Student Loan process

When you need to apply

Apply for your Student Loan early, well before your course starts, even if you're still deciding what you're going to study.

Make sure you give all the details we need when we ask for them, or it may delay your application and any payments we make.

How to apply for a Student Loan

Step 1

You may be eligible for help with extra costs while studying, particularly if you have a dependent child, are on a benefit or have ongoing medical costs.

Step 2

We recommend that you set up an online account so you can access all our services.

If you don't have an online account, and would like to set one up you will need to show us a copy of your birth certificate or passport if we have not already seen it. Then call us on 0800 88 99 00 so we can set an account up for you.

Once you have an online account with us and you're applying online - click on the apply online link below and in the apply online site click on the top left navigation link that reads 'Account Holder Logon'.

To apply without an account simply click on the apply online link below and in the apply online site click on the “Apply Now” link. You will be prompted to select a user ID and password and provide a challenge question and answer to be used if you forget your password.

Step 3

We process your application and check the information you give us.

You can check the status of your application online at anytime using MyStudyLink.

MyStudyLink is an online tool that allows you to view and update your details online. To use MyStudyLink you will need to have an online account set up. Please contact us on 0800 88 99 00 if you do not already have an online account.

We send you a letter asking for more information if we need it. Or, we send you a letter if you don't qualify for a Student Loan.

Step 4

We send you a Student Loan contract. Ensure you read and understand the contract's terms and conditions. You then need to check it, sign it and return it with any documents we've asked for.

We'll then send you a letter telling you whether we've got everything we need.

Step 5

We check your details with your education provider closer to the time your course starts.

We check:

• the dates of your course
• if you're studying full-time or part-time.

Make sure you're fully enrolled or your education provider won't be able to confirm your details and you may not get paid on time.

Step 6

We assess your Student Loan.

If your application is approved, we send you a Loan Entitlement Advice (LEA) letter telling you what you qualify for. You can now apply for course-related costs online using MyStudyLink.

Or,

If your application is declined, we tell you why.

Step 7

Your payments start.

You can check when and how much you will be paid online at anytime using MyStudyLink.

MyStudyLink is an online tool that allows you to view and update your details online. To use MyStudyLink you will need to have an online account set up. Please contact us on 0800 88 99 00 if you do not already have an online account.

What documents you need to provide

If you're applying for the first time, you'll need to provide:

• birth certificate or passport (to show your date of birth)
• passport or citizenship papers (to show your residency status)
• pre-printed deposit slip from your bank if you're applying for living costs or course-related costs (to show your bank account details)
• pre-printed letter or notice from Inland Revenue (to show your IRD number)
• marriage certificate or deed poll papers (to show any name change you've had).

In most cases you won't have to provide any document we've already seen. If you're unsure about what you need to provide, call us on 0800 88 99 00.

If you're providing a copy of an original document it needs to be verified (signed and dated) by someone like a StudyLink (or a Work and Income) staff member, Justice of the Peace or authorised staff member from your education provider. Original documents will be returned to you.

When payments start