4. How to pay

There are different payment options for the SSAF, depending on whether you're a domestic student, or an international student.

All students have to pay the SSAF, whether domestic, international, undergraduate, postgraduate or HDR – although some students are exempt.

Domestic students

To pay your SSAF, you can either (1) pay upfront or, if eligible, (2) apply for a SA-HELP loan.

You can still apply for SA-HELP if you are waiting for a tax file number – you just have to provide a clear scan or photo of your 'Certificate of Application for a TFN', together with your Australia Post receipt, to fees@uq.edu.au before the SSAF payment date.

How to apply for a SA-HELP loan

The application process only takes a few minutes to complete.

If you're eligible for SA-HELP, first log in to mySI-net to apply for a loan, then:

  1. Go to 'Financials'
  2. Go to 'SA-HELP eCAF'
  3. Follow the steps and submit.

The deadline for applying for a SA-HELP loan is the SSAF payment date.

You only need to submit a SA-HELP application once for your UQ program. If you change programs please submit a new SA-HELP eCAF.

If you're a New Zealand Special Category visa holder, contact Student Fees to apply for a SA-HELP loan.

Tax file numbers

You need a tax file number to successfully apply for a SA-HELP loan.

The tax file number, name, and date of birth on your eCAF must match your tax file number, name, and date of birth held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

The simplest way to check or update your personal details with the ATO is through a myGov account or by contacting the ATO.

Learn more about updating your personal details in mySI-net

FAQs

What's an eCAF?

An 'eCAF' is an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form available online through mySI-net. Completing the form is compulsory if you want to set up a SA-HELP loan.

What happens if I don't have a tax file number?

Apply for one immediately. It can take some time for the ATO to issue tax file numbers.

Once you've applied, ask the ATO to issue a 'Certificate of Application for a TFN', then submit a clear scan or photo of your 'Certificate of Application for a TFN' together with your Australia Post receipt, to fees@uq.edu.au before the SSAF payment date.

If you don't provide UQ with a tax file number or 'Certificate of Application for a TFN' by the SSAF payment date, you will have to pay your SSAF upfront.

What happens if I change programs?

Immediately submit a new eCAF if you switch UQ programs or add a program (e.g. from a single program to a dual program).

How do I cancel my request for a SA-HELP loan?

If you change your mind about applying for a SA-HELP loan before the SSAF payment date, please:

  1. Log in to mySI-net
  2. Go to 'Financials'
  3. Go to 'Remove SA_HELP Request'.

You must pay the SSAF upfront within two business days of removing a SA-HELP loan.

An updated invoice will appear within 24 hours showing the SSAF amount due.

How does SA-HELP work?

For an explanation of SA-HELP, visit the Australian Government's Study Assist website.

Upfront payments

To make an upfront payment, first log in to mySI-net, then:

  1. Go to 'Financials'.
  2. Go to 'Pay my fees now' in the left-hand side menu.
  3. Follow the steps and submit.

Upfront payments are due by the due date displayed under 'Financials' in mySI-net.

International students

Your Student Services and Amenities fee must be paid by the fees due date.

To make an upfront payment, please:

  1. Log in to mySI-net
  2. Go to 'Financials'
  3. Go to 'Pay my fees now'
  4. Follow the steps and submit.

More information about different payment options is available.