Students should apply for allowances now

13 December 2004

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Students should apply for allowances now

From 1 January 2005 the parental income limits for Student Allowances will rise. This means a lot more students will qualify for an Allowance.

At the end of each year StudyLink runs an information campaign that encourages students to apply early for their next years Student Allowance.

StudyLink has some concern that students who will qualify because of the changes may think they need to wait until the New Year to apply.

“They don’t”, said StudyLink General Manager Merv Dacre.

“We strongly encourage students to apply now for next years Allowance, because getting things done now will ease some of the pressure they will face next year when they are trying to finalise their enrolment, accommodation etc – organising their Student Allowance will be one less thing to worry about” said Mr Dacre.

“Students don’t even need to have decided where or what they will study when they apply. We can get that information later”, he says.

As well there may be other information that students need to provide to StudyLink before their allowance can be approved. Applying now means students have plenty of time to get this information through to StudyLink before their course starts.

“The last thing we want is for students to be without money when they need it”, says Mr Dacre.

Students aged between 18 and 24 who intend to start studying a Human or Animal Health degree can apply for a Step Up scholarship. Applications close on 25 February so it is important people apply as soon as possible. More than 250 scholarships will be available*.

Students who think they will need a Student loan can also apply now. However StudyLink urges students to think carefully about how much they borrow.

Mr Dacre says “If students need a Loan then we would like them to only borrow what they need. If they want some advice about ways they can limit their Loan borrowing then StudyLink can help. Just give us a ring or call in and see us”.

Students who are unsure can find out more by contacting StudyLink on 0800 88 99 00 or by visiting their website www.studylink.govt.nz.

* Number of scholarships allocated will depend on the value of the scholarships applied for. Some conditions apply.

ENDS

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