Does the education loan include living expenses, and how much living expense is covered in UK/New Zealand?
Yes, both the UK and New Zealand build living expenses into your student loan through separate schemes. The UK's Maintenance Loan pays up to 14,135 pounds a year for London study, less elsewhere, while New Zealand's StudyLink scheme lends up to NZD 333.48 weekly, plus NZD 1,000 yearly.
Yes, your loan can include living expenses in both the UK and New Zealand, but each country pays it out through its own separate scheme rather than folding it into your tuition loan. In the UK, this is called a Maintenance Loan, and how much you get depends on where you live while studying and your household income. In New Zealand, StudyLink's Living Costs component pays you a weekly amount you later repay, so apply for it directly rather than assume it comes automatically.
Maximum Living Expense Support by Country
| Country and Situation | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| UK, living with parents | Up to 9,118 pounds per year |
| UK, outside London (away from parents) | Up to 10,830 pounds per year |
| UK, in London (away from parents) | Up to 14,135 pounds per year |
| New Zealand, weekly living costs | Up to NZD 333.48 per week |
| New Zealand, course related costs | Up to NZD 1,000 per year |
What You Need To Know Before You Apply
- Your UK Maintenance Loan amount is means tested against household income, so two students at the same university can receive different amounts.
- Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland run separate student finance bodies with their own caps and grant blends.
- New Zealand lets you borrow less than the maximum weekly rate if your actual living costs are lower.
- Both loans must be repaid once you start earning above the relevant income threshold.
My Advice
Apply for your maintenance or living costs loan as early as your tuition loan, since processing takes time and you do not want to arrive without funds for rent; also budget conservatively below the maximum, especially in London or Auckland.
Will you qualify for a NZ education loan?
Collateral, co-applicant income and repayment. Check your eligibility in minutes.
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