We’re increasing support for students, as part of our work to ease the cost of living.
$25 boost to Student Allowance and Student Loan Living Costs
Both the Student Allowance and Student Loan Living Costs are increasing by $25 from 1 April, helping more than 100,000 students so they can focus on what’s important – their studies. We’re also boosting the minimum wage to $21.20 an hour, so people who work while they study can earn more each week.
This support for students is part of a suite of changes coming into force on 1 April that will see many New Zealanders better off.
The rising cost of living, driven by worldwide inflation and the war in Ukraine, is making things tough for a lot of Kiwis right now. While there’s no easy fix, we’re taking a range of actions to ease the pressure – and our 1 April changes are the next step.
Our boost for the Student Allowance and Student Loan Living Costs is just the latest initiative in our work to support students and young adults.
We made the first year of tertiary study fees free and introduced free apprenticeships and targeted trades training. We believe everyone should have access to secure, healthy housing, so we’ve taken steps to make renting fairer and are requiring landlords to ensure their properties meet minimum standards for warmth and dryness. We’ve also boosted frontline mental health support in tertiary education, so more young people can get the help they need.
You can read more about these initiatives, and other ways we’re looking out for students, here.