How StudyLink works

There are a number of ways we can help pay for your study. We can also help you sort a budget and find out what you can get.

You need to apply as early as you can to make sure you get everything sorted in time, including your payments.

We may be able to help with:

• compulsory course fees
• course-related costs (eg, books, laptop, etc)
• day-to-day living costs
• other costs (eg disability or childcare).

How much you can get depends on your age, income and course type. 

When you've made a decision to study and you want to apply to get money from us you need to:

1. Set up a RealMe login.
2. Complete your application form online.
3. Send in any documents we've requested using Connect.

Once we have everything we need, we'll confirm your enrolment details with your education provider.

Once we’ve confirmed your enrolment and your applications are approved, we can tell you exactly what you’re able to get based on your circumstances.

Your:

• compulsory course fees are paid directly to your education provider
• course-related costs are paid to you 2 weeks before your study starts at the earliest
• weekly payments will start in the second week of your course at the earliest.

If you apply late or don't complete your enrolment with your education provider, this will affect when you can get your payments.

You need to let us know if anything has changed in your life, eg income or address, as it can impact what you can get from us.

Usually you can do this using your online account (MyStudyLink).

You also need to let us know if other things have changed, eg:

• you’ve withdrawn
• you've changed some papers
• you’re dropping to part-time study
• you have to stop studying.

While you're studying, you can manage your Student Loan through Inland Revenue, eg, repayments, balance and your repayment obligations if you're travelling overseas.

If you're studying for more than 1 year you need to reapply for any loans and allowances each year that you study. The process is easier and it won't take as long as we already have a lot of information about you.

If you have a study break of more than 3 weeks, your payments will stop. If you can't get a full-time job during a study break there is help you can apply for, e.g. Jobseeker Support Student Hardship.

Once you've finished studying you can:

• manage your Student Loan through Inland Revenue, eg, repayments, balance and your repayment obligations if you're travelling overseas.
• contact Work and Income if you need help with your day-to-day living costs until you find employment.