KEY POINTS:
- Most New Zealand citizens aren’t eligible for Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) student loans from the Australian government.
- Kiwis studying in Australia don’t require a student visa and pay the same fees as Australian students, not higher international student fees.
- New Zealanders studying in Australia may be able to access an Australian government-funded Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) grant to cover part of their course fees, which doesn’t have to be repaid.
Can New Zealanders get student loans in Australia?
Most New Zealand citizens aren’t eligible for Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) student loans from the Australian government.
However, Kiwis do get to pay the same fees as Aussie students when studying over the ditch, and they can access a grant in the form of a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), see below.
Additionally, New Zealand citizens don’t require student visas to study at Australian tertiary institutions, unlike other international students.
What is a CSP?
A CSP is a subsidy from the Australian government that pays part of a student’s tuition fees. The grant is not a loan, and doesn’t have to be repaid.
Not all institutions offer CSPs and not all courses are covered, however they do encompass:
- Undergraduate study
- Postgraduate study
- Research degrees
Check with your place of learning to see if your course is covered.
What’s the difference between a CSP and HELP loan?
There are a range of HELP loans, which can be used to pay tuition fees, student services and overseas study costs. HELP loans are subject to interest, and repayments are taken out of a person’s salary via the Australian taxation system once they earn over a certain threshold.
A CSP is a subsidy paid by the Aussie government that doesn’t have to be repaid. Eligibility for a CSP is not means tested. Most domestic students studying bachelor degree courses at main Aussie public universities are enrolled in CSPs.
CSP funding varies between courses and is set yearly by the Aussie government. As a rule, students on courses such as maths, teacher training and medical degrees receive larger grants than those studying law, accounting or business.
Compare travel insurance with Canstar
Wherever you’re jetting off to in the world, arranging travel insurance before you leave is as essential as checking your passport is still valid. And to help you discover the best value cover, each year Canstar’s expert research panel awards the best travel insurance products and providers our Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Awards.
For coverage of this year’s winners and the complete rundown of our travel insurance star ratings, just hit the button below.
Compare travel insurance with Canstar
Are any Kiwis eligible for a HELP loan?
Yes, but access is limited to New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holders who meet stringent long-term resident requirements. You can’t just hop the ditch, apply for a SCV and instantly apply for a HELP loan.
You can read more about SCV-HELP loan requirements here.
Can I get a NZ student loan to study overseas?
Yes. If you’re enrolled at a New Zealand education provider, and are studying overseas on an approved study program, you may be eligible to apply for a student loan or allowance through StudyLink.
You can read more about NZ student loans/allowances for studying overseas here.
Compare Travel Money Cards
Headed off overseas and looking for the best in money cards? Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:
| Provider | Key Features | Main Fees |
|
• 150+ currencies • Free physical and virtual card (delivery fees apply for physical card) • Use anywhere Visa is accepted |
• No monthly fees (standard account) • Fee-free, instant transfers between Revolut users • Fee-free top ups for bank transfers and debit cards • Fee-free FX within market hours and plan allowance* |
  |
• 9 Currencies • Earn Airpoints Dollars • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • OneSmart app |
• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • Monthly fee: NZD $1 (if funds in account) |
 |
• 140+ Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • Cash Passport app |
• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee |
 |
• 9 Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted |
• No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee |
 |
• 40+ Currencies • 2 free ATM withdrawals of up to NZ$350 per month |
• Receive and add money to your Wise Account for free • Physical card $14 one-off fee |
 |
• 9 Currencies • Use wherever Mastercard is accepted • Mastercard Priceless Cities benefits |
• Free overseas ATM withdrawals • No load/reload fee for bank transfers • No monthly fee |
The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar. This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 14/04/25. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites. *Weekend fee will apply outside exchange market hours if it is made between Friday 5pm (New York time) and Sunday 6pm (New York time), which is a US based time zone
About the author of this page
Bruce Pitchers is Canstar NZ’s Content Manager. An experienced finance reporter, he has three decades’ experience as a journalist and has worked for major media companies in Australia, the UK and NZ, including ACP, Are Media, Bauer Media Group, Fairfax, Pacific Magazines, News Corp and TVNZ. As a freelancer, he has worked for The Australian Financial Review, the NZ Financial Markets Authority and major banks and investment companies on both sides of the Tasman.
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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