Financial Focus
Study is no longer free after you leave school unless you’re doing an apprenticeship or win a full scholarship. Tertiary study costs between $4,000 and $12,000 per year, depending on the course.
Loan Focus
Fortunately, you don’t have to beg, steal or borrow off your
parents to pay for your study. New Zealand citizens and permanent
resident students can borrow tuition fees, course related costs
and living costs from a government student loan scheme.
 It is a loan and must be paid back. The National Government is considering new regulations requiring students to pass at least half their courses each year to continue to be eligible for a student loan.
 Student loans are interest free. You don’t need to start repaying it until you’re working full-time and/or earning above the minimum wage. StudyLink (www.studylink.govt.nz) phone 0800 88 99 00
Eligibility Focus
Extra free financial help is also available but only to students that meet tight income eligibility levels.
If eligible you may receive over $100 per week.
There is also an accommodation allowance for those living away from home.
Your parents combined income is taken into account if you are under 25. So much for being an adult at 18!! Visit StudyLink (www.studylink.govt.nz) phone 0800 88 99 00 or visit your local branch (often the fastest way to sort out your situation).
Lighten the Financial Load
- Go South! Southland Institute of Technology has ZERO tuition fees
- Live with parents rent free while studying.
- Work part time and borrow less (and build up desirable workplace skills).
- Study and work part time to avoid a loan.
- Flat with more people to share power, phone, rent costs.
- Er …find a rich relative to pay your tertiary fees?
- Try for scholarships?
Focus on Scholarships
Scholarships are generally offered for academic merit and/or financial need. Some others are allocated according to gender, region, nationality and subject choice. Your school or the scholarship office of your tertiary provider will have details. There are scholarships for current tertiary students too, not just school leavers. Other sources … www.careers.govt.nz, www.fis.org.nz or www.takoa.co.nz (Maori scholarships).
 
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