Student Loans and Student Allowances have changed with effect from 1 January 2011. The main changes are listed below.

The Student Loan changes are:

• A performance measure has been introduced for Student Loans
• A 7 EFTS lifetime limit for Student Loans has been introduced
• The Student Loan administration fee has been renamed the establishment fee and increased to $60
• The introduction of a $40 administration fee is being administered by Inland Revenue
• Permanent residents and Australian citizens will have a two-year stand down before they are eligible to Student Loans

The Student Allowance changes are:

• A 92 week limit has been introduced for secondary school study
• Students are no longer able to receive Student Allowance and New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension at the same time
• Adjustments to residency criteria to bring Student Allowance in line with Student Loans

To find out more, visit the StudyLink website.