Loans & Allowances
Government Assistance
The Government provides the following forms of assistance:
- Student loans
- Student allowances
- Training incentive allowance
Student Loans
Student loans are a Government loan for New Zealand students that you repay through the Department of Inland Revenue when you start working. To qualify for a student loan you must be a New Zealand citizen, an Australian citizen or permanent New Zealand resident who has lived in New Zealand for at least three years, enrolled in a Ministry of Education approved full time or part-time programme (the equivalent of at least 12 weeks full time).
The amount you can borrow includes:
- Fees
- Course-related costs (up to $1,000)
- Living costs
Student Allowances
New Zealand students attending a full-time programme of 12 weeks or longer and who are 18 years or over may be eligible for a student allowance. Students who are 16 and 17 years of age may also be eligible. Allowance rates may be affected by a student’s parent’s income and can be topped up via a student loan in some situations. You can apply online to see if you are eligible.
For more information and to apply, go to www.studylink.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 88 99 00
Apply early! It can take at least three weeks to process your application
Education and Employment Related Training
Assistance may be available to you through Work and Income if you’re planning to do a work-related course and you get one of the following benefits:
- Sole Parent Support
- Supported Living Payment
- Young Parent Payment
- Youth Payment
Contact Work and Income for further information
Phone: 0800 559 009
Website: www.workandincome.govt.nz
