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Ways to pay for study and training, Ngā āhua utu i te ako me te whakangungu

Updated 24 Mar 2024

How will study or training affect your bank balance? Before you sign up to a programme, be clear about what it will cost – or what you’ll earn – and how you can pay for everything.

A mother and daughter discuss handwritten notes in a notebook. They stand at a table in their living room.

Study or training you pay for
Te ako, te whakangungu rānei e utua ana e koe,

If you study a programme with an education provider like a division of Te Pūkenga, wānanga, university or private training establishment, your biggest costs are likely to be:

  • Tuition fees – these depend on your subjects, study level and student status (like domestic or international).
  • Course-related costs – like textbooks, computer equipment, tools.
  • Travel costs – like bus or train fares, or petrol and parking.
  • Living costs – like rent, food, power and internet. These are likely to be your biggest costs, especially if you live away from home.

Education providers usually list course tuition fees on their website.

Fees for domestic and international students – Universities New Zealand

Your costs while studying – StudyLink

Work out your living expenses – StudyLink

Ways to pay study and living costs
Ngā ara utu i te ako me ngā utu noho,

Student loans and allowances
Ngā pūtea taurewa ākonga me ngā moni tuku,

The StudyLink website has information on different ways to fund your study, including:

  • student loan – money you pay back once you’re working
  • student allowance – a weekly payment to help with living expenses
  • scholarships – grants you can apply for if you meet the criteria
  • help with health and disability costs
  • help with costs like childcare and accommodation.

How to pay for study – StudyLink

Money or support to train – Connected.govt.nz

Scholarships
Ngā karahipi,

A scholarship is money given to students to help them pay for tertiary study. Scholarships are given for all sorts of reasons. They can be for different amounts. Find out what you could apply for.

How to find scholarships

How to apply for scholarships

Work while you study or train
Te mahi i a koe e ako ana, e whakangungu ana rānei,

You could work part time while doing a full-time study programme. Or do it the other way round – work full time and study part time. Distance learning might make part-time study easier because you don’t need to go to classes in person.

How income affects student loans and allowances – StudyLink

Find a job while you're studying – Student Job Search

Support from your employer
Te tautoko mai i tō kaituku mahi,

Some employers will support their staff to study or train. Ask your boss if your company would help to pay your programme costs or give you time off to study.

If you do an apprenticeship, you’ll get paid at least the training or adult minimum wage.

Change or progress your career

Find out more, Ako atu

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