Student Loans and Allowances

Programme Fees

Most programmes offered at Tairāwhiti Polytechnic incur fees. Fees can be paid by:

  • A student loan arranged through StudyLink, a division of the Ministry of Social Development;
  • Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS or credit card;
  • If an organisation is paying for your fees, provide us with an order number and we can invoice them;
  • Training Incentive Allowance or WINZ payment (conditions apply)
  • Automatic part payments (available if you cannot access a student loan – a $50 administration fee applies).

Student Allowance

A Student Allowance helps with your living costs while you study full-time. You don’t need to pay back this money. The general criteria is:

  • Studying on a full-time programme;
  • Over 18 years old;
  • New Zealand citizen or, permanent resident of New Zealand for at least 24 months;

Your parent’s income is taken into account while you’re under 24 years of age, if you don’t have children of your own.

You can apply online for your student allowance at www.studylink.govt.nz

StudyWise is a service offered by StudyLink that provides information about your options. They will help you make financial choices that are right for you.

For information about StudyWise or My StudyLink online facility for students phone 0800 88 99 00.

Student Loans

Most of Tairāwhiti Polytechnic’s full time programmes qualify for student loans. Many students apply to borrow money to fund their tertiary education through StudyLink. To qualify for a student loan you must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident and be studying an approved programme.

The loan can be used to cover:

  • Compulsory fees;
  • Course related costs;
  • Living costs.

Student loans are interest free while you study and work in New Zealand. Your loan is repaid as an extra tax deduction by your employer once your earnings exceed $18,148.00 per year. For all other enquiries please contact Inland Revenue.

To apply for your Student Loan and to find out if you qualify for a Student Allowance contact StudyLink, freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit the website www.studylink.govt.nz

Training Incentive Allowance

Training Incentive Allowance (TIA) provides assistance to those receiving Emergency Maintenance Allowance, Domestic Purposes, Widows or Invalids Benefits, enabling you to undertake training to improve your skills and increase your employment opportunities.

You will need to see your Work and Income New Zealand Case Manager to discuss approval of your application. Tairāwhiti Polytechnic’s student support team can assist with the ‘Training Details Verification’ section of your TIA form.

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