Introduction

The Student Allowances Scheme provides targeted financial assistance, in the form of grants (Student Allowances), to assist New Zealanders who undertake secondary and tertiary education.

Student Allowances are designed to assist students with their living costs while they study.

Eligible students must generally be undertaking full-time study, and they must be enrolled in a recognised course of study or programme at an approved education provider.

Together with the Student Loan Scheme, Student Allowances are the main components of the Student Support system that provides funding directly to students. The government funds education providers through the Tertiary Education Commission.

Students getting a Student Allowance are not dependent children for the purposes of; Child Support, family tax credits, and both the Orphans Benefit and the Unsupported Childs Benefit.

For more background information see: