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Student Services

Finance - Student Loans


Student loans are available to full time students of Swinburne University and are for expenses related to your study such as books, stationery, or maybe bigger things like a computer or printer. International students can only apply for loans in emergency situations.

In some cases, where there are exceptional circumstances, loans can also be for things like rent or a bill that has arrived unexpectedly.

Loans are not given for any sort of recreational expense, to cover credit card debt, fines or for any ‘luxuries'. It is also important to remember that loans are for one off expenses, and are not intended to be a regular supplement for your income.

These loans are completely interest free as long as they are paid back within the agreed upon time.

Student loans cannot be used for fees. For information on assistance with TAFE or higher education fees for Australian citizens or permanent residents, please click here.

International student having difficulties with their fees should talk to a staff member of the International Student Unit as soon as possible.

Student Loan Packs

These packs contain detailed information on the student loans, loan application forms and explain the process for applying for a loan.

Before making an appointment with a Financial Advisor to discuss a loan it is a good idea to download and print off the appropriate pack to prepare yourself. This can make your first appointment a lot quicker as you will have already covered the first steps for applying for a loan.

To open the Student Loan Packs you will need the free Adobe Acrobat viewer, which you can download here.

Students who would like to speak with someone about the loans are still welcome to make an appointment with their campus advisor to go through the pack with them.

Click here to download the Student Loan Pack

Types of Loans

Special Assistance Program Loans

Funded by an allocation of funds from the Federal Government to Universities. They are for:

  • Full time, fully enrolled, higher education students.

  • Amounts up to $1500.00, with any amount over $500.00 requiring a guarantor.

  • To be repaid over a maximum period of 12 months.

Student Aid Loans

Set up in 1987 the Student Aid fund was established, and is maintained, by generous donations from Swinburne staff. They are for:

  • Full time, fully enrolled, TAFE students.

  • Amounts up to $500.00.

  • To be repaid over a maximum period of 6 months.

International Student Loans

Funded by the International Student Unit. They are for:

  • For emergency purposes only.

  • Full time, fully enrolled, international students.

  • Amounts up to $500.00.

  • To be repaid as soon as possible (to a maximum of 6 months).

Study Abroad Programs

For information on loans for study abroad programs, such as the Hawthorn FBE or Higher Education Lilydale schemes, please contact the financial advisor at that campus.