The student allowance is a grant from the New Zealand government — money you receive to support yourself while studying that does not need to be repaid. It’s means-tested based on your parents’ or partner’s income, which means not all students qualify.
• It's a grant — you don't repay it
• Approximately $230–$280 per week depending on circumstances
• Means-tested against your parents' income (if under 24) or partner's income (if partnered)
• Can be received alongside the living costs loan
• Apply through StudyLink (studylink.govt.nz)
Is the Student Allowance a Loan?
No. The student allowance is a grant paid by the government. You receive it, you spend it, and you never repay it. It’s completely separate from the student loan — though they’re both administered through StudyLink.
How Much Is the Student Allowance?
The weekly rate varies depending on your circumstances. As at 2026, approximate rates:
| Situation | Weekly rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single, under 24, living away from home | ~$280/week |
| Single, under 24, living at home with parents | ~$230/week |
| Single, 24+ (independent) | ~$280–$320/week |
| Partnered (no children) | ~$250–$280/week |
Check studylink.govt.nz for exact current rates — rates are updated periodically.
You can also receive accommodation assistance on top of the student allowance if you have high rent.
Eligibility — The Means Test
Under 24 (Dependent Students)
For students under 24, StudyLink assesses your parents’ income. The higher your parents’ combined income, the lower your allowance (or no allowance at all).
The parental income threshold is approximate — consult StudyLink for the current cutoff. Broadly:
- Low-income families: full allowance
- Middle-income families: partial or no allowance
- High-income families: typically not eligible
24 and Over (Independent Students)
At age 24, you’re treated as an independent student. Your eligibility is based on your own (and your partner’s, if any) income — not your parents’. Many students who weren’t eligible under 24 become eligible at 24.
Partnered Students
If you have a partner, your partner’s income is included in the means test. High partner income reduces or eliminates the allowance.
Approved Courses
To receive the student allowance you must be enrolled in an approved course at an approved provider. Most full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses at NZ universities, polytechnics (Te Pūkenga), and wānanga qualify.
Approval is assessed by StudyLink on application.
Student Allowance and Living Costs Together
You can receive both the student allowance and the living costs loan simultaneously. This is common:
- Student allowance: ~$280/week (grant — free money)
- Living costs loan top-up: ~$40–$50/week (loan — adds to your student debt)
This combined approach maximises income while minimising loan borrowing.
How to Apply
Apply online through MyStudyLink at studylink.govt.nz:
- Log in with your RealMe identity
- Select “Apply for Student Allowance”
- Provide information about your parents’ or partner’s income
- StudyLink will assess eligibility and contact you
Apply well before the start of your course — processing can take several weeks.
What If You Work Part-Time?
The student allowance has an income abatement — if you earn more than a certain amount per week, your allowance reduces. The abatement threshold is relatively low (around $80–$100 per week — check StudyLink for current figure). Earning above this reduces your allowance dollar for dollar.
For this reason, many students receive the full allowance alongside minimal work income, then increase part-time work during study breaks when the allowance doesn’t apply.