How to Apply For A Student Loan

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT LOAN

Step 1:
If you’re a first-time student (i.e. have finished high-school or are entering tertiary education), you need to check if you are eligible for Fees Free study. Head to https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/ to find this information out. You’ll need your National Student Number (NSN) to do this. You can read more on eligibility criteria here: https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/eligibility-criteria/

Step 2:
If you are eligible for Fees Free, you may not need a Student Loan to pay for your course/tuition fees. However, you will still need to apply for a Student Loan through StudyLink if you need a loan for Course Related Costs (your kit etc.) or Living Costs.
If you are eligible for a student allowance, you do not need to apply for living costs. More information on student allowance can be found at the bottom of this page.

If you are not eligible for Fees Free, you will need to apply for a Student Loan to pay your course/tuition fees.

Step 3:
The next step is to create a RealMe account. Watch their handy video explaining RealMe below.

To create your RealMe account to access StudyLink, head to https://www2.logon.realme.govt.nz/cls/logon.logon?cid=2

Step 4:
Once you have completed your RealMe account setup, head to https://www.studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/first-time/index.html#null and follow each step in the application progress. Please follow the process instructions in order – you must complete the eligibility test before you can apply online.

Top tip: Make sure you have the following information handy before starting the eligibility test, including your residency status, programme dates and other personal information such as your address, financial information (i.e. benefits from Work and Income), any health conditions and family details. For the application form, you’ll need additional information such as IRD number and bank account details.

You can save your application as you go to ensure you don’t lose your inputted info.

Step 5:
After you have worked through the steps outlined in the application process above (steps 1-6), you will be informed of the outcome of your application via a letter from StudyLink.

STUDENT ALLOWANCE

Student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you’re studying. The student allowance is similar to the student loan living costs but you don’t have to pay it back. You must meet StudyLink’s eligibility criteria (it is means-tested) to receive a student allowance. All the information on who can apply, how to apply and the process can be found in the link here: https://www.studylink.govt.nz/products/a-z-products/student-allowance/index.htm l#null

If you have any further questions about your StudyLink applications or the process, please contact our Recruitment and Engagement Manager, Serena Bond, on

– Freephone: 0800 SERVILLES (0800 737845537)
– Call/Text: 021502125
– Email: [email protected]