the vehicle. Third-party rate sites and lenders note stricter criteria for temporary residents.

Is it realistic on a Student (500) visa?

Some lenders do consider students, but with tighter caps and conditions. Many will only approve if the term comfortably fits within your visa length.

Alternatives to financing a car:

Discounted student public transport passes;
Car-share and daily rentals for placements;
Rideshare pool with classmates;
Bicycle + short rideshare for off-peak trips.

Interest-Free & Low-Interest Student Loans in Australia

Universities often offer interest-free loans and hardship support to both domestic and international students:

University of Sydney: Interest-free loans up to A$2,000, repayable within 12 months; available to domestic and international students for essential study/living costs.
Monash University: Interest-free loans (short-term and long-term) for eligible students; international students may apply.
University of Melbourne: Interest-free student loans and short-term loans for course-related and/or living expenses (tuition usually excluded).

Some student associations also advertise emergency vouchers or cash grants for urgent needs.

How to apply: Visit your uni’s “Financial support” page, gather a budget, evidence of need, and proof you can repay on time (e.g., upcoming work shifts). Applications are usually assessed quickly by student services.

Student Loan Refunds in Australia

When do refunds apply?

Provider default: Your education provider can’t deliver your course. They must **place you in an alternative course or refund your unspent tuition fees within 14 days.
Student default (e.g., visa refusal or approved withdrawal): The provider must refund your unspent tuition fees. If you have no written agreement or your visa is refused, the refund must be paid within 4 weeks of the default.

If the provider doesn’t meet its obligations, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) can help you transfer or obtain a refund of unspent tuition fees.

Private lenders (banks, third-party financiers) have separate refund rules. If your loan paid tuition directly to the uni, refunds usually flow back to the lender under your contract. Always read the disbursement and refund clauses.

Refund timeline—at a glance

Scenario	What happens	Typical timeframe
Provider default	Place you in a suitable alternative course or refund unspent tuition	14 days from default
Visa refused / no written agreement	Refund of unspent tuition	4 weeks from default
Student withdraws (with written agreement)	Refunds as per contract and policy	Check your provider’s policy; many echo ESOS timelines

Alternative Funding Options Beyond Loans

Scholarships: Most universities maintain searchable scholarship databases for international students.
Part-time work: On a Student (Subclass 500) visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight when your course is in session (more during breaks). Be careful: breaching work limits can jeopardise your visa.
Bursaries & grants: Many faculties/associations offer one-off grants or vouchers for emergency needs.