Student loan scheme

The University of the Sunshine Coast's student loan scheme provides short-term loans to students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents.

Student loans

  • up to A$500 (maximum) are available (with approval of Student Life and Learning), and
  • usually take up to seven working days for approval and processing

Emergency loans

  • A$50 in cash is available (with approval of the Student Guild), and 
  • after a minimum of 24 hours
  • Contact USC Student Guild office at the UniClub (9am – 4pm)

Expenses covered by loan scheme

  • textbooks, study-related materials, study aids or faculty based learning placement related costs.

Expenses not covered

  • HECS, Library fines or other University fees and charges, and
  • general living expenses such as rent, bond, telephone, rates, electricity bills, holiday expenses, airfares, family expenses, insurance, fines or court costs

Criteria for assessment of loan applications

Loan applicants must:

  • have permanent Australian residency status
  • demonstrate a clear need for the loan (bring along as much evidence as you can to support your application), and
  • demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in full within the specified time

Steps to apply for a loan

  1. Complete the Student Loan Application Form and the Fortnightly Income and Expenditure Sheet (available from Student Life and Learning)
  2. Make an appointment with the Student Equity and Diversity Officer at Student Life and Learning (allow 15 minutes minimum for the interview)
  3. Bring the following information with your interview:
    • your student card
    • proof of your income (either Centrelink income statement or payslips)
    • for loans greater than A$50 you will need to provide your bank account details, including your account name and number and your BSB number. If your application is successful your loan will be credited to this account
    • as loans greater than A$50 are for specific education-related purchases only (eg textbooks, study aids, stationery), you will need to provide original quotes for these goods and services
    • any other relevant information supporting your Student Loan Application
    • written document from faculty placement coordinator (if applicable)

Loan approvals

Allow seven working days for loan approval and payment. Payments for new textbooks from the Co-op Bookshop are paid directly to Co-op. Payments for second-hand textbooks and computers are made by EFT into the applicant's chosen account.

Loan repayments

A printable online invoice on USC Central under For Students, Finances, View My Invoice, Click Generate Current Invoice.

Your invoice will show your balance, reference numbers and methods of payment via POSTbillpay including by telephone, through the website or in person at any post office.

For more information about managing your account, refer to Managing your finances. 

If you cease your enrolment at the University of the Sunshine Coast, repayment of the loan in full is required immediately.

Loan reviews

If you are unable to comply with the contract of your loan, you should contact Student Life and Learning, where new arrangements may be discussed in keeping with your changed circumstances.

Penalties

If you have not contacted Student Life and Learning to review your loan and your loan is not repaid according to your agreement, penalties will apply.

  • academic transcripts and results for the semester may be withheld
  • re-enrolment may be prevented

Checklist

  1. Have you completed the Student Loan Application Form and the Fortnightly Income and Expenditure Sheet? These are available from Student Life and Learning.
  2. Have you made an appointment with the Student Equity and Diversity Officer at Student Life and Learning? Allow 15 minutes minimum for the interview.
  3. Are you able to demonstrate a definite need and purpose for the loan in your application? Make sure you bring along as much evidence as you can to support your application.
  4. Do you have official academic book quotes or quotes for associated study-related purchases. These quotes must be originals and include the company name and ABN number.
  5. Have you got your student card and proof of income? (eg Austudy or pension information, payslips, etc that will support your loan application.)

More information

Contact Student Life and Learning for more information about the student loan scheme.

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