The 2026 federal budget announced that the Startup Year program will be closed, with no new STARTUP-HELP loans available from 1 July 2026.
From 1 July 2026, students will be unable to access any new STARTUP-HELP loans.
Students who are already enrolled will continue to be supported to complete their studies under their existing arrangements. Eligible students are still able to access other forms of financial assistance, such as FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP, to support their higher education costs for courses under the Startup Year Program.
If you have any questions about the Startup year program or STARTUP-HELP loans, please contact your higher education provider.