Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)
The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) affects how much Commonwealth supported study you can access during your lifetime.
The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is set by the Australian Government. It generally applies if you:
- are a domestic student, and
- enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) after 1 January 2022.
Your SLE shows how much Commonwealth supported study you have available.
SLE is measured in Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL). As a guide, 1.0 EFTSL is approximately one year of full-time study. The SLE allows students to complete 7 years (7.0 EFTSL) of CSP study.
Your SLE reduces when you remain enrolled in Commonwealth supported courses after the census date.
- Learn how your EFTSL is calculated at UQ
- Visit the Study Assist (Australian Government) website for more information about the SLE.
Your SLE is tracked across all higher education providers ina Autralia. This means any eligible studies at other Australian higher education providers will reduce your SLE.
Enrolment and fees
If you use all of your available SLE:
- you will no longer be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place
- your study may continue on a full fee-paying basis, if available.
Full fee paying studies are charged at a higher rate than a Commonwealth Supported place, and are not eligible for HECS-HELP. You may be eligible for FEE-HELP depending on your residency status.
Different SLE arrangements
For example:
- some students may have access to additional SLE for certain postgraduate study, and
- SLE rules can be different for students who return to study later in life.
These arrangements are set by the Australian Government and depend on your individual circumstances.
Refer to Study Assist for more information.
Check your SLE balance
myHELPbalance (Australian Government)
You can view your official SLE balance through myHELPbalance, the Australian Government system that records your HELP and SLE usage across all providers.
This information is generated directly by the Australian Government.
Contact
If you have questions about how SLE may affect your enrolment or fees, contact Student Fees.