Student Allowances

If you are considering applying for a Student Allowance for study in 2011, make sure you get your application in to StudyLink as early as possible.

General criteria

• 18 years or over (some 16-17 year olds can also get it)
• study full-time (0.8 Equivalent Full Time Student (EFTS) or 0.4 EFTS for one semester for the purposes of a Student Allowance and Student Loan)
• be a New Zealand citizen or a resident of New Zealand

How much you could get

• If you are single and 18–24 your parents’ taxable income will be tested and the amount you could receive also depends on whether you live at home or away from home.
• There are different rates and eligibility criteria for students who are 25+, and students with partners and/or children.
• If you qualify for any amount of Student Allowance and you live away from home, you could also be eligible for an Accommodation Benefit.

Note

You need to pass more than half your courses to be eligible for a Student Allowance again the next year.

Further Student Allowance information and advice

For more information or to apply for a Student Allowance go to the StudyLink website or freephone in NZ 0800 88 99 00.