Studying or leaving home
You may be able to get a Student Loan, allowances, scholarships or part-time work to help support yourself while you study. Student Job Search or Work and Income can help you find part-time or full-time work during study breaks or when you finish studying.
Help with studying expenses
StudyLink helps students get the finance and support they're entitled to so they can complete their study. Students may be able to get allowances and loans.
Student Allowance (StudyLink website)
A payment to help with your living costs while you study full-time. You don't have to pay this back.
Student Loan (StudyLink website)
A loan from the government to help finance your study.
Help when leaving school or home
Work is essential for your future. We can help you find a job that improves your life and gives you independence.
We may be able to offer you training and development options. If you would like career guidance, please contact us.
If you're struggling to support yourself or your family, please contact us. We can often help.
Looking for work
We can help you find work and support you while you're looking for work.
Unemployment Benefit
Assistance while you look for work or train for work.
Independent Youth Benefit
Assistance if you're a 16 or 17 year-old who can't live with your parents and aren't supported by them or anyone else.
Away from Home Allowance
If you're caring for a 16 or 17 year-old who's living away from home while on a tertiary or training course, you may be able to get an allowance to help with their living costs.
Youth Transition Services (YTS)
A free service to help you move into further education, training, work or other meaningful activity.
Websites that may help
Career Services
A good starting point for careers information, advice and guidance. Among other things it lists the skills, knowledge and entry requirements you might need for a job. You can search for course and training options and find out about scholarships.
Youth development programmes - Ministry of Youth Development
Information about a range of programmes and services for people aged 12 to 24. They offer you a chance to get practical work and life skills to help you find employment. They are designed to be fun and include work experience, community projects, recreation activities and educational skills.
Which course where
Information for students, prospective students, whānau, and careers advisers seeking more information about courses, qualifications, and tertiary education organisations.
Training directory - Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
Information about a range of programmes to help you gain new skills and improve your chances of getting a job. You can search for courses near you and check whether you’re eligible.
StudyLink
StudyLink connects you to the information you need to make informed decisions about student finances and other study-related issues. They also provide financial support to students.
Help during study breaks or leaving study
Working during study breaks can be a good way to support yourself and gain work experience. You may be able to get assistance from us while you're looking for work.
Once you leave study we may be able to help you with the costs of moving into a job.
Study break payments and help finding holiday jobs (StudyLink website)
Student Allowance payments over study breaks, and how to look for work.
Unemployment Benefit Student Hardship (StudyLink website)
Assistance during study breaks while you look for work.
Transition to Work Grant
Help with the costs of moving into a job.
Websites that may help
StudyLink
Learn more about the support available to students.
Student Job Search
A free service which lists and fills part-time or casual jobs throughout the year and full-time jobs over the summer break.
Help with living and housing expenses
We may be able to help you with your living, health and housing costs. If you want to work part-time, Student Job Search or Work and Income may be able to help.
If you're struggling to support yourself or your family, please contact us. We can often help.
Accommodation Supplement
Help with your rent, board or the cost of owning a home.
Away from Home Allowance
If you're caring for a 16 or 17 year-old who's living away from home while on a tertiary or training course, you may be able to get an allowance to help with their living costs.
Community Services Card
A card that can help you and your family with the costs of health care. You'll pay less on some health services and prescriptions.
Websites that may help
Student Job Search
A free service which lists and fills part-time or casual jobs throughout the year and full-time jobs over the summer break.
Contact us
Everyone's situation is different. We're here to help if you need it.
Contact us if you:
- would like assistance
- aren't sure if you can get assistance
- are struggling to support yourself or your family
- would like more information.