What is the Student Learning Entitlement?
The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is the amount of time you can study in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at the government-subsidised rate. If you're a CSP student, your study is subsidised, but only up to this lifetime limit, which applies to all domestic students enrolled in a CSP after 1 January 2022.
SLE is measured in Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL), where 1.0 EFTSL equals one year of full-time study. At CDU, that's 80 credit points spread across two full-time teaching periods. Enrolling in extra teaching periods will reduce your entitlement. In total, Commonwealth Supported students get 7 years (7 EFTSL) of full-time or equivalent CSP study over their lifetime.
Your SLE reduces whenever you remain enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported unit after its census date.
Checking your SLE balance
CDU will provide notifications where possible; however, monitoring and managing your Student Loan Entitlement (SLE) remains your responsibility. The university does not monitor your exact SLE balance on your behalf. You are required to check this independently via the government portal. Follow these steps:
- Log in at the official myHELPbalance website.
- Enter your CHESSN (Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number) or USI (Unique Student Identifier). Unsure of your USI? Visit usi.gov.au
- Find the Student Learning Entitlement section on your dashboard.
- Read your balance — the number of EFTSL points you have left.
Understanding your entitlement
What happens if I run out of SLE?
Once you've used all 7 years, you're no longer eligible for a subsidised CSP place. You then have a few options at CDU:
- Withdraw from your award course, where appropriate.
- Enrol as miscellaneous/non-award study, then apply for credit toward your award course later (subject to CDU's CDU Advanced Standing Policy and credit limits).
- For postgraduate courses, it may be possible move into a full-fee paying place. FEE-HELP may be available if you meet loan eligibilty criteria.
Contact Student Central for advice on progression and completion pathways, including alternative exit awards.
What if I withdraw from or fail a unit?
Your SLE is reduced whether you withdraw after the census date or fail a unit.
If special circumstances were involved (a medical emergency or serious personal issue, for example), you may be able to apply for a Removal of Academic and Financial Penalties. See the Refunds and Remission webpage for details. If approved, the SLE is credited back to your balance.
Can I get an Additional Student Learning Entitlement (ASLE)?
Yes. The Australian Government automatically adds ASLE to your balance if you enrol in:
- Long undergraduate degrees (such as medicine or combined double degrees)
- Honours years
- Postgraduate courses
- Lifelong SLE — an extra 3 years for reskilling or retraining later in life
Will changing my degree affect my SLE?
No. Changing your degree doesn't erase your study history. Any units completed on or after 1 January 2022 still count toward your 7-year total, whichever degree you were enrolled in at the time.
Does study from a few years ago count?
Only if it had a census date on or after 1 January 2022. Anything before that doesn't reduce your current SLE balance.
Managing your balance
SLE balance vs. HECS-HELP balance — what's the difference?
They track two different things:
- SLE balance — tracks time. How many years you can study at the subsidised rate.
- HECS-HELP balance — tracks money. The maximum the government will lend you. See the Study Assist borrowing limit page for the current cap.
Why can't I log into myHELPbalance?
Double-check you're using your USI or your CHESSN (found on your official Commonwealth Assistance Notice) to log in. If you're a brand-new student, your data may not appear until just after your first census date. Visit usi.gov.au to find your USI or email fees@cdu.edu.au to have your Commonwealth Assistance Notice resent.