What is the difference between a Student Allowance and a Student Loan? Do I have to pay them back?
You must pay back a Student Loan, but you do not pay back a Student Allowance. A loan covers course fees and living costs. An allowance helps with living costs only. You can apply for both. If your allowance is approved, your living costs loan is reduced.
Official figures
- Residence requirement for a student loan
- You are a New Zealand citizen. Or you are ordinarily resident in New Zealand, and you have lived in New Zealand for at least 3 years and held a residence class visa for at least 3 years.1
- Living costs loan
- Up to NZ$333.48 a week for full-time students1
- Course-related costs
- Up to NZ$1,000 (for example, books, stationery and a computer)1
- Course fees
- You can borrow for compulsory course fees. If you are 55 or older, you can only borrow for these fees.1
- Establishment fee
- A one-off establishment fee of NZ$60 is added to your loan balance1
Official sources
- Student LoanStudyLink · studylink.govt.nz
- Student AllowanceStudyLink · studylink.govt.nz
- Student Allowance when you have 2 parentsStudyLink · studylink.govt.nz
- I am going overseas - Student loansInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Studying at university: student loans and allowances (StudyLink) →
People also ask
- How long after getting my resident visa can I get a student loan in NZ?
- How much can I borrow each week for living costs on a student loan?
- Can my child get a Student Allowance if we have a high income?
- Is the NZ student loan really interest-free? What happens if I move overseas?
- Is final-year Fees Free still available, and how do I apply?
- When should I apply to StudyLink? Do I need to apply again every year?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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