The University operates a Student Loans Scheme designed to provide small interest-free loans to currently enrolled students who can demonstrate genuine need and whose continued attendance at the University is in jeopardy due to financial hardship.

Student Loans are available to Australian students and Full Fee paying Onshore International students, or students with permanent residency status, who are formally enrolled in a Commonwealth funded course of study at SCU.

Student Loans are not available to exchange students or to be used to make payments under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).

Application Forms and Information Sheets are available from Reception, UniLife, Shop 10, Goodman Plaza, Lismore Campus, Southern Cross University, telephone 02 6620 3220 or Freecall 1800 111 890, email studentloans@scu.edu.au or download the Student Loan Application Form [PDF: 45 KB].

Students who wish to apply for a Student Loan are required to submit an application and attend an interview with the Student Financial Assistance Officer, who is authorised to approve loans conforming to the Loans Policy.

Phone interviews are available to Distance Education students and those who are unable to attend an interview in person.

There are six levels of maximum loan amounts available to students comprising of:

Level One — Emergency Loan: $100 Maximum
This level is to assist students who are experiencing unforeseen short term financial hardship or who are in crisis. No guarantor is required for Level One Loans [More information].

Level Two — Standard Loan: $200 Maximum
No guarantor is required for Level Two Loans. Level Two loans may not be available to students who have had a previous loan and have failed to meet the requirements of the specified repayment schedule under the agreement.

Level Three — Practicum Loan: $300 Maximum
This level is available to students to assist with setting up costs associated with internet access and upfront costs. Students must provide all details, such as quotes and invoices to receive this loan.

Level Four — Standard Loan: $500 Maximum
This level is available to eligible applicants. Students who have had a previous level four loan and successfully repaid the loan in accordance with the repayment schedule will not require a guarantor. A guarantor will be required for first time Level Four borrowers

Level Five — Practicum Loan: $600 Maximum
This level is only available to students who are about to commence practicum for a maximum of two weeks. Course details and dates need to be provided and repayment will not commence until two months after the loan has been issued.

Level Six — Standard Loan: $1500 Maximum
This level is available to students who have had a previous Level Four and above loan and repaid it according to their agreed repayment schedule. Guarantor is required.

For more information about obtaining a Student Loan from Southern Cross University or to make an appointment please contact:

Student Financial Assistance Officer
UniLife, Goodman Plaza, Lismore Campus
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157 Lismore

T 02 6620 3220 or Freecall 1800 111 890
e studentloans@scu.edu.au

Other financial Assistance: further information relating to other financial assistance.

Funds for the Student Loan Scheme are provided by the States Grants (Tertiary Education Assistance) Act 1984. The Director of Student Services is administers the Scheme.

Updated: 30 April 2012