Student Hardship Funds
Find out about:
| WelTec Only COVID-19 Hardship Fund | International COVID-19 Hardship Fund | StudyLink and Budgeting | Student Financial Hardship Fund |
Domestic COVID-19 Hardship Fund
(Note - As of 30/06/2020 the Whitireia Hardship Fund has been depleted)
What is the Domestic Hardship Fund for Learners?
The New Zealand Government has created the Hardship Fund to provide financial assistance to tertiary students whose studies have or are being affected by COVID-19.
If you are experiencing financial hardship that is getting in the way of your studies, the Hardship Fund for Learners could help you.
How can the Domestic Hardship Fund for Learners help you?
The Hardship Fund for Learners can help with a range of costs including but not limited to;
- Food
- Utilities
- Accommodation
- Necessary medical, dental or other related costs
- Transportation costs
- Childcare costs
Eligibility for Domestic Hardship Fund for Learners
To be eligible, you need to be a current student enrolled in WelTec who is experiencing/experienced financial hardship during COVID-19*. The Domestic Hardship Fund for Learners is available to domestic students only. We are currently seeking Government Funding for the International Students Hardship fund.
Process
- Fill in the application form
- You will receive a phone call from a support staff member to go through your application.
- Provide this staff member with your verified bank account details (ie photo of your bank account name and number)
- You will receive notification of acceptance/decline of your application.
- If successful, Hardship awarded.
International COVID-19 Hardship Fund
Education New Zealand has provided Whitireia and WelTec with some funding to assist international students facing hardship.
The International Hardship Fund provides temporary assistance to international students facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardship means having essential expenses that you have no realistic way of paying, that are affecting your studies. The International Hardship Fund can be used to cover basic living costs that international students are struggling with, including food, utilities, rent or other unexpected expenses. This fund cannot be used for travel or dentistry.
Normally, the maximum sum distributed, if the application is successful, will be $400. The total fund is limited and not all applications will be successful and/or will not receive the maximum amount. By submitting the form, you agree to provide a bank statement on request.
StudyLink and Budgeting
Are you having a hard time using StudyLink or sticking to a budget? You’re not alone! We’re here to help you.
We can help with:
- StudyLink applications
- budgeting advice
- providing a support person at meetings with StudyLink or Work and Income
- travel costs
- helping you find a job
- helping you receive entitlements, if applicable
Come and talk to us if you’re having trouble with money. We can work out what support may be available to you.
Student Financial Hardship Fund
Current Whitireia & WelTec students who are going through financial hardship or economic problems that will likely hurt their studies can apply for financial assistance from our Student Hardship Fund.
We can help you with funds if you’re facing urgent or immediate expenses that you can’t pay for, like unexpected travel or health expenses. You might be able to get food vouchers too.
Your application is completely confidential, and your information is protected by the Privacy Act 1993.
How to apply
If you want to apply for the Student Financial Hardship Fund, read the information and fill out the application form. Hand it in at your campus’ Student Information Centre, or contact the Student Financial Advisor if you need more help or assistance.
Student Financial Hardship Fund Application
More Information PDF Application Form
Locations and hours
Petone Campus, Learning Commons: Monday to Friday 8 am-4 pm
Porirua Campus, Kia Ngāwari, the Health Centre: Monday to Friday 8 am-4 pm
Wellington Regional School of Construction: Tuesday 9 am-1 pm
Hospitality Campus: Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
Contact our Student Financial Advisor
Phone: 0800 141 121
