COVID-19 information for students

Alert levels

Updated 8 September 2021

Alert Levels 3 and 4

Our service centres are closed to the public. If you have an appointment, we'll be in touch. Regular payments will continue, and we'll help you over the phone and through MyStudyLink where we can.

Alert Level 2

At Alert Level 2 our service centres are open, and following Government guidelines to keep people safe and stop the spread of COVID-19.

We need to carefully manage the number of people coming into our service centres. Please use MyStudylink or give us a call first if you want to see us.

Hardship Fund for Learners

The Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL) remains available for the 2021 calendar year. It serves two purposes:

1. to provide assistance to learners facing hardship as a result of COVID-19, and
2. provide funding to learners for technology-related costs where COVID-19 restrictions remove the options for face-to-face study.

Please contact your provider if you need support from this fund.

For providers: Please encourage your learners who need support to access the funding through you. If you have questions about your existing allocation, think you will either need additional funding or an allocation, please contact Tertiary Education Commission.

There's more information on the Tertiary Education Commission website.

MyStudyLink continues to be available

Remember to use MyStudyLink if you want to:

• change the amount you borrow for Student Loan living costs
• update your information including your personal income
• check the details of your next payment
• apply for course-related costs.

If you have emergency costs we may be able to help you.

Meeting course requirements and ongoing assistance

To keep getting a Student Allowance or Student Loan living costs, you need to be meeting the requirements of your course.

Meeting course requirements is about attending your course regularly and completing your course work.

While New Zealand is at Alert Level 3 or 4 and your provider is unable to deliver your course on campus you will continue to be paid, as long as you remain enrolled.

We’ve contacted all education providers and have asked them to update us with any changes to your study dates.

If you have ongoing concerns about changes to your course, contact your provider.

If your provider offers the option for you to study part-time or full-time study from home, you need to meet these requirements of your course.

Stopping study

If you choose to withdraw from study

You need to let your provider, and us, know straight away.

Find out more about withdrawing from study

If your provider closes or cancels your course

If you can’t continue or return to study because the course is no longer being offered, we’ll work with both you and your provider to make sure you have access to the right financial support.

You may also be eligible for a refund of any unused portion of your course fees. Talk to your provider for more information about their refund policy.

What stopping study means for your future entitlement

If any of the actions taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand impact on your ability to complete or pass your course, we’ll take this into account if you apply for a Student Allowance or Loan again in the future.

If you are currently accessing Fees Free, your entitlement use can also be reviewed if you decide to continue your studies at a later date.

Visit the Fees Free website for more information

Getting your documents verified

We understand that it can be difficult getting documents verified currently. If you are having trouble getting information to us that we have requested, please send through what you have for now.

We will contact you if we need anything else from you.

More information

Please email us if you have any questions about your Student Allowance or Student Loan.

Talk to your education provider about your course, and any questions or concerns you have about being able to continue to study.

You can stay up to date with the latest Government information, including Ministry of Health advice on covid19.govt.nz

Visit the Ministry of Education website for more information for students.

Stress counselling and support

Emergencies are usually unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. It's natural to feel emotionally and physically drained.

You’re not alone in this and you don’t need to cope on your own. Friends and family members not affected by the event can help you cope.

You can get more help and information from:

• your education provider
• your GP or local community health centre
• Youthline - 0800 376 633 or www.youthline.co.nz
• Need To Talk by calling or texting 1737
• in an emergency always call 111