Do I need an Australian credit history to get a student loan?

No. Most international students have little or no Australian credit history. Because we look at your income and how you manage your everyday banking, a thin credit file doesn't automatically stop you from qualifying.

Is this a study loan or tuition loan?

Skypay is a personal loan, not a tuition financing product. You can use it for living costs, rent or bond, textbooks and course materials, a laptop, transport, medical expenses or emergencies — the everyday costs of studying in Australia.

How quickly will I get the money?

The application takes about 5 minutes. If approved and you have a PayID-enabled bank account, funds are typically sent in around 60 seconds.

Loans for International Students in Australia (2026 Guide)

Q: Can international students get a loan in Australia?

Yes. International students on a student visa (subclass 500) can apply with Skypay if they have regular income from part-time or casual work. We assess your income and banking conduct rather than relying on a credit score, so studying on a visa doesn't rule you out. All applications are subject to a responsible lending assessment.

Studying overseas is expensive, and the costs rarely arrive politely one at a time. Rent and bond, a laptop, textbooks, transport, an unexpected medical bill — they pile up. If you're an international student with a part-time job, you have income, but the major lenders often decline you anyway because you haven't lived in Australia long enough to build a credit file. Being an international student is not a barrier to a personal loan — you just need a lender that assesses you on your income, not on history you haven't had time to build.

Can international students get a loan in Australia?

Yes. Students on a student visa (subclass 500) can apply with Skypay, as long as you have regular income from part-time or casual work. We don't require permanent residency or citizenship, and we don't expect you to have years of Australian credit history. Every application is subject to a responsible lending assessment — we only lend where the loan is suitable for you.

Do I need an Australian credit history?

No. This is the single biggest myth that stops students from even applying. Most international students arrive with little or no Australian credit file — that's completely normal. Instead of relying on a credit score, we look at:

Your regular income from work.
How you manage your everyday banking — your real behaviour, not a thin credit report.
Your existing commitments, so repayments fit comfortably around them.

So a short credit history doesn't automatically rule you out. If you're employed and the repayments are affordable, you can apply with confidence.

What can you use the loan for?

Skypay is a personal loan, not a tuition product — but it covers the real costs of student life:

Rent and rental bond when moving into a new place
A laptop, textbooks and course materials
Transport and getting set up in a new city
Medical or dental expenses
Genuine emergencies between pay cycles

What you need to apply

A valid student visa (subclass 500)
Proof of regular income from part-time or casual work
An Australian bank account
Standard ID

It's all online and takes about 5 minutes.

How much can an international student borrow?

First-time customers can apply for $2,100 to $2,500. If you repay successfully, eligible returning borrowers may access higher amounts — up to $3,500 — subject to eligibility and criteria. Repayments are spread over a fixed term so you always know what you owe and when, which makes budgeting around your studies far easier.

How fast is it?

Apply in ~5 minutes — no forms to print, sign or fax.
We assess your application against responsible lending criteria.
If approved, and you have a PayID-enabled bank account, funds are typically sent in around 60 seconds.

Check your eligibility → Loans for all visa holders

Frequently asked questions

Can international students get a loan in Australia?: Yes. Students on a subclass 500 visa with regular income from part-time or casual work can apply. We assess your income and banking conduct rather than a credit score. All applications are subject to a responsible lending assessment.
Do I need an Australian credit history to get a student loan?: No. Most international students have little or no Australian credit history. Because we look at your income and everyday banking, a thin credit file doesn't automatically stop you qualifying.
How much can an international student borrow?: First-time customers can apply for $2,100 to $2,500. Eligible returning borrowers may access up to $3,500 after successful repayment, subject to eligibility and criteria.
Is this a study loan or tuition loan?: It's a personal loan, not tuition financing. Use it for living costs, rent or bond, textbooks, a laptop, transport, medical bills or emergencies.
How quickly will I get the money?: The application takes about 5 minutes. If approved and you have a PayID-enabled account, funds are typically sent in around 60 seconds.

Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Skypay Pty Ltd ABN 52 691 707 696 is an Authorised Credit Representative of Australian Credit Licence 519253, operating under Australian consumer credit regulation. This article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Loans from $2,100 to $2,500 for first-time customers. Eligible returning borrowers may access higher amounts (up to $3,500) after successful repayment, subject to eligibility and criteria. Interest rate 36.95% p.a. on outstanding balance. Establishment fee $400. Comparison rate 49.15% p.a.* *For a $2,500 loan over 24 months. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.