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Money to help when you’re studying

If you’re studying, you can apply for a loan and allowance to help with course fees, course-related costs and living expenses. You may also be able to get help during your study break.

First-time students

If you’re a first-time student starting tertiary education, find out if you can study or train fees free.

If you qualify for Fees Free, you may not need a student loan for your course fees.

You don’t need an NSN (National Student Number) to use the Fees Free eligibility tool checker.

Fees Free

Other free training

Free trades training — 2022: Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) — Tertiary Education Commission

How to get a student loan

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

If you qualify for Fees Free, you may not need a student loan for your course fees.

You’ll still need to apply for a student loan if you want course-related costs or living costs.

The StudyLink website has information for students who are applying for a student loan for the first time or previously had a loan.

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

How to get help with living expenses

A student allowance is a weekly payment that you do not have to pay back. Eligibility criteria apply.

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. Eligibility criteria apply.

The IR website has more information about repayment thesholds and exemptions:

Find support during a break in your study

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. Eligibility criteria apply.

Jobseeker Support Sudent 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 help with study costs.

Studying while on a benefit — Work and Income

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