What is a student loan?
Students experiencing difficulties in paying their enrolment fees, materials fee or for course related text books may be entitled to apply for a student loan.
Once a student is approved, it is expected that the student will pay their upfront portion of the fees at the time of enrolment.  The balance of the fees (the loaned portion) is paid back to the Institute at scheduled intervals.

What does a student loan cover?*
A student loan through GippsTAFE will cover up to 75% of the enrolment fee.  Materials fee and/or required textbooks are covered up to100% or up to a maximum of $500, whichever is the lesser.
A student loan will not be approved for the purchase of excursions, or specific equipment for courses (e.g.: uniforms, knives, etc).

How do I pay the loan back?
Student loans are repaid to the Institute utilising bank direct debit facilities.  Payments are spread over a maximum of 20 weeks, and shall not exceed the duration of the course.

Please note: should a direct debit be rejected due to lack of funds, the student will be charged a $20.00 fee for each instance.

What information do I need to provide to apply for a student loan?
At the time of appointment, you will need to bring your completed enrolment form, which has been signed by the department.  The form must have all expenses detailed (including textbooks, materials fees and enrolment fees).  Customer Service should be able to assist in detailing the enrolment component of your fees prior to the student loan appointment.

You will also need to bring with you your bank account details (including BSB).  This must be in the form of a copy of your bank statement, or the GippsTAFE enrolment form, stamped by your bank branch.

How do I apply?
To apply for a student loan you will need to make an appointment with Academic Registry.  Usually this appointment is 15 to 30 minutes.  At this appointment you will need to read the service agreement and complete a Direct Debit request form.  A repayment schedule will be arranged at this time.

Once your loan is processed (providing you have brought all of the information as detailed above, this will be on the spot), you will be provided with copies of the documents.

A student loan appointment can be made by contacting Campus Reception.

Please note:
It is expected that students are prepared to enrol in their chosen course on the day of their student loan appointment.  Students should ensure that they are able to pay the balance of their enrolment fees on the day.  Student loan documentation must be given to Customer Service Staff at the time of enrolment.
 
* Fee for Service enrolments are ineligible for Student Loans.