Money or support to study
Find information on the range of financial assistance to help you study.
See 8 types of financial support for study on this page
Fees Free Study
Tertiary Education Commission
Planning your tertiary study? You may be able to get one year’s study fees-free.
What it's about
Learn about what Fees Free covers and check if you’re eligible to access it.
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.
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 compulsory 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.
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 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.
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.
What it's about
Help to pay for your course fees, study materials and living costs. You’ll need to pay this back.
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.
What it offers
You can get a Student Loan for compulsory course fees, course-related costs (eg. books or a laptop) and living costs.
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.
What it's about
Tupu Aotearoa is delivered by local providers to support you on your journey to employment, further training or study.
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.
What it offers
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.
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.
What it's about
Discover what types of scholarships are available for studying after school and where to find more details.
Who it's for
All students and whānau across New Zealand.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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).
What it offers
You can get a maximum of around $4,500 for costs such as:
- tuition fees
- transport
- care costs
- childcare
- books
- stationery.
Sole Parent Study Assistance Loan
Ministry of Social Development
If you get a Sole Parent Support benefit, you may be able to get a loan to help with your study costs.
What it's about
An interest and tax free loan, to help with study costs for courses at level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework. You’ll need to pay this back.
Who it's for
This payment is for people getting a Sole Parent Support benefit, studying at tertiary level 4 or above and who have costs directly related to your study.
What it offers
You can get a loan of up to $500 in a year to help pay for things like:
- transport to and from your course
- childcare costs
- course equipment and materials.
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