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Educational expenses loans
Written by
Shaun McGowanEducation loans are a type of personal loan you can use if you need help financing your studies.
You can use the money to pay for books, tuition, and even living costs!
Before you apply for an education loan, see if you qualify for any government assistance - we’ll cover these in the sections below.
Why do I need a loan for my education?
Although education loans shouldn’t be your first stop for finance, there’s a reason they exist.
- Firstly, depending on the course you take, your tuition fees can be extremely high.
- Secondly, intensive full-time study makes it hard to hold down a job and earn a solid income.
- Lastly, not everyone qualifies for government assistance.
While education loans aren’t for everyone, they can be a financial lifeline to a number of students who just need a little helping hand to finish their studies.
What can I use the money for?
You can use the money for anything related to your studies.
Most students use education loans to pay for things like:
- Admission fees
- Course costs and fees
- Textbooks, laptops, course-related purchases
- Accommodation and living costs
- Travel costs
Find the best deal on education loans
FIND YOUR LOANCan I get help from the Government?
Before you apply, have a look at some of the government assistance options below.
Government educational expenses loans
The government offers a number of different interest-free loan schemes for eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place at university.
There are loans that can be used for both tuition fees and living costs, including OS-HELP, which can be used to fund overseas study.
- Tuition loans charge a 25% one-off fee for each course funded
- Loan limit of $106,319 to $152,700 depending on your area of study
- You won’t have to make repayments until you’re earning a minimum of $51,957
Government student assistance
Government assistance programs are available for eligible students, offering regular cash payments that do not have to be repaid.
These include living costs payments and special benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices.
Visit www.studyassist.gov.au to find out if you’re eligible and apply.
Scholarship
Most universities offer scholarships that can cover part or all of your study costs.
These are usually available for students in their first year of study right through to the postgraduate level.
To find out more about scholarships available to you, contact your education provider.
How to choose an education loan
Just like your studies, choosing a loan is a major life decision.
When you’re comparing your options, you’ll want to look at more than just how much you can borrow.
This includes:
- Interest rates - how much extra you’ll pay on the amount you’ll borrow
- Fees - ongoing charges you can usually avoid!
- Loan term - a short loan has higher repayments, a longer loan charges more interest
- Features - things like early repayments, redraw facilities, and discounts for students.
Some education loans have useful features that may help save you money, or make paying them off easier.
- Weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments to suit your pay cycle
- No-fee extra payments so you can repay your loan sooner without getting charged
Take your time comparing offers to find one that suits your best.
How to qualify and apply for an education loan
You can apply for an education expenses loan in Australia if you are:
- Over the age of 18; and
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
- Employed or have a regular source of income over $25,000 per year
If you meet the basic eligibility for a loan, you will then need to compare lenders and assess their individual approval criteria.
To get an education expenses loan you will need to:
- Submit a personal loan application to a lender
- Meet the lender’s approval criteria for the personal loan
- Sign a loan contract and agree to the terms of the loan
The most important factor when gaining approval is to demonstrate your ability to meet the repayment schedule over the term of the loan.
If you take our quiz and find a lender you want to apply with, you will be directed to the lender’s website and need to supply all documentation as you normally would when applying for an educational expenses loan, which may include:
- Proof of identity — e.g. passport or driver licence
- Proof of income — e.g. payslips, bank statements
- Details of any current debts or other loans
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Here are the most popular questions people are asking about education loans
Are education loans available for international students in Australia?
Yes, education loans are available to international students, provided they reside in Australia and have a source of income.
How much do education loans cost?
The cost of your education loan will depend entirely on how much you borrow, how long you take to repay it and the loan’s interest rate and fees.
Can I get an educational expenses loan if I have bad credit?
You may be able to get an educational loan if you have bad credit but you may be charged higher interest rates and fees. You may be more likely to be approved by a lender who specialises in bad credit loans.
Can I get an educational expenses loan if I’m already getting government assistance?
Yes, if you meet the lender’s minimum credit criteria you should be able to get an educational expenses loan even if you’re already getting government assistance.
The right education loan can save you $1,000s
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About the Author
Shaun
McGowan
Shaun McGowan
Shaun is the founder of Money.com.au and is determined to help people pay as little as possible for financial products. Through education and building world class technology. Previously Shaun co-founded CarLoans.com.au and Lend.
*Information about comparison rates Comparison rates are designed to allow borrowers to understand the true cost of a loan by taking into account fees and charges, the loan amount and the term of the loan. The comparison rate is based on an unsecured fixed rate personal loan of $10,000 over 3 years. WARNING: Comparison rates are true only for the examples provided and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.