News for VSL providers

February 2026 VSL Payment Run

Due to the temporary manual processing of payments in the VSLConnect (VSLC) system, until further notice VSL Payment Runs will be processed later than the usual payment date of the 24th of each month.

This delay is to ensure providers receive their payments for all units with a census date in the relevant month. Upon commencement of automated monthly pay run cycles, delays in processing times will be significantly reduced.

Payments for this month’s pay run are planned to be processed on Friday 27 February 2026, enabling all units with a January 2026 or earlier census date to be paid, subject to the standard eligibility and payability checks.

We will communicate payment dates at the beginning of each month, until automated monthly pay run cycles commence.

We apologise for any inconvenience this delay may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the VSL Payments Team at vfhvslpayments@dewr.gov.au.

eCAF Gender Release – Cancelled

The Department of Education and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations acknowledge the concerns raised by the sector regarding the gender changes that were scheduled to go live in the eCAF production environment Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Due to the concerns raised and feedback from the sector, the release has been cancelled and will not proceed.

The departments will review the issues raised and consider potential amendments to the gender requirements before scheduling a future release. We will engage with the sector on any proposed changes ahead of implementation.

This means that the gender codes in the eCAF will remain as they are now:

F – Female
M – Male
X – Indeterminate/Intersex/Unspecified

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the relevant department directly:
 
VET Student Loan providers: VETStudentLoans@dewr.gov.au 
Higher Education Providers: HEenquiries@education.gov.au