StudyLink

A Student Loan helps you pay for course fees, study materials, and living costs. Remember, you'll have to pay it back!

How to get a StudyLink student loan

To get a Student Loan, you need to be either:

• a New Zealand citizen or
• ordinarily resident in New Zealand and either:
  • have been living in New Zealand for at least 3 years, and
  • have held a residence class visa for 3 years, or
  • be a refugee or protected person, or
  • be sponsored into New Zealand by someone in your family who, at the time you were sponsored, was a refugee or protected person.

You have to study an approved course run by an approved education provider.

When to apply for a student loan

If you need a student loan and/or student allowance, please contact StudyLink as soon as possible – even before you know what course you’re studying. You can apply online and the application takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

Contact StudyLink for more information at 0800 88 99 00 or www.studylink.govt.nz.