Student Financial Loans

1. The loan applicant must be enrolled in a current teaching period. Students currently deferred or not enrolled are not eligible.
2. Students living outside of Australia, cross-institutional students, non-award students (including preparatory and bridging programs), students conducting studies abroad and students from partner universities and contracted arrangements are not eligible for the Student Financial Loans Scheme.
3. The student must be experiencing short-term financial hardship that is placing their continuing study in jeopardy.
4. The student must have exhausted all other avenues to obtain a loan and a student loan is the only option.
5. Continuing students must demonstrate a satisfactory academic record with a grade point average of above 3.5 or have the capacity to complete the course for which they are enrolled. (Note: This criterion may be waived in circumstances in which a student’s past academic performance was limited, as reflected by the GPA, but in which recent grades indicate substantial improvement in at least one teaching period.)
6. The student must have the ability to repay the loan and provide documentary evidence of personal finances.
7. Students with a UniSQ loan history must demonstrate that the loan has been satisfactorily repaid and has no anomalies with their student financial history.

1. The amount of the loan will be limited to demonstrated need i.e. the maximum amount will only be granted when there is demonstrated need for such an amount. This will be demonstrated through evidence such as quotes for the expenses being requested, and a student budget review.
   The maximum amount for a Student Support Loan for first year students, in their first teaching period is $500 repayable over 6 months or $1000 repayable over 12 months for all other eligible students.
2. Loans are not available to pay fines, up-front tuition fees, taxes, credit card payments, car maintenance, car registrations, insurance, pay TV expenses, mortgages, or any student amenity or guild fees.
3. All loans shall be scheduled to be finalised prior to the student completing studies at UniSQ. All loans are immediately repayable in full if the student ceases to be enrolled at UniSQ for any reason.
4. Loans will be payable to UniSQ Finance via payment options detailed on the student invoice.
5. Students are not entitled to a second loan until the first has been repaid in full unless there are exceptional circumstances.
6. All applicants must be provided with information pertaining to the terms and conditions of the loan as well as information regarding the consequences of defaulting on the loan.
7. All requests for extensions to student loans must be approved by the Student Financial Loans Committee.
8. Students must attend an interview (in person or via phone/zoom) with a Student Advisor (Wellbeing), Support for Learning to proceed with the student loan application.
9. Students will need to supply suitable photo identification (student ID card or driver’s license).
10. Students who have a Pay Later line of credit (e.g., After Pay, Zippay) will need to provide statements showing repayment amounts and final repayment date.
11. Student Support Loans are not cash loans and are provided by means of electronic funds transfer (EFT) into the student’s bank account.

It’s important to stick to your loan repayment plan. If you don’t repay your loan as agreed, UniSQ may take steps that could affect your studiesIf you're having trouble making repayments, reach out to a Student Advisor (Wellbeing) early, they’re here to help you find a solution before things get complicated.

The following penalties apply:

1. Any student who has not complied with the terms and conditions of the loan shall be subject to the conditions under the University of Southern Queensland’s Credit Control and Debt Management Policy.
2. For any student who has not complied fully with the conditions of any student loan, UniSQ may impose the following:
   • have their final grades for courses withheld;
   • have their Academic Transcripts withheld;
   • be prevented from graduating;
   • be prevented from adding courses for future teaching periods;
   • have courses deleted in which they are already enrolled for future teaching periods; or
   • be placed in the hands of the University’s debt collection agency.
3. If loans are not repaid by the agreed date or renegotiated, the student’s debt information may be sent to the University’s official debt collection agency in order to have the outstanding funds recovered.
4. The Associate Director (Wellbeing), Support for Learning, may recommend to waive penalties, to reduce penalties, to write off loans or make other decisions with regard to the repayment of overdue loans, in consultation with UniSQ Finance, on the basis of exceptional circumstances.

Before you apply, make sure to read the  Steps 1 - 3 carefully. They explain who’s eligible, how the loan works, and what to expect.

Steps to apply: 

1. Gather your mandatory documents as outlined below.
2. Fill out the Student Financial Loan Application Form.
3. Book an appointment with a Student Advisor (Wellbeing).

After attending your appointment, your application will be assessed within 5 University business days by the UniSQ Finance Committee. You’ll receive the outcome via your UniSQ email (UMail).

Mandatory documents

• Photo ID – This can be your student card, driver’s licence, or passport.
• Centrelink Evidence – If you are receiving or have applied for Centrelink payments, please upload a Centrelink statement or any email communication from Centrelink.
• Bank Transaction History – A complete copy of your bank transactions for the last three months for all your bank accounts.
• Rental Receipt or Agreement – Showing how much you pay for rent.
• Employment Evidence – If you’re working, upload your last three payslips.
• Quotes – For specific purchases related to your studies, such as textbooks, course materials, or essential technology (e.g., a computer or laptop), please provide supporting documentation. For textbooks, upload your booklist with prices. For computers or laptops, include three quotes or screenshots from retailer websites to help us verify the costs. 

If you don’t agree with the decision, you can ask for a review of decision. Here’s how:

• Submit your request in writing to the Associate Director (Support for Learning) using the review of decision process. 
• Make sure you send it in writing within 20 days of the date stated in the email advising you of the outcome of your application.
• include any extra information that might support your case.

We’re here to make sure every application is treated fairly. If you need help with your review request, reach out to a Student Advisor (Wellbeing) for support.