A Student Allowance is a government-funded weekly payment designed to support students with everyday living costs while studying. Unlike a student loan, this financial support does not need to be repaid, making it a valuable option for eligible students pursuing education in New Zealand.
Students can submit their applications online through the StudyLink website, which manages financial support for learners. Below is a detailed guide explaining eligibility rules, parental income limits, restrictions, and the number of weeks you can receive this support.
What Is the Student Allowance?
The Student Allowance is a weekly financial payment provided to eligible students to help cover basic living expenses such as food, accommodation, and transportation while studying.
Since the payment is considered non-repayable assistance, it differs significantly from student loans. Eligible applicants can apply online via the StudyLink platform, which handles applications, eligibility checks, and payment processing.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Student Allowance, applicants must meet several general conditions. Typically, you may be eligible if you:
- Are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Are between 18 and 65 years old
- Are enrolled in an approved course of study
- Are studying full-time
StudyLink determines what qualifies as a full-time course, and only programs that meet these standards are eligible for allowance payments.
Applicants must also satisfy residency requirements, meaning they must meet the government’s rules for living in New Zealand.
Who Is Not Eligible for Student Allowance?
There are certain circumstances where students cannot receive the Student Allowance. You will not qualify if:
- You are already receiving a benefit that can continue while studying
- You or your partner receive New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super)
- You or your partner receive a Veteran’s Pension
- You are currently serving a prison sentence
These restrictions ensure the allowance is targeted toward students without other major forms of financial support.
Student Allowance Payment Rates
The weekly amount students receive varies depending on several personal factors. Payment levels can differ based on:
- Whether you are single or have a partner
- Your age
- Whether you have children
Because of these factors, the exact weekly allowance may vary significantly between applicants.
Special Rules for Students Under 24
Students who are under the age of 24 and do not have children must meet additional financial eligibility rules.
In these cases, the amount you receive—and whether you qualify—depends largely on your parents’ income.
Parental Income Thresholds
If your parents’ combined annual income before tax is $69,935.32 or less, you may qualify for the maximum Student Allowance payment.
However, if your parents earn more than this threshold, the weekly payment amount gradually decreases based on their income level.
Maximum Income Limits for Eligibility
You cannot receive a Student Allowance if your parents’ combined income exceeds the following limits while you are studying:
| Living Situation | Parent Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Living with parents | $127,701.81 per year |
| Living away from parents | $137,187.86 per year |
Students can estimate their allowance using StudyLink’s online calculator, which determines payments based on parental income.
Requirements If You Previously Received Student Allowance
Students who have received the Student Allowance before must meet academic progress requirements before they can receive it again.
Passing Requirements
If you studied full-time previously, you must have passed more than half of your EFTS (Equivalent Full-Time Student workload).
Meeting these requirements ensures that students receiving government assistance are progressing academically.
Lifetime Limits for Student Allowance
There is a maximum number of weeks that a person can receive the Student Allowance throughout their lifetime.
Secondary School Study
Students can receive the allowance for up to 92 weeks during secondary school study, which equals roughly two years.
Tertiary Study Limits
The limit for tertiary education depends on your age:
| Age Group | Maximum Weeks | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 years old | 200 weeks | Around 5 years |
| Over 40 years old | 120 weeks | Around 3 years |
These limits ensure the allowance supports students during a reasonable period of study while preventing indefinite use.
How to Check Your Remaining Allowance Weeks
Students who want to track how many weeks of Student Allowance they have already received can do so through their MyStudyLink account.
This system allows users to view records going back to 1999, making it easier to monitor eligibility.
If you do not have a MyStudyLink account or studied before 1999, you will need to calculate the number of weeks manually based on your study history.
Conclusion
The Student Allowance in New Zealand provides crucial financial assistance to students by helping cover living expenses during their studies. Because the payment does not need to be repaid, it can significantly reduce the financial pressure many students face while pursuing education.
However, eligibility rules—including citizenship status, course approval, parental income thresholds, and academic progress requirements—play a key role in determining whether students qualify and how much they receive. Understanding these criteria, along with the lifetime payment limits, is essential for planning your educational finances effectively.
Students considering applying should carefully review StudyLink’s eligibility guidelines and ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their application.
FAQs
Do students need to repay the Student Allowance in New Zealand?
No. The Student Allowance is a non-repayable payment, unlike a student loan.
How does parental income affect Student Allowance eligibility?
For students under 24 without children, parents’ income determines eligibility and payment amounts, with specific income limits applied.
How long can someone receive the Student Allowance?
Students can receive payments for 92 weeks of secondary study and up to 200 weeks (or 120 weeks for those over 40) for tertiary study.