Print versionThe Commonwealth Government has a loan scheme known as OS-HELP. OS-HELP is a loan which assists eligible Australian students to undertake some of their study overseas while on exchange. In 2010, students may receive up to $5523 per six-month study period for one or two overseas study periods. The purpose of these loans is to help students with a range of expenses such as airfares and accommodation.
To be eligible for OS-HELP, you must be:
- a UQ student approved to go on a UQ exchange,
- an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa;
- a Commonwealth supported student enrolled in an undergraduate program; and
- selected by UQ to receive an OS-HELP loan.
Students cannot receive an OS-HELP loan:
- in their first year of study (must have completed 16 units in their current program), or
- in their last semester of study (must have at least 8 units to take at UQ after the exchange semester)
The overseas study undertaken must count as credit towards their UQ program
A loan fee of 20% applies. Please note: From January 1, 2010, the 20% OS-HELP loan fee will be removed. Therefore, there will be NO loan fee on any OS-HELP loans with a debt incurral date on or after 1 January 2010.
Downloads
- OS-HELP guidelines (pdf: 52KB) for further information, including eligibility requirements and loan conditions.
- OS-HELP application form (pdf: 29KB)
If you would like to discuss the OS-HELP loan or the application process further, please contact us at the following email address: