OS-HELP Application procedure

Application procedure

Complete an  OS-HELP application form and submit it with your relevant Monash Abroad program application form.

Both applications should be lodged together by the relevant deadline:

• Exchange applications must reach the Monash Abroad office by 31 January and 31 July each year (but there are earlier deadlines for some exchanges including those to Japan and the University of California).
• Intercampus exchange applications must reach the Monash Abroad office by 15 March and 1 October each year.
• Short term International study program applications must be submitted to the relevant Faculty program coordinator by the date set by the Faculty.

Loan applications will only be assessed once you have been accepted on the relevant Monash Abroad program and your overseas enrolment has been confirmed.

All applicants will be notified of the result of their application in writing by Australia Post. Successful applicants will receive:

• a letter of offer advising of the approved loan amount;
• a Debt Confirmation form which must be signed and returned to Monash Abroad within 30 days from the date on the offer letter; and
• an OS-HELP Statement of Terms and Conditions booklet.

Loan offers will lapse if the Debt Confirmation form is not received in the Monash Abroad office within 30 days of the date on the offer letter. The Debt Confirmation form is in triplicate and only the original hardcopy can be signed. This cannot be sent or received electronically or by fax, therefore, it must be completed before leaving Australia.

OS-HELP loans will be paid as a single electronic deposit into the student's nominated bank account generally four weeks prior to the commencement of the overseas program.

A legally binding debt to the Commonwealth will be incurred at the time the loan is paid into the student's bank account, even if the student does not proceed with the course of overseas study.

The loan cannot be repaid after this point, except via the HELP repayment procedures set out by the Australian Taxation Office. Following payment of the loan, students will receive a Commonwealth Assistance Notice confirming the amount of their debt.

Monash Abroad may withdraw a loan offer before the loan has been paid into a student's bank account if: 

• the student's circumstances change in a way that means he or she no longer meets the OS-HELP eligibility criteria;
• the student has provided false or misleading information; and/or
• the student will not, for any reason, be undertaking the overseas study.