Students Must Act Now To Get Allowances

Tue, 15 Feb 2005

Students Must Act Now To Get Allowances In Time

"Time is now fast running out for students to apply for Students Allowances without missing out on some payments. It is essential that students apply now", said Merv Dacre, General Manager of Studylink.

Students must apply for their Student Allowance by the end of the first week of their courses to ensure they don't miss out on some payments. Unlike previous years, Student Allowances will not be backdated if students apply late.

On 1 January 2005 parental income limits were raised. As a result, it is expected up to 28 000 more students will receive an allowance for the first time and up to 15 000 more will get a higher allowance.

'Students don't even need to have decided where or what they will study when they apply. We can get that information later' said Merv. .

The easiest way to apply is on line, but students need to be aware that applications may still take more than a week to process. Students aged between 18 and 24 years who intend to start studying a Human or Animal Health degree can apply for a Step Up scholarship. Applications for this close on 25 February 2005 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 should also apply now. However StudyLink urges students to think carefully about how much they borrow. "Students who want advice about ways they can limit their loan borrowing can talk to StudyLink advisors", said Merv. . Students can contact 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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