Changes to student support eligibility for refugees 

27 March 2022.

For studies starting on or after 1 May 2022, convention refugees, protected persons and their immediate families in New Zealand, holding a valid temporary entry visa with study rights, will be able to access student allowance and student loan as soon as they have been confirmed as a refugee.

Immediate family members who have already transitioned to a residence class visa – refugee and protection category with the refugee, don't have to meet the three-year stand-down that is currently in place.

Immediate family members are:

  • the partner or child of a recognised convention refugee or protected person, or
  • if the recognised convention refugee or protected person is a child, that person’s parent/s or sibling/s.
  • immediate family members must be eligible to transition to residence with the refugee or protected person.

This change will come into effect on 27 March 2022.

You can apply online for student support and will need to provide evidence that you meet the refugee, protected persons or immediate family criteria.