How to apply for a VET Student Loan

A VET Student Loan helps to cover your tuition fees. It is an agreement between you and the Australian Government.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to apply for a VET Student Loan.

To qualify for a VET Student Loan, you must meet all eligibility and suitability criteria.

When enrolling into your course, it's important that you communicate to TAFE NSW that you want to apply for a VET Student Loan. Once TAFE NSW confirms your enrolment, we will notify the Australian Government that you want to apply for a loan.

Please note that as TAFE NSW will handle this step for you, you do not need to notify the government.

Here's what to expect:

• The government will send you an email with a passkey (password) to access the Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF). You must fill out this online form to complete your VET Student Loan application.
• This passkey is essential to completing your loan application.
• Be sure to check your email regularly to avoid missing this step.

You need to provide a valid TFN when completing your VET Student Loan application.

Important things to note:

• The personal details you provide to TAFE NSW must match the Australian Tax Office (ATO) records.
• You will need a valid TFN to be able to apply for a VET Student Loan.

You can check your details are correct by logging into your MyGov account before applying for a loan.

If you don't have a TFN, you can apply for one at any Australia Post outlet or Services Australia centre. It is free to apply.

For help with applying for a TFN, you can learn more on the ATO website.

Your electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) is separate from your enrolment to study at TAFE NSW. After you enrol in your course, there's a required two-day waiting period before you can apply for the loan through the eCAF. This ensures you have time to consider your decision before committing to the loan.

Make sure to submit your loan application before the census day. This is the deadline to apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees.

For students under 18

If you are under 18, extra steps are required to apply for a VET Student Loan.

You must either:

• have a parent or guardian sign a VET Student Loan Parental Consent Form, or
• provide a Centrelink Income Statement showing that you receive Youth Allowance as an independent.

Note: If your parent or guardian is signing the VET Student Loan Parental Consent Form, you must provide this form to TAFE NSW before you can apply for a loan. Additionally, your parent or guardian will not be responsible for making loan repayments and it will not affect their credit rating.

To remain eligible for your VET Student Loan, you must follow the Australian Government’s engagement and progression requirements during your studies.

The Government may contact you to complete a VET Student Loan Progression Form during your study year. This is a normal part of the process. It is used by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to confirm your current study status and to determine if you still require the loan to pay your tuition fees.

You will receive an email from the Australian Government when it’s time to complete your Progression Form. In the email, you'll be provided with the login details to access the VET Student Loan Progression Form. This is simple and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

It’s important to note that:

• All students accessing a VET Student Loan must complete the Progression Form.
• If you don’t complete the Progression Form, you will lose access to your VET Student Loan.
• You must inform TAFE NSW if your personal or contact details change during your studies.

More information about the engagement and progression process for VET Student Loans can be found on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) website.

As with any loan you take out, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions before you make a commitment.

Make sure you read:

• The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website, and
• The VET Student Loan information on myGov.

You may also want to seek independent financial advice. If you have any questions or need support, check out our VET Student Loan FAQ page or contact our Customer Support Team on 131 600.