StudyLink

Student Allowance

This is a weekly payment to help with living expenses, but there are certain criteria you have to meet. How much you get depends on your income, your living situation, your parents' income. To get the Student Allowance you generally need to be:

• at least 18 years old (some 16-17 year olds can also get it)
• studying full-time (or limited full-time with StudyLink's approval) on an undergraduate tertiary course or any Bachelor degree with Honours approved by the Tertiary Education Commission
• a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand resident (who meets certain criterial), refugee or protected person.

You do not have to pay the Student Allowance back.

Student Loan

The Student Loan is there to help with study costs. You do have to pay this back, once you are earning over a certain amount. If you are a full-time student you may be able to get a loan for your compulsory course fees, course-related costs and living costs. Part-time students may be able to borrow their course fees.

To get a Student Loan, you will need to:

• a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand resident (who meets certain criterial), refugee or protected person.
• sign a contract with the Government,
• be enrolled on a course approved by the Tertiary Education Commission.

To be eligible for a Student Loan, residents who are not New Zealand citizens must have legally lived in New Zealand for at least three years, held a residence class visa/permit for at least three years, and be ordinarily resident in New Zealand.