Applying for a Student Loan or Allowance

For a step-by-step guide to the student loan and allowance application process, please visit StudyLink's apply online page.

There are instructions for both first-time applicants and returning applicants.

First-Time Applications

When applying for a student loan or allowance for the first time, make sure you have your:

  • course start and end dates (approximate dates will also be accepted)
  • own bank account number
  • IRD number
  • current email address.

To apply online, you will need to:

  1. Create a RealMe account (if you don’t already have one) and remember the login details. Your RealMe account doesn’t need to be verified in order to apply
  2. Complete the eligibility test and online application(s)
  3. Wait to receive your forms and documents in the mail
  4. Send all completed forms and verified supporting documents* back to StudyLink via Connect. It is recommended to send your documentation all at once
  5. Login to MyStudyLink or call StudyLink to check your application(s)
  6. StudyLink will confirm your course details with us, and once approved, you will receive a letter from them confirming what you qualify for and when your payments will start.

*Our kaimahi (staff) can verify most documents for you. Head to our Information Centres for more details.

More information about applying online can be found on the StudyLink website.

Returning Applications

If you’re re-applying for a student loan or allowance, please ensure you apply as soon as possible before your course starts. As a returning ākonga (student), you will be able to accept future StudyLink contracts online via MyStudyLink.

More information on this process can be found on the StudyLink website.

Requesting StudyLink to Pay Your Fees

When applying for your student loan, ensure that you select ‘Yes’ to the question asking if you’d like the student loan to pay the fees for your course.

This will mitigate any potential issues and delays in paying your fees.

If you believe you’re eligible for Final-Year Fees Free, you will still need to organise payment of your course fees first, before claiming your entitlement through the IRD website.