Census date
A census date is the last day you can make an upfront payment, apply for a HELP loan, accept an offer in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or formally withdraw.
Each university or higher education provider sets their own census date, so the date will be different for different courses and providers.
If you do not submit your HELP loan form by the census date:
- you will not be eligible to access a HELP loan for that study period
- your enrolment and subsidy (if enrolled in a CSP) will be cancelled.
Administrative date
Some providers set an extra deadline date, called an administrative date, which is before the census date. If your provider has an administrative date, you must submit your HELP loan form, accept your offer in a CSP, pay your fees or withdraw your enrolment before this date.
If you miss the administrative date, you may have to pay a late enrolment fee or a late withdrawal fee.
Check with your provider to see if they have an administrative date.