Money to help when you’re studying

If you’re studying, you can apply for a loan and allowance to help with course fees, course-related costs and living expenses. You may also be able to get help during your study break.

Check if you and your studies qualify for Fees Free

Before starting your studies, it’s a good idea to check if you and your study programme are eligible for Fees Free.

If you and your studies meet the criteria, you can, after finishing those studies, get Fees Free for your final year.

Starting study in : eligibility for Fees Free — Tertiary Education Commission

You started study in 2024 or earlier

Find out if you can get Fees Free by checking:

How to get Fees Free for your final year

You’ll need to pay for your course or training fees as you study or train.

Once you’ve finished your first qualification or work-based programme, you can:

  • confirm your Fees Free eligibility
  • claim the fees for your final year of study or final 2 years of work-based training.

Starting study in : Fees Free — Tertiary Education Commission

More information about Fees Free

Contact us: Fees Free — Tertiary Education Commission

How to get a student loan

A student loan can help to finance your study but you have to pay it back.

If you qualify for Fees Free, you may not need a student loan for your course fees.

You’ll still need to apply for a student loan if you want course-related costs or living costs.

The StudyLink website has information for students who are applying for a student loan for the first time or previously had a loan.

Check with StudyLink for information about:

  • who can apply for a loan
  • what you can get
  • studying full- or part-time
  • when and how to apply.

There are eligibility criteria for such things as:

  • course fees and course-related costs
  • living costs
  • studying full- or part-time.

Student Loan — StudyLink

How to get help with living expenses

A student allowance is a weekly payment that you do not have to pay back. Eligibility criteria apply.

Student Allowance — StudyLink

Working during study breaks and holidays

Depending on how much you earn over the year, you may be able to apply for a repayment deduction exemption on your student loan repayments. Eligibility criteria apply.

The IR website has more information about repayment thesholds and exemptions:

Find support during a break in your study

If you have a study break of more than 3 weeks and you cannot find a job, you can apply for a weekly payment to help with your living costs. Eligibility criteria apply.

Jobseeker Support Student Hardship — StudyLink

Extra help with accommodation, childcare and health and disabilities

Find out if you can get help with other costs while you study.

Extra help — StudyLink

Studying while on a benefit

If you’re getting a benefit, or you’ve applied for one, you may be able to get help with study costs.

Studying while on a benefit — Work and Income

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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