Funding options for domestic students
Student loans and allowances
Studylink offers student loans and allowances to eligible students to pay for tuition fees and study-related costs. Complete the Eligiblity Test on the Studylink website to see what you are eligible for. You can also check Studylink's residency requirements and definition of full-time study.
Each year of study requires a new loan (and allowance) application and can take time to process during busy periods so you are advised to apply early - your enrolment at UC will only be finalised once your loan is approved.
UC is not involved in the administration of loans and student allowances offered through StudyLink. If your student loan is cancelled or declined by Studylink for any reason, your enrolment at UC will not be cancelled and you will be liable for any tuition fees owed.
If you have only one or two courses to complete your qualification or you have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to study full-time, you may be able to apply for limited full-time status with StudyLink. This allows you to undertake a reduced workload but still receive the same benefits as if you were studying full-time. Limited full-time status is not normally applicable to students studying a reduced workload due to poor academic performance.
Fees Free study
You may be eligible to study fees-free in your first year of study at UC with the NZ Government's Fees Free scheme. Find out if you're eligible on the Fees Free website. You may need to complete a Statutory Declaration to prove your eligiblity - make sure you get this done early as your enrolment at UC will not be confirmed until this is done. If you are a scholarship recipient, see how Fees Free study affects you on the Scholarships FAQs page.
Scholarships
Scholarships, grants and awards are a great way of funding your university study. UC offers over $20 million in scholarships and prizes annually to help fund our students' study. Search the database for scholarships you are eligible for and check the application closing dates on the Scholarships page.