Overseas Study: Higher Education Loan Program Policy

Document Number000840
Date Approved5 December 2007
Date Last Amended18 December 2011
   

  

 Effective from 1 January 2012

1.      Introduction      

Overseas Study – Higher Education Loan Program (OS-HELP) is a Commonwealth government sponsored loan scheme to assist eligible students who are based in Australia, to undertake some of their study overseas.  This scheme fits the University’s commitment to “preparing graduates who are … global citizens” [1] and its encouragement of students to undertake some portion of their study in another country.

This policy identifies the provisions of Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) in relation to OS-HELP for students of the University of Newcastle. It is supported by the University’s OS-HELP Procedure and should be read in conjunction with that document.

2.      Policy Intent     

This policy provides a clear statement of the principles that will underpin the University’s allocation of OS-HELP loans; it seeks to ensure transparency and consistency in the process of application and selection.

3.      Relevant Definitions

In the context of this document:

EFTSL means an Equivalent Full Time Student Load; and

OS-HELP means Overseas Study - Higher Education Loan Program.

4.      Eligibility

4.1.     OS-HELP loans are available to undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria identified by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and by the University, and detailed in this policy.

4.2.     To be entitled to OS-HELP assistance a student must:

  1. be an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa; and
  2. be a Commonwealth supported student enrolled in an undergraduate course of study and have completed in Australia at least one EFTSL of study towards their award; and
  3. not have received OS-HELP on more than one other occasion; and
  4. be accepted for enrolment in a full-time study program with an overseas higher education institution or the overseas campus of an Australian higher education institution, for the study for which OS-HELP is sought; or
  5. be accepted for enrolment into a short course exchange program, subject to individual assessment; and
  6. have approval prior to going overseas that the proposed overseas study will (if completed successfully) count as credit for the program the student is enrolled in at the University of Newcastle; and
  7. still have at least 0.5 EFTSL of study yet to complete in the program of study in which  they are enrolled at the University of Newcastle; and
  8. not have been granted an OS-HELP loan by another institution for the same or an  overlapping period; and
  9. have completed and signed an OS-HELP Debt Confirmation Form and supplied a tax file number; and
  10. be selected by the University of Newcastle to receive an OS-HELP loan.

4.3.     Students may receive OS-HELP loans on two separate occasions provided each period is: (i) discrete, and (ii) does not exceed six months.

5.     Conditions

5.1.     Criteria for eligibility and conditions for receiving OS-HELP may vary each year in line with legislation. Students are advised to consult the DEEWR website for information: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/main/quickfind/studyoverseas/oshelp.htm 

5.2.     Students undertaking Medical or industry based placements at an overseas location are not eligible for OS-HELP assistance.

6.     Selection

6.1.     Applications for OS-HELP loans will be assessed on the basis of students’ cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPAs).

6.2.     To be considered for an OS-HELP loan students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 on a 7 point scale - a pass average.

6.3.     Allocation of loans will be made in order of merit.

7.     Payments

The amount of OS-HELP assistance to be paid to each student will be determined by:

  1. the maximum OS-HELP amount nominated by DEEWR for that year;
  2. the amount requested by the applicant; and
  3. the availability of funds.

8.      Application Process

The application process is detailed in the OS-HELP Procedure.

9.      Appeals and Grievances

If a student is dissatisfied with decisions made by the University of Newcastle in respect of OS-HELP, the student may access the provisions of the University’s Complaint Resolution Policy.

10.    Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with government legislation.

11.    Essential Supporting Documents

Overseas Study Higher Education Loan Program Procedure 000841

OS-HELP Application Form  http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helppayingmyfees/pages/os-help-loans-and-study-overseas

OS-HELP Debt Confirmation Form

12.    Related Document

Higher Education Support Act (2003)

13.    Further Information

Study Abroad and Exchange Office: Study-Overseas@newcastle.edu.au

Telephone +61 2 4921 7899

Student Financials and Scholarships: fees@newcastle.edu.au

Telephone +61 2 4921 5309 or +61 2 4921 5322

Websites:

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/International/International%20Division/Exchange/Student-Exchange.pdf

http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/Main/Quickfind/StudyOverseas/OSHELP.html



[1] Building Distinction 2007 - 2011

Approval AuthorityVice-Chancellor
Date Approved5 December 2007
Date Last Amended18 December 2011
Date for Review5 December 2010
Policy SponsorDeputy Vice-Chancellor (Services)
Policy OwnerAcademic Registrar
Policy ContactManager, Student Financials and Scholarships
Amendment History

Minor amendment note was added to indicate the policy was implemented on 1 January 2012 and hyperlinks were added in clause 11 , The Secretariat, 5 April 2013.

Amendments to clause 4 and clause 5 to meet with legislative requirements of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA). Approved by the Vice-Chancellor 18 December 2011. Amendments to contact details (clause 13).

Minor amendments to the document made by Governance and Policy, which does not affect the intent of the document (23 August 2010).

Approved Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) 5 December 2007.