Students could face implications with their payments if they don’t apply for their student loans on time, says a student who has been through the process.

The Tauranga woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, wants to share her experience to help other avoid unnecessary stress.

The first semester of the tertiary education year is about to begin, and Studylink is reminding all students to ensure they have applied for their student loans or allowances.

A student talks about their experiences with applying as first-time students to Studylink and the unexpected challenges they faced.

A student said applying for a student loan can be a tedious and painful process, and students shouldn’t leave applying until the last minute.

“As a returning student it doesn’t take quite as long to reapply for a student loan, but it was a very long and confusing process as a first-time student.

“Applying for a student loan requires a lot of documentation which you need to verify before submitting.”

The student said you need to follow three steps in the beginning, which can take a while if you haven’t sorted out your documents and verified them.

“First you need to create a RealMe login which allows you to verify your identity. Then you need to complete an eligibility test to see how much money you can you for your loan and living expenses. Thirdly, you need to complete an online application.”

After the first three steps are complete, the student said Studylink will send you some forms in the mail. The you will need to supply your supporting documents to Studylink.

“Once these steps have all be completed you just have to log in to MyStudyLink to check your application status.

“If your application is approved, you can see how much you’ll get and when your payments will start.”

For those who still haven’t applied, it’s not too late, but it’s important to apply as soon as possible so that all the information can be sorted before the study begins, said Ministry of Social Development Centralised Services general manager Paula Rātahi O’Neill.

Whether you’re a first-time student or a returning student, it’s important that your application isn’t left until the last minute.

“Our message to students who haven’t already applied for their StudyLink student loan or allowance – please apply right away,” said Rātahi O’Neill.

Studylink holds a campaign every year to encourage students to apply before December 16.

“Most students respond well to our annual campaign and get their applications in by December 16.

“This allows time to work through the application process, any requests for supporting documentation and receive confirmation from education providers before students start their 2025 study.

“Our team is working hard assessing thousands of applications and finalising student loans and allowances, so students can start their studies with their finances sorted.

“To date, 97,583 students have applied for study in 2025, which is currently 12,200 more than the same time last year.”

Rātahi O’Neill said every year, some students leave it to the last minute, and then it becomes really stressful as they wait for their application to be approved.

“There is still time to get applications in, but apply now,” she said.

“Students can apply even if they haven’t decided where or what they will be studying or if they are still waiting for their NCEA result.”

Getting your application in starts the process, while you are working through all the steps.

She encouraged students to double-check their applications to ensure everything has been included in support of their application before it is sent to Studylink.

“You can update your application details or withdraw your application at any time.”

Studylink can help pay for study costs in a variety of ways, including compulsory course fees, course-related costs (e.g., books, laptops, etc), day-to-day living costs, and other costs for disabilities and childcare.

“How much you get depends on your age, income and course type,” said the Studylink website.

Once Studylink has confirmed your enrolment and your applications are approved, they will tell you exactly who you’re able to get based on your circumstances.

“If you apply late or don’t complete your enrolment with your education provider, this will affect when you can get your payments.”

To apply, visit https://studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/index.html

To find out more about paying back your loan, visit https://studylink.govt.nz/finished-study/your-loan.html