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
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
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.
