Quick answer
Student Allowance is a weekly living-cost payment that normally does not need to be repaid when correctly received. Student Loan must be repaid and can cover fees, course-related costs and living costs. Both have eligibility conditions; neither applies to every student. [1][2]
Check your situation
- Do you need tuition fees, course costs or weekly living costs?
- Are you full-time or part-time, and what course are you taking?
- What are your residence status, income and any partner or parental income that may need assessment?
Use these questions for your own planning. You do not need to enter or submit personal information here.
Support to explore
These are starting points, not eligibility decisions. Check each programme separately.
Student Allowance
Check this living-cost allowance first. Age, course, study load, income and past entitlement can affect eligibility. [1]
Official conditions and application information ↗Student Loan
Then check the loan components you need. You can choose components and do not need to borrow the maximum. [2]
Official conditions and application information ↗What to check before applying
- Student status alone does not establish eligibility. StudyLink has residence rules for citizens, residents and specified exceptions. [4]
- Student Allowance reduces the Student Loan living-cost component. Do not add both maximum living-cost amounts together. [3]
- IRD manages loan repayments. Check the applicable rules when income exceeds the relevant threshold or you go overseas. [2]
Application checklist
Gather these documents first. The official application process determines which evidence is required and how to provide it.
- Identity and residence evidence, course name, provider, dates and study load.
- Personal, partner or parental income evidence requested by the application.
- A fees and weekly living budget, identifying the allowance or loan components needed, plus any further requested evidence.
What to do next
- Start with official Student Allowance conditions for course, study load, income and residence. [1]
- If a funding gap remains, explore Student Loan components and repayment responsibilities, then apply through StudyLink. [2]
- If applying for both allowance and loan living costs, confirm adjusted amounts and start dates. Check reporting requirements when income changes. [3][1]
Amounts, payment start dates, backdating, renewals and combinations can depend on your circumstances. Check the latest official information before applying.
Common questions
Does an international student visa qualify me for a Student Loan?
No. StudyLink residence requirements and other conditions must be met separately. [4]
Official sources and review date
These are independent iKoru summaries. Numbered citations link to the sources; official information and later notices take precedence.
- StudyLink: Student Allowance ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- StudyLink: How to pay for study ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- StudyLink: Change living costs ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
- StudyLink: Coming to New Zealand to study ↗Sources checked: 2026-09-28
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