Summary

New Zealanders studying towards recognised tertiary qualifications, and some senior secondary school students, may apply for student allowances.  The scheme gives every tertiary student a 200-week entitlement to student allowances, subject to eligibility criteria.

Student allowances are available to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who have lived in New Zealand for two years.  Applicants must be full-time students enrolled in an approved course of study of at least 12 weeks' duration.

There is a range of different allowance types depending on individual circumstances:

• single students under 25 years old, with some exceptions, are subject to a parental income test to determine their entitlement;
• all student allowances applicants are subject to a personal income test;
• couples are subject to a couple income test;
• student allowances holders who are not living with their parents may also qualify for an accommodation benefit.