Money to help when you’re studying

You can apply for help paying for course fees, course-related costs and living expenses. You may also be able to get help during your study break.

Get a loan to pay study costs

A student loan can help you pay for your study but you have to pay it back.

Check with StudyLink for information about:

  • who can apply for a loan
  • what you can get
  • studying full or part-time
  • when and how to apply.

There are eligibility criteria for such things as:

  • course fees and course-related costs
  • living costs
  • studying full or part-time.

Student loan — StudyLink

Help paying your final year fees 

You may be able to get your final year fees paid back to you. You’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria to get Fees Free.

Fees Free — Inland Revenue

Help with living expenses

A Student Allowance is a weekly payment that you do not have to pay back. You need to meet the eligibility criteria to get the allowance.

Student Allowance — StudyLink

Working during study breaks and holidays

Depending on how much you earn over the year, you may be able to apply for a repayment deduction exemption on your student loan repayments. You need to meet the eligibility criteria.

Find support during a break in your study

You can use Student Job Search to find jobs you can do during your break. There are also jobs you can do while studying and after you graduate.

Find a job — Student Job Search

If you have a study break of more than 3 weeks and you cannot find a job, you can apply for a weekly payment to help with your living costs. There is eligibility criteria you need to meet.

Jobseeker Support Student Hardship — StudyLink

Extra help with accommodation, childcare and health and disabilities

Find out if you can get help with other costs while you study.

Extra help — StudyLink

Studying while on a benefit

If you’re getting a benefit, or you’ve applied for one, you may be able to get support from Work and Income.

Paying for costs while you train or study — Work and Income

Studying part or full-time may affect your payments from Work and Income.

What happens to your benefit while you train or study — Work and Income

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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