Money or support to study

Find information on the range of financial assistance to help you study.

Fees Free Study

Tertiary Education Commission

Planning your tertiary study? You may be able to get one year’s study fees-free.

About What it's about

Learn about what Fees Free covers and check if you’re eligible to access it.

Who Who it's for

All learners across New Zealand who are starting their tertiary study for the first time. Check if you’re eligible by visiting the Fees Free website.

Offers What it offers

If you are studying at a university, Te Pūkenga, wānanga or a private training establishment (PTE), Fees Free will cover your tuition fees, compulsory course costs and student services fees.

Student Allowance

Ministry of Social Development

If you’re studying and meet the criteria, you may be able to get an allowance to help pay your living expenses while you’re studying.

About What it's about

A weekly payment to help towards your ongoing living costs, such as accommodation and food. You don’t have to pay this back.

Who Who it's for

Students who are studying an approved course, and are New Zealand Citizens or are ordinarily resident in New Zealand. There are other criteria you need to meet as well – these are outlined on the StudyLink website.

Offers What it offers

This is a weekly payment, and the amount depends on your circumstances. If you’re under 24, the amount you get will depend on your parents’ income.

Student Loan

Ministry of Social Development

If you’re studying and meet the criteria, you may be able to get a loan to help pay for your costs while you’re studying.

About What it's about

Help to pay for your course fees, study materials and living costs. You’ll need to pay this back.

Who Who it's for

Students who are studying an approved course, and are New Zealand Citizens or are ordinarily resident in New Zealand. There are other criteria you need to meet as well – these are outlined on the StudyLink website.

Offers What it offers

You can get a Student Loan for compulsory course fees, course-related costs (eg. books or a laptop) and living costs.

Support for Pacific people to access learning and work opportunities

Tupu Aotearoa — Ministry for Pacific Peoples

Tupu Aotearoa is a targeted programme to support Pacific people to gain tools and skills that enable them to thrive through employment, completing further training or study.

About What it's about

Tupu Aotearoa is delivered by local providers to support you on your journey to employment, further training or study.

Local Tupu Aotearoa providers can help you with:

  • identifying appropriate upskilling and training courses
  • career advice and guidance
  • job search
  • support writing your CV and cover letter
  • preparing for interviews
  • obtaining a driver's licence
  • pastoral care and support post-placement.

Who Who it's for

Pacific people in Aotearoa who are:

  • aged 15 or over
  • New Zealand citizens
  • currently not in employment, education or training.

Locations of providers can be found on the Ministry for Pacific People’s website.

Tertiary Scholarships

Ministry of Education

Whatever post school study you’re interested in, find out how and where to get financial support to help you.

About What it's about

Discover what types of scholarships are available for studying after school and where to find more details.

Who Who it's for

All students and whānau across New Zealand.

Offers What it offers

  • Information on different types of scholarships
  • Details on how to find more information about scholarships

About student scholarships

Ministry of Education

Find out what scholarships might be available to help with the costs of post-secondary training and education.

About What it's about

Information for parents and carers on where to look and find scholarships that support people to study at tertiary level in New Zealand.

Who Who it's for

Students, parents and carers across New Zealand. There is specific information about scholarships for Māori and Pacific students, for teaching and education training scholarships, and also for international students.

Offers What it offers

The website contains general information about scholarships that might be available and who might offer them. There are links to universities, private organisations or individuals, and government agencies that offer some scholarships.

Training Incentive Allowance

Ministry of Social Development

If you’re getting a benefit and want to complete a course (including degree-level study), you may be able to get a Training Incentive Allowance to help pay for costs.

About What it's about

The Training Incentive Allowance can help pay for course fees and costs. You don’t have to pay this money back.

Who Who it's for

Levels 1-3 of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework

This payment is for people getting a benefit who are taking part in an approved course.

Levels 4-7 of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (including degree-level study)

From 1 July 2021 the Training Incentive Allowance is also available to all eligible sole parents on benefits, as well as carers and disabled people getting Supported Living Payment. You can apply from 1 July 2021.

There are other criteria you need to meet as well – these are outlined on the Work and Income website (external site).

Offers What it offers

You can get a maximum of around $4,500 for costs such as:

  • tuition fees
  • transport
  • care costs
  • childcare
  • books
  • stationery.

Last modified: