Extending your 200 week limit
Usually you can get the Student Allowance for a maximum of 200 weeks in total. But you may be able to get an extension in certain circumstances if you need extra time to finish your studies.
Situations where you may be able to get the Student Allowance beyond 200 weeks are:
- you enrol in a recognised long programme; or
- you enrol in a recognised National Interest programme. Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary teaching are currently the only programmes approved under this criteria; or
- you seek approval from the Ministry of Education for your programme of study to be included in the 'National Interest - Retraining for Employment' provision of the regulations; or
- you need extra time to finish because of special circumstances.
Please talk to us if you've already received an allowance or are close to receiving it for 200 weeks.
You need to pass more than half your course to get a Student Allowance again.
We may ask you to complete the form below.
Last updated: 21 September 2009
