Why do I need to supply my TFN to access a HELP or VET Student Loan?
Because loan repayments are made through the tax system, you need to provide a TFN when you request access to a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan or a VET Student Loan.
If you don't already have a TFN it is important that you apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a TFN as soon as possible. It's best to have your TFN before you enrol to ensure you can access a loan for your studies.
If you don't have a TFN when you enrol, you can get provisional access to a loan if you supply a Certificate of Application for a TFN that the ATO will give you when you apply for a TFN. You then need to supply your TFN to your education provider as soon as you get it from the ATO. If you do not supply your TFN within the time period specified by the education provider, your enrolment will be cancelled.
How do I apply for a TFN?
You can apply to the ATO for a TFN at www.ato.gov.au/TFN.
I have given my TFN, but my education provider is telling me that it is wrong. What is happening?
The personal details you provide in your enrolment must match the personal details you have given to the ATO in order for you to access a loan.
If your personal details (TFN, name, date of birth or address) do not match, you will not be able to proceed until you fix the mismatch.