MEDIACOM-RELEASE-WINZ

STUDENTS MAY LEAVE IT TOO LATE

Students expecting financial assistance from the Department of Work and Income must get their applications for student loans in quick smart if they expect to be paid by the time they are studying, Lorraine Williams, Student Services Manager said today.

"It is possible many more people may want to take out a student loan as a result of changes announced by the Government prior to Christmas in regard to interest on student loans. However those wanting to take out a student loan have to realise it takes the department at least three weeks to process a loan application," Mrs Williams said.

To accommodate the increase in calls about student loans the department has extended its call centre operating hours to include Sundays. This means the call centre is open seven days a week - Saturday and Sundays between 8 am and 5pm and weekdays from 7 am to 9pm. "We are inundated with calls during peak hours but not between 7am - 9am and 6pm- 9pm and during the weekend. I would urge students to contact the department about loans during off-peak times. If students take responsibility for organising their student loan now they shouldn't have to face situations of hardship," Mrs Williams said. ENDS...