Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
Learn about the different types of eCAF, how to complete your eCAF and why it’s important to complete it as soon as you can.
An eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) is an Australian Government form that you must complete to accept your Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
The eCAF must be completed before your first enrolled census date to secure your place. If you don't complete it by census date, you will be withdrawn from your unit for that study period.
What you'll need
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
You will need to provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to complete your eCAF request.
Tax File Number (TFN)
You will only need this if you are applying for a HELP loan.
If you do not have a TFN yet, you need to apply through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It can take up to 28 days for your TFN application to be processed. You can use your Certificate of Application in place of a TFN.
How to submit your eCAF
Step 1 - Accept your CSP in MyVU
When you reach the financial support section of your MyVU online enrolment, you will be asked to accept your Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
You may be asked if you would like to pay your Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) upfront or defer it through an SSAF loan, if eligible.
After selecting 'submit and continue', you will see a pop-up box explaining your CSP obligations. You will need to tick the box to confirm you understand the eCAF requirement.
Step 2 - Check your personal email
You will receive a passkey from the government eCAF system within 48 hours. You'll use these details to access your eCAF.
Step 3 - Complete your eCAF
Confirm your pre-filled details are correct and enter your USI.
If you're eligible and choose to defer your student contribution amount through a HECS-HELP loan, you'll need to enter your TFN.
The eCAF is a legal agreement with the Australian Government. Please read it carefully before submitting.
Step 4 - Receive your confirmation
After submitting your eCAF, you will receive an email from the Australian Government confirming your personal details, course and fee arrangements.
If you did not receive it, please check your junk or spam folder.
Types of eCAF
Types of eCAF include:
- CSP/HECS-HELP eCAF – for eligible domestic students applying for CSP courses and a HEC-HELP loan; if you are not eligible for a loan you still need to complete the eCAF to accept your CSP and acknowledge upfront payment requirements
- FEE-HELP eCAF – for eligible domestic students applying for full-fee course loan
- SA-HELP eCAF – for students applying for a loan to pay all or part of the student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
- VET Student Loan (VSL) eCAF – for VET (TAFE) students applying for a loan for a course at diploma level or above.
A separate form needs to be submitted for each application.
If you don't submit the eCAF prior to the census date you will need to make upfront payments for that study period.
