International financial aid and student loans

UNSW is currently not participating in the U.S. Federal Student Aid (FSA) program administered by the United States Department of Education. As a result, UNSW is unable to accept Federal Direct Loan applications or process in-school deferment requests at this time.

UNSW is an approved institution for administering U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits under the following programs:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill program 
• Montgomery GI Bill 
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program

If you’re eligible, the VA will pay education benefits to assist with an approved program of education or training. It covers a portion of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and book stipend.

The VA pays education benefits to eligible students undertaking an approved program of study at UNSW.  

To check whether your program is approved, use the VA comparison tool and enter the following details: 

• Institution: UNSW Sydney 
• Program type: Institution of Higher Learning 
• Country: Australia 

If your intended program does not appear in the approved list, contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@unsw.edu.au to request program approval. 

Please note, due to the high volume of course approval requests, applications can only be submitted if you can provide a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA and are enrolled at UNSW. Program approval reviews by the VA may take up to 45 days.

Eligibility: 
Each VA education benefits program has specific eligibility requirements and is administered under different chapters of U.S. legislation. The VA is the only authorised body that can determine eligibility. 

Eligibility for VA benefits can be extended to veterans, members of the Selected Reserves or National Guard; and children or spouses of service-connected deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans. Each U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) education program has distinct eligibility requirements under specific chapters of Title 10 and 38, U.S. Code (USC). All students who feel they may be eligible for education benefits should submit an application. Even if a student appears to be ineligible, the DVA will review the application and officially grant or deny benefits.

How to apply:

1. Apply for VA education benefits online via the VA Application website. 
2. Once approved for benefits, VA will issue you a Certificate of Eligibility. 
3. Please email your Certificate of Eligibility to financialaid@unsw.edu.au to certify your enrollment.

Questions:
For questions about benefits or eligibility, use the Ask VA online portal or contact the VA using these helpful VA phone numbers.

It is your responsibility to inform UNSW Financial Aid Office when you finalised enrolment each term or if reduce your study load by withdraw from a course or terminate your enrolment that would affect your payment status. If you withdraw from or drop a course, you may be required to repay all or part of the benefits received for that the course(s).

Private education loans are offered by non-government lenders, and approval is based on credit history. Students are strongly encouraged to seek independent financial advice before applying and to apply with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.

Private loans may be suitable for students enrolled in programs that are not eligible for U.S. federal funding, including the MBBS program and non-degree programs such as graduate certificate, graduate diploma and postgraduate diploma programs.

These loans may also be used if you are otherwise ineligible for federal loans, such as when studying less than half-time or on exchange at an institution that does not participate in federal funding schemes. 

Sallie Mae Student Loans offers private education loans to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents studying outside the United States. These loans can help cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Students may borrow up to the difference between the University’s maximum Cost of Attendance (COA) and any other financial aid or scholarships received. Refer to the Sallie Mae website for details on eligibility, loan amounts, application processes, and terms and conditions.

 Before requesting loan certification, ensure you note the following:

• please apply directly to Sallie Mae for your loan
• you must be enrolled within the UNSW academic calendars, and the loan period must align with UNSW teaching dates
• certified loans can be used to pay current tuition fees or an existing balance for the relevant enrolment period
• loan amounts are based on the University’s maximum Cost of Attendance (COA). Refer to our UNSW cost of living in Australia information for guidance.

Students are encouraged to borrow responsibly and only what they need. UNSW strongly recommends that eligible students first explore federal loan options before applying for private loans, as federal loans typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. 

Once your loan is approved, email financialaid@unsw.edu.au so the Financial Aid Office can certify your loan and arrange disbursement with Sallie Mae.

Canadian citizens may be able to access financial support through federal or provincial student loan programs to help fund their studies at UNSW Sydney. For more information, visit Canada Provincial and territorial student aid offices or the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC).

Some European governments offer financial assistance for overseas study, which may be available to eligible students studying outside their home country.

If you are from one of the following countries, you may be eligible for some form of financial aid to support your studies at UNSW Sydney. 

• Belgium: FAMIRIS 
• Denmark: Statens Uddannelsestotte (SU) 
• Germany: Bafög 
• Norway: Lånekassen 
• Sweden: CSN

The UNSW Financial Aid Office can assist eligible students once they have applied for study and are formally enrolled at UNSW. We can assist with completing required documentation, including:

• enrolment confirmation form
• enrolment certification form
• program information form. 

To request assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office and include your zID and the required documentation.