The short answer: no, not on a student visa
International students in Australia on a temporary visa — including the student visa (subclass 500) — cannot get HECS-HELP. The loan is only available to people with specific citizenship and visa statuses, and a temporary visa isn't one. International fees are paid upfront or funded another way.
That goes for the whole HELP family — HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and the other student loans. What matters is your status at enrolment and each census date; becoming eligible later doesn't backdate a loan.
Who can get HECS-HELP
You can access HELP if you're an Australian citizen, a permanent humanitarian visa holder (current or eligible former), a New Zealand citizen on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) who meets the long-term residency requirements, or a Pacific Engagement Visa holder.
Former NZ SCV holders on a permanent visa on the path to citizenship have kept their access since 29 June 2023. Standard permanent residents are the big exclusion: a normal PR visa doesn't qualify for HELP, except for FEE-HELP bridging study to meet Australian professional standards.
New Zealand citizens: the long-term residency rule
A New Zealand citizen living in Australia on a Special Category Visa can get HELP, but only after meeting the long-term residency requirements — being ordinarily resident in Australia for at least 10 years — and you must be resident in Australia for the duration of your study.
NZ citizens without an SCV can't access HELP. Not sure where you stand? Check your visa through the Department of Home Affairs and talk to your university's enrolment team.
What if my status changes while I'm studying?
If you start as an international student and later become an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder, you can access HELP for study from the point your status changes, but not for earlier units. A standard permanent residency visa doesn't change your eligibility; only the humanitarian pathway counts.
Request the loan through your provider before each unit's census date — miss it and you're liable for the full fee. Without HELP, options include paying upfront, home-country or employer scholarships, private loans, and provider payment plans.
FAQ
Q: My Australian partner is a citizen. Can they take out a HECS loan to pay my fees? A: No. HELP loans are tied to your own citizenship and visa status — nobody can borrow on your behalf. They can gift or lend you money, but the loan must be in your name.