Student Allowance if you're 16-17

If you’re 16 or 17, you may be able to get a Student Allowance but it depends on your circumstances.

If you're at secondary school you may be able to get a Student Allowance if you're in a recognised relationship. This means you have a partner and a child.

If your recognised relationship is de facto, a Family Court Judge must consent to it.

Definition of a recognised relationship
Definition of a de facto relationship

If you're studying with a tertiary education provider, you may be able to get a Student Allowance if you're in one of these situations:

  • you have a child
  • you have no relationship with your parents and you don't live with them
  • you've completed year 13
  • you've got:
    • 42 NCEA credits at level 3, or
    • 42 or more National Qualification Framework credits at level 4, or
    • accepted onto a tertiary course with entry requirements the same as 42 NCEA credits at level 3.

Apply online for a Student Allowance (if you haven’t already).

If you can’t get a Student Allowance you may be able to get help from Youth Services.

If you can’t get a Student Allowance and you’re living away from home, whoever cares for you may be able to get an Away from Home allowance from Work and Income.