Find government programs, initiatives and resources to help with your studies.
On this page:
Financial support
Financial support for students
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) has 4 different loan schemes that provide support to students.
- Learn about changes to HELP
- Information for students
- Information for providers
Commonwealth Prac Payment
Australians studying to be a teacher, nurse, midwife or social worker may be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to help manage costs associated with undertaking a mandatory placement (also known as a practicum).
Funding for research students
Research block grants provide funding to eligible Australian higher education providers for research and research training.
- Learn about the Government's block grants
- Current and previous programs
- Use research block grant data-sets
Ensuring graduates are job-ready
The Job-Ready Graduates Package increases funding to Australian universities to support student research, learning and access. Learn about the packages:
- Funding allocated
- The consultation process
- Draft guidelines
Access & equity programs
Study in a regional area
Rural and regional areas offer many great opportunities for students. There are programs available to help students access higher education in these areas.
Learn more about the programs availableSupport for students with disability in higher education
The Higher Education Disability Support Program helps universities improve access for students with disability.
- Eligible funding activities
- Program changes
- Evaluating the program
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education
Find programs and funding that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to participate and succeed in higher education.
- Indigenous Student Success Program
- Closing the Gap
- More opportunities for Indigenous students
- Policies and programs
Support for universities to enrol students from low SES backgrounds
The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) provides more opportunities for regional, remote, low SES and Indigenous students to access university.
- 2021 Reform of Equity Funding
- The current program
- Partnership projects and priorities
Help accessing higher education
Programs exist to help students access university who:
- Live in regional and remote areas
- Identify as indigenous
- Are from a low socio-economic status (SES) background
- Have a disability
Study tools, preparation and pathways
Find a course to study
Tools to help you explore and choose a course to study.
- Course Seeker
- ComparED
- StudyAssist
- Your Career
Apply for a Unique Student Identifier
If you are starting university, you will need to apply for a Unique Student Identifier (USI). USI’s are:
- Required for a Commonwealth supported place and a HELP loan
- With you for life
- Easy to create
Professional pathways to become a psychologist or social worker
Professional Pathways are courses designed to meet the academic requirements for students who want to pursue a career in psychology or as a social worker.
These courses meet specific standards and criteria set by the department, ensuring they align with professional competencies and accreditation requirements.
Study hubs and support for study relocation
University Study Hubs for students
University Study Hubs provide physical infrastructure such as computer facilities, internet access and study spaces, as well as in-person administrative and academic skills support for students in regional, remote, or outer suburban areas undertaking tertiary study through any Australian institution.
Learn more about University Study HubsSupporting students to relocate for study
The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-off payment:
- to school leavers from inner regional, outer regional or remote areas
- who relocate more than 90 minutes from their family home
- to undertake full-time, higher-level tertiary education.
Protection and safety measures
Tuition protection for students
If you are a student and your private provider stops delivering your unit or course, you may be eligible for assistance under the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
- What is the TPS
- When you would receive help under the TPS
- Replacement units and refunds for your study
National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence
A new National Code commenced from 1 January 2026 that requires higher education providers to prevent and respond to gender-based violence to ensure students and staff are safe and supported.
Find about more about the National CodeMaintaining higher education standards
The Higher Education Standards Panel is an expert panel that makes recommendations about higher education to the Minister for Education.
- Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015
- Panel members and responsibilities
- Current and previous work