When to Apply
The best time to apply is before 16th December, to make sure everything is sorted when study starts in 2023. Most people start applying in Term 3 and Term 4.
There is no need to wait until NCEA results come out in January. Students can even apply if they haven’t decided where they want to study yet, or they’re waiting on confirmation of their course.
Applications can be updated or withdrawn after submission.
How to Apply
Applying is easy and all online. This link will walk first-time students through the process:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/first-time/index.html
Student Loan
If you qualify for fees-free study, you may still need to apply for a Student Loan for course-related costs or living costs. Only students studying full-time can access loans for course-related costs and living costs.
Remember though it is a loan and needs to be paid back. I’m sure we all know of people who, while studying, spent their living costs on fun things.
In order to stay eligible for Student Loan students need to pass at least half of their course work (EFTS) over a set period.
There is a lifetime limit of 7 EFTS (around 7 or 8 years of full-time study) for Student Loans.
If you are under 18 when you sign your Student Loan contract, a parent will need to give permission – this isn’t as guarantor, the loan repayments will be their responsibility.
For more information visit:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/products/a-z-products/student-loan/index.html
https://ird.govt.nz/student-loans
__________________
Student Allowance
Not every student qualifies for a Student Allowance so it is important for students to think about how they will afford to live, especially if you plan to go flatting or move into a hall of residence.
The good news is, for those who qualify, Student Allowance does not need to be paid back.
Students can also earn up to $240.70 a week before tax before any allowance payments are affected.
Student Allowance is based on parental income until age 24, even if the student does not live at home. This calculator will help first-time students determine how much Student Allowance they may get:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/products/rates/calculators/parental-income-calculator.html
Like with Student Loan, students must pass more than half of their EFTS to remain eligible, there is a limit of 200 weeks study (about 5 years).
Student Allowance does not get paid over the summer holiday, so students will need to either get a job during this period or apply for Jobseeker Support Student Hardship while they are looking for a job.
For more information visit:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/products/a-z-products/student-allowance/index.html
______________
First year fees-free
If you are thinking about tertiary study, you may be able to receive your first year fees-free. If you are planning on industry training (where they are training in a workplace, or doing ‘on the job’ learning), you could get two years fees-free.
For more information and to check eligibility visit https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/ or call the fees-free helpline 0800 687 775
__________________
Study jargon – EFTS
Qualifying for certain payments will rely on studying the required number of EFTS (Equivalent Full-time Student).
StudyLink use EFTS to work out is someone is studying full time or part-time and to determine on-going eligibility for payments.
Usually, every paper or course has a certain amount of points or credits that represent the amount of study or workload you do. The general rule is 0.125 EFTS is equivalent to 15 credits or points.
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/glossary/efts.html
__________________
Extra payments
There are extra payments that students may qualify for too that many don’t know about:
· Accommodation Supplement
· Disability Allowance (think of this more as a health allowance – if you have on-going health costs such as medication or specialist visits, you should apply)
· Temporary Additional Support
All of the above can be applied for using this form:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/documents/forms/extra-help-application.pdf
__________________
If you need advice, help or more information, contact StudyLink directly on 0800 88 99 00, or email them via their website (https://www.studylink.govt.nz/about-studylink/contact-us/email.html). If you have a unique situation or specific questions about your situation, touch base with StudyLink, or contact them to make an appointment to meet face-to-face. There is a StudyLink office based in Princes Street.
Remember, to ensure you get your first payment on time, apply before the 16th December.
Read full post on CareerWise >
