Ways to pay for study and training, Ngā āhua utu i te ako me te whakangungu
Updated 13 Aug 2025
How will study or training affect your bank balance? Before you sign up to a programme, be clear about what it will cost – or what you’ll earn – and how you can pay for everything.
Study or training you pay forTe ako, te whakangungu rānei e utua ana e koe,
If you study a programme with an education provider like a division of Te Pūkenga, wānanga, university or private training establishment, your biggest costs are likely to be:
- Tuition fees – these depend on your subjects, study level and student status (like domestic or international).
- Course-related costs – like textbooks, computer equipment, tools.
- Travel costs – like bus or train fares, or petrol and parking.
- Living costs – like rent, food, power and internet. These are likely to be your biggest costs, especially if you live away from home.
Education providers usually list course tuition fees on their website.
Fees for domestic and international students – Universities New Zealand
Ways to pay study and living costsNgā ara utu i te ako me ngā utu noho,
Student loans and allowancesNgā pūtea taurewa ākonga me ngā moni tuku,
The StudyLink website has information on different ways to fund your study, including:
- student loan – money you pay back once you’re working
- student allowance – a weekly payment to help with living expenses
- scholarships – grants you can apply for if you meet the criteria
- help with health and disability costs
- help with costs like childcare and accommodation.
ScholarshipsNgā karahipi,
A scholarship is money given to students to help them pay for tertiary study. Scholarships are given for all sorts of reasons. They can be for different amounts. Find out what you could apply for.
Work while you study or trainTe mahi i a koe e ako ana, e whakangungu ana rānei,
You could work part time while doing a full-time study programme. Or do it the other way round – work full time and study part time. Distance learning might make part-time study easier because you don’t need to go to classes in person.
Support from your employerTe tautoko mai i tō kaituku mahi,
Some employers will support their staff to study or train. Ask your boss if your company would help to pay your programme costs or give you time off to study.
If you do an apprenticeship, you’ll get paid at least the training or adult minimum wage.