Calculating Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL)

This means if you study overseas on a short course of only six weeks which carries at least 12 credit points, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria, you will still be eligible for an OS-HELP loan

• Have already completed at least 48 credit points in Australia as a Commonwealth supported student that counts towards your current UWA course (if undertaking an honours component of an undergraduate course, the entire undergraduate course may be considered for the purposes of assessing eligibility for OS-HELP).
• Be an enrolled UWA Commonwealth supported student approved to undertake an overseas experience, which will count towards your current UWA degree. An overseas experience includes exchange programs, professional placements, fieldwork programs, overseas units and other overseas short-term programs and study tours.
• Be in good standing with no encumbrances at UWA.

While we endeavour to approve all eligible applications, if you miss the closing date or all loans have been exhausted, we may not be able to approve your application. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment as the entire process can take up to eight weeks.

If your overseas studies will carry credit towards your UWA course, it must be the equivalent of a full-time study load (or at least 0.75 EFTSL). This means your overseas study period may be eligible if the credit you expect to receive is greater than or equal to (?) or at least 75 per cent of the sum of the actual duration of study or practical experience (in weeks), divided by (?) the typical duration of an academic semester (in weeks), multiplied by (?) the credit that a full-time student would expect to receive in a standard academic semester (see diagram below).

So, if you will study or attend a placement overseas for six weeks and you will receive 12 credit points towards your UWA degree for that overseas experience, you may be eligible, since 12 points is greater than the sum of 6 ? 13 x 24. These principles do not apply to overseas placements and internships. If you are unsure, submit an enquiry through askUWA.

If you’re pursuing short-term and independent overseas study, you can apply for OS-HELP provided the overseas study will count towards your UWA degree and you meet all other OS-HELP eligibility criteria.

If you’ll undertake an overseas study period of a lesser duration than one semester of full-time study, you may still be eligible for an OS-HELP loan if the overseas study is a requirement of your current UWA course and is comparable to an EFTSL over the same period, but there may be exceptions. A completed OS-HELP Faculty Approval form (PDF) is required for any overseas study other than an exchange through the Global Learning Office.

Students undertaking an overseas elective placement may apply for OS-HELP if the placement is a requirement of, or will count towards, the final outcome of your UWA degree. An OS-HELP Faculty Approval form will be required with your application for assistance.

You should be aware that the University can only approve a certain number of loans each year based on the total number of loans the Department of Education and Training allocates. Loans are approved on the basis of priority, including current course of study, type, duration and location of placement or overseas study. Students on an official exchange through the Global Learning Office will be given priority for loans.

Application process

Download the application form for OS-HELP in PDF payday loans SD format. You will be required to complete and submit a hard copy OS-HELP Debt Confirmation form which is available from counter 4 at Student Central or can be mailed to you on request. This form must be completed in ballpoint pen using block letters. Scanned copies of the form will not be accepted.