Who is StudyLink?
Recent changes to student loans and allowances
Are you eligible for assistance from StudyLink?
What will Student Loan pay?
Who do I contact?
Who is StudyLink?
StudyLink is a service provided by the Ministry of Social Development who manage all applications and payments for Student Loans and Allowances.
Website: www.studylink.govt.nz, or
Phone: 0800 889 900
Recent changes to student loans and allowances
In the May 2012 budget the government announced some important changes to the Student Loans and Allowances scheme. These are summarised on the StudyLink website. Most changes will take effect from 1 January 2013.
Are you eligible for assistance from StudyLink?
If you’re enrolled in a full year programme with 0.8000 EFTS or greater, you’ll be considered a full time student. If your programme is for one semester, then you will need to be enrolled in a course of study with 0.4000 EFTS or greater to be considered full-time. You should check your eligibility for loans and/or allowances with StudyLink.
Postgraduate students enrolled in Honour's dissertation should check eligibility for loans and allowances with both Lincoln University and StudyLink if the submission date (according to the House Rules and/or Lincoln University calendar) is after the published semester end date.
What will student loan pay?
Student loans will pay for compulsory tuition related course costs, for example tuition fees, practical work fees, student services fees. The student loan will NOT cover other charges like late fees and fines.
Who do I contact?
For all questions relating to loan and allowance applications you must contact StudyLink.
If you select the student loan payment option when you register the Student Finance staff at Lincoln University will expect that you have applied or are in the process of applying to StudyLink to pay your fees. Lincoln University and StudyLink then communicate electronically to confirm your enrolment and your fees are paid. If your student loan is declined then you are responsible for ensuring that your fees are paid.
If you are eligible for a loan, you may use it to pay all or part of your fees. Important points to note are:
- Indicate on the application form that the loan is to pay course fees.
- Provide all the necessary supporting documentation (verified by a JP or Student Finance staff) to StudyLink for the loan to be approved.
- Any changes to courses or programme may impact on loan/allowance eligibility.
Staff at Lincoln University are able to assist you with some student loan and allowance questions and issues. A dedicated computer and phone for contacting StudyLink and making applications are also available in Student Administration, located on the ground floor of the George Forbes Memorial buiding.
If you need information or assistance about student loans and allowances from staff at Lincoln University then please contact Student Finance, 03 325 2811 extn 8523, or email studentfinance@lincoln.ac.nz.