From 29 June 2023, New Zealand citizens who formerly held a Special Category Visa and have transitioned to a permanent resident visa on the pathway to citizenship will have continued access to the Higher Education Loan Program.

This amendment will allow these students to return to their course of study, without the burden of upfront payment of tuition fees while they wait for their Australian citizenship to be granted.

Residency requirements during study

As a New Zealand citizen and/or NZ SCV holder, you must be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s) to meet the CSP and HELP residency requirements. However, any period of residence outside Australia will be disregarded if:

• it cannot be reasonably regarded as indicating an intention to reside outside Australia for the duration of the unit, or
• it is required for the purpose of completing a requirement of that unit.

Note:  As soon as you gain Australian Citizenship, you will continue to be eligible for the HELP loan schemes.

For further information, visit the Study Assist website.