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International loan schemes
Private international loans
Students from many nationalities may be able to access a private loan from a non-government lender.
The University of Sydney is aware of the below providers operating in the private student loan sector. It is your responsibility to do your own research about private loans and decide whether a private loan is appropriate for your circumstances. The University is not able to recommend lenders or provide advice about loan products.
If you do enter into a loan agreement with a private lender, the University may be required to share information with the loan provider under your loan agreement, such as confirming your enrolment status, academic progress and tuition details.
Some governments offer scholarships, grants or loans to their citizens studying internationally - we suggest researching these options before committing to a private loan.
Earnest
Available to United States citizens and permanent residents. Earnest loans are available to students attending full-time, half-time, and less than half-time, enrolled in all degree types, including graduate certificate and diploma programs or online courses.
- Loans are available with fixed or variable interest rates.
- Co-signer and no co-signer options are available.
- Loans are available for tuition and living expenses, based on the University’s cost of attendance.
Students should apply directly to Earnest for a loan. Please advise the International Loans team at international.finaid@sydney.edu.au if you are approved for a loan, the University is required to certify your approved loan with Earnest and will facilitate the payment of your loan.
For more information or to apply online, visit Earnest Student Loans.
Prodigy Finance
Prodigy Finance lends to most international students, covering 120+ countries, subject to eligibility. Collateral-free loans, co-signer and no co-signer options are available covering up to 100% of tuition.
- Lending for approved Masters level courses.
- Funded by community investors, and external investors.
- Lending levels based on innovative model of predictive post-degree salary indicators.
- Prodigy Finance fully responsible for lending decisions - eligibility criteria apply.
- Competitive interest rates.
For more information or to apply online, visit Prodigy Finance.
Sallie Mae
Available to United States citizens and permanent residents. Sallie Mae loans are available to students attending full-time, half-time, and less than half-time, enrolled in all degree types, including graduate certificate and diploma programs or online courses. These loans can be used to pay current tuition costs or an existing balance for an enrollment period within the past 365 days.
- Loans are available with fixed or variable interest rates.
- Co-signer and no co-signer options are available.
- Loans are available for tuition and living expenses, based on the University’s cost of attendance.
Students should apply directly to Sallie Mae for a loan. Please advise the International Loans team at international.finaid@sydney.edu.au if you are approved for a loan; the University is required to certify your approved loan with Sallie Mae and will facilitate the payment of your loan.
For more information or to apply online, visit Sallie Mae student loans.
Spark Finance
Spark Finance is a leading student loans provider, trusted to help international students achieve their goals of studying in Australia. University of Sydney students can access Spark Finance loans for all degree programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Benefits of Spark Finance include:
- competitive interest rates tailored for international students, with fixed or variable options available
- ability to cover up to 80% of total educational costs
- no collateral or guarantees required
- no penalties for early repayment
- loans available in AUD.
To be eligible for a Spark Finance loan, international students must:
- be a citizen with a valid passport from one of the countries Spark Finance supports
- have been accepted into your chosen degree at the time of applying
- have a co-signer that is an Australian citizen or permanent resident with minimum 3 years’ credit history (in good standing).
For more information or to apply online, visit Spark Finance student loans.
Last updated: 01 August 2025