Student start - up loans are social security payments that are income - contingent loans.

Broadly, full - time students who are receiving youth allowance or austudy might be qualified for a student start - up loan. A person can qualify for up to 2 loans each calendar year. To receive a loan, a person must make a claim before the end of the relevant period for each loan.

Once the person's income exceeds the minimum repayment income under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the person has finished repaying any debt under that Act and certain other income - contingent loan schemes, the person must start repaying debt in relation to student start - up loans.