HELP loans for New Zealand Special Category visa holders

New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category visa (SCV) and meet the criteria may be eligible for a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan.

Eligibility criteria

If you hold a New Zealand SCV, you may be able to access HELP loans if you: 

• first lived in Australia at least 10 years before the submission of the CAF(s) and at the time, you were under 18 years of age with no spouse or de facto partner
• meet the residency requirements – you've been in Australia for at least:
  • a total of 8 out of the 10 years immediately before the date of your CAF(s) submission, and
  • a total of 18 months out of the 2 years before the date of your CAF(s) submission.
• are otherwise eligible for the loan.

How to apply

1. Download and complete the Application for Higher Education Loans for NZ SCV holders (PDF, 113.2 KB)
2. Complete all required supporting documentation.
3. Submit your application and supporting documentation by email to Student Fees (fees@uq.edu.au)

Providing supporting documentation

You'll also need to submit the following documentation/evidence when you submit your HELP application form:

• passport – a copy of the personal details page of your passport, which will be used for the purpose of conducting a VEVO check verifying your current visa status
• a recent copy of your international movement records proving that you meet the requisite criteria listed above.

You can request a copy of your movement records from the Department of Home Affairs by completing a Form 1359 – Request for International Movement Records. This form will need to be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs.