You may be able to defer your compulsory HECS/HELP, Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS), Trade Support Loan or VET Student Loan repayments, for up to one year, if you can show that either:
• making your repayment has caused, or would cause you, serious hardship; or
• deferring your repayment is fair and reasonable for other special reasons.
You can apply to defer your compulsory repayments by completing the "Defer or amend your compulsory repayment or overseas levy" application form (NAT 2471), available on the Australian Taxation Office website.