ECU Student Loan - Application Information
Before applying for an ECU Student Loan please read the Information below for applicants.
With the aim of assisting Students to successfully complete their course and in order to reflect ECU’s commitment to improving students’ financial situations the University offers loans to students. Loans are available for amounts between $200 and $1000.
Who is eligible?
Who is not eligible?
Attempts to gain funds from another source
For what reasons will ECU consider granting me a Loan?
How do I repay my loan?
What happens if I don’t keep to my Loan Agreement?
When will I be contacted regarding my application?
Information for International Students
Can I request a Review or Appeal?
How do I apply?
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for an ECU Student Loan you must:
- be a currently enrolled student in an award course at ECU at time of application; and
- have completed at least one teaching period of study towards completion of your course; and
- have at least two semesters of study remaining in their course; and
- have an academic progression status of good standing or probation; and
- be able to demonstrate that you are making adequate progress towards completing your course; and
- have no student debts or encumbrances against your student record; and
- demonstrate a genuine need; and
- meet all requirements as requested in the application process.
- Information in relation to your current financial position; and/or
- Additional evidence related to the reason for your application (for example: written quotes, invoices, statements, or other documents as requested).
Please note: International students will only be considered for an ECU Student Loan in extreme circumstances.
Who is not eligible?
Students will be restricted from applying for an ECU Student Loan in the following circumstances:
- Where students are not enrolled in an award course (this includes VET students);
- Where a student has less than two semesters left of study;
- Where they are in receipt of funding from other University Sources (e.g., students in receipt of an accommodation scholarship may not apply for a loan for accommodation expenses);
- Where a student has placed themselves in considerable financial hardship (e.g., continued non-payment of debts and expenses);
- Where no evidence that an attempt to gain funds from another source has been made.
What attempts to gain funds from another source do I need to make?
In your ECU Student Loan Application you will be required to advise ECU of your attempts to gain funding from other sources. Before applying for an ECU Student Loan it is essential that you attempt to gain funding from agencies within the broader community. There are many organisations who may be able to provide you with funding, in fact, a number of banks and credit unions provide student loans.
Click here to view contact information for organisations that may be able to assist you with funding.
For what reasons will ECU consider granting me an ECU Student Loan?
ECU will consider your application for a Student Loan based on the following criteria. Please note that this list is not exhaustive nor does it justify immediate loan approval.
- University text books and other essential unit related materials;
- Repairs to essential transport (car, motorcycle, bicycle etc) where loss of the same would jeopardise the student’s ability to continue their studies;
- Up-front charges related to securing accommodation (eg removal expenses, bond) provided the applicant is not in receipt of other bond assistance;
- Charges for connection of essential services (eg. Electricity, telephone);
- Medical expenses for essential services that cannot be met via the Medicare or private health rebates schemes;
- Costs related to personal emergencies (eg travel costs);
- Purchase or repair of basic essential items or utilities (eg fridge, replacement locks, plumbing, electrical, gas);
- Costs related to seeking employment (eg. resume development).
How do I repay my loan?
If your ECU Student Loan Application is successful you will be required to enter into a Loan Agreement with ECU. Your ECU Student Loan will need to be fully repaid within twelve (12) months of the advance and you must make regular fortnightly repayments. Your loan can be repaid either via Centrepay deductions from your Centrelink Allowance/Pension OR via Direct Debit from your nominated bank account.
What happens if I don’t keep to my Loan Agreement?
If for any reason you cannot keep to your Loan Agreement you MUST contact the Scholarships Office immediately. Your Loan Agreement is a legally binding document and you must remember that you have made a commitment to repay the ECU Student Loan. If you do not uphold your Loan Agreement an encumbrance may be placed on your student record and any outstanding loan balance and cost to recover the loan amount may be referred to a Debt Collection Agency.
When will I be contacted regarding my application?
All applicants will be contacted within two (2) business days of the supporting documentation for their application being received. Please ensure that your phone number(s) listed on your application are correct. If you prefer to be called at a certain time please make this clear in the free text areas in your application.
Information for International Students
ECU Student Loans are aimed at domestic students, though in extreme circumstances an ECU Student Loan may be offered to an International Student. If you are an International Student please Contact Us prior to making an application.
Can I request a Review or Appeal?
Yes, you can request a Review or Appeal where ECU Student Loan application has been declined. A review or appeal must be lodged within ten (10) days of the date of the letter of notification. For further information please Click here.
How do I apply?
To apply you will need to follow these steps.
Step 1:
Complete the Online ECU Student Loan Application by clicking on “APPLY NOW ‿ below. If you are having problems please Contact Us.
Step 2:
Upon submission of the completed application a confirmation page will display, please print this page for your records. This page will show the following information:
- Your application reference number; and
- The time and date your application was submitted; and
- A list of supporting documentation that you will need to provide in order for your application to be assessed
Step 3:
Lodge your supporting documentation within five (5) business days of submitting your application. All documents must be originals and can be submitted at your nearest Student Central. An ECU Student Central staff member will view your original documents and make certified copies to forward to the Scholarships Office on Joondalup Campus.
If you are an Off-Campus student who lives outside the Perth/Bunbury metro area you will need to have your documents certified by a Justice of the Peace, before forwarding to the Scholarships Office.
Applications are now open on the 'apply now' button to begin your application.