Application Process

Start Your Studies with Confidence

Apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or a HELP loan the right way. This page guides you through the application process, explains why the census date matters, and shows who to contact to check your application status.

How to Apply for a CSP or HELP Loan

Applying for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or a HELP loan requires following the correct process to ensure your enrolment and funding are approved.

This section explains:

• How to apply for a CSP and HELP loan
  
  

• Why the census date matters and its impact on your fees
  
  

• Who to contact to check the status of your application
  
  

Following these steps will help you secure your place and access government-supported study options without delays.

How to Apply for a CSP or HELP Loan

To access a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or a HELP loan, you must follow the correct application process through your higher education provider. CSPs and HELP loans are government assistance options that help eligible domestic students defer or subsidise the cost of study. (studyassist.gov.au)

The process is managed by your provider, and this section explains:

• how to apply

• the role of the Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)

• the importance of the census date

• how your application is assessed

Step‑by‑Step: Applying for a CSP & HELP Loan

1. Accept Your Course Offer

Before you can apply for a CSP or a HELP loan, you must accept your place in a course at an approved higher education provider. Your offer will indicate whether you have been offered a CSP or a full fee‑paying place. (studyassist.gov.au)

2. Tell Your Provider How You Want to Pay

When you enrol, you’ll be asked how you want to pay your tuition fees. This is the point where you notify your provider that you want to use a HELP loan to pay some or all of your fees. (studyassist.gov.au)

3. Complete the eCAF

Your provider will issue an Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) — this is the official application to request:

• a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

• a HELP loan (such as HECS‑HELP or FEE‑HELP)

• optional loans such as SA‑HELP or OS‑HELP if you choose to access them

You must complete and submit your eCAF on or before the census date for your study period. The census date is the deadline by law for applying for CSP and HELP loans or withdrawing without incurring a HELP debt. (studyassist.gov.au)

Important Notes About the eCAF

• The eCAF is only available from your higher education provider — usually through your student portal or via a link they send you. (studyassist.gov.au)

• eCAFs are not transferable. If you change courses or providers, you must submit a new eCAF. (studyassist.gov.au)

• You may need to provide your Tax File Number (TFN) and Unique Student Identifier (USI) on your eCAF — these must match official records. (studyassist.gov.au)

• By submitting your eCAF, you are agreeing to the HELP loan terms, including your obligation to repay the loan through the tax system once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold. (studyassist.gov.au)

Census Dates & Why They Matter

The census date is a key deadline you must know when applying for a CSP or HELP loan. It is the last day you can:

• submit your eCAF to apply for a CSP or a HELP loan

• formally withdraw from a unit or course without incurring a HELP debt

• make an upfront payment if you choose not to use a HELP loan (studyassist.gov.au)

Each provider sets their own census dates for their courses, and these dates must be published publicly by the provider. Always check your provider’s critical dates in your student portal or on their website. (studyassist.gov.au)

If you miss the census date:

• you cannot access a HELP loan for that study period

• you must pay tuition fees upfront to your provider

• if you were offered a CSP and don’t return your eCAF or pay fees, your enrolment may be cancelled (studyassist.gov.au)

After You Apply

Once you’ve submitted your eCAF, your higher education provider will assess your eligibility for a CSP and/or a HELP loan. They will notify you if your application is successful. If you have questions about the status of your application, contact your provider’s admissions or enrolment team — they are responsible for processing your form. (studyassist.gov.au)

💡 Quick Tip: Always review the HELP information booklets provided by the government before submitting your eCAF — they explain your rights, obligations, and how loans work. You can find them on the StudyAssist site. (studyassist.gov.au)