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Home / About StudyLink / Glossary / Approved course
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Approved course

Our definition for approved course.

Tertiary study

An approved course is a recognised programme that's:

  • approved by the Tertiary Education Commission for Student Allowances and Student Loans
  • recognised by either the:
    • New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
    • New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee (Universities New Zealand).

Secondary school

If you're at secondary school, it needs to be a full-time course at a secondary school in New Zealand.


Student Allowance

The course or programme also needs to be either:

  • an undergraduate course (level 7 or below on the National Qualifications Framework) or
  • a Bachelor degree with Honours.

Student Loan

The course or programme also needs to be either:

  • full-time, or
  • part-time and 32 weeks or more, or
  • part-time, less than 32 weeks and with at least 0.25 EFTS.

linksRelated links

What are EFTS?
Check if your course is approved on the Which Course Where website

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