Student Loans and Allowances

StudyLink is the government department which manages loans and allowances for tertiary students in NZ. They assist with fees, course related costs and living expenses.

 To check your eligibility, learn about changes to loans and allowances and to apply online: 
Visit  http://www.studylink.govt.nz/ or phone StudyLink 0800 889 900

Student Loans

Student Loans are easy to apply for. However the money you borrow has to be paid back. 

You can apply for a Ministry of Education Student Loan if:
You are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, and
You are not an undischarged bankrupt

The three parts of a student loan that may be available are:

  • Tuition Fees: the cost of your tuition fees, up to a maximum of $6,500 per year
  • Course-related costs: to a maximum of $1,000 per year
  • Living costs: to a maximum of $150 per week of your programme. This portion of the Student Loan is only available to students studying full-time and not receiving a full Student Allowance.

Once you have completed 1.6 EFTS of study you are required to pass at least half of your previous study to retain eligibility to Student Loans.

Student Allowance

The student allowance is a weekly payment to help with your living costs while you study.  This does not have to be paid back.  Only full-time students can apply for a student allowance. If you are a full-time student and not eligible for a student allowance, you may be eligible for the living costs portion of the student loan.

TLC has a staff member who liaises with StudyLink  and WINZ.
For assistance please contact Sue Blumsky Ph 0800 278 769 or email s.blumsky@tlc.ac.nz
Sue is available on-site Monday to Thursday 9am-5.30pm, in the Programme Support Office.

The EFT value of TLC programmes

Full time and part time Certificate of Art & Creativity (NZQA level 4)   0.54 EFT
Full time Diploma of Art & Creativity (NZQA level 5) and Diploma of Art & Creativity (Honours) (NZQA level 6)   0.98 EFT
Part time Diploma of Art & Creativity (NZQA level 5) and Diploma of Art & Creativity (Honours) (NZQA level 6)   0.49 EFT
Full time Diploma of Art & Creativity (Advanced) (NZQA level 7)   1.00 EFT
Part time Diploma of Art & Creativity (Advanced) (NZQA level 7)   0.50 EFT