Long-term Kiwis to get university loans

New Zealanders who have lived in Australia since childhood will be able to access the same deferred university loans as other local students.

Legislation to grant eligible Kiwis access to HELP loans from next year passed the parliament with bipartisan support on Tuesday.

New Zealand students who arrive in Australia as a dependent minor and wait 10 years before applying will be granted the loans which are paid back once their salary reaches a certain threshold.