Getting ready for 2026 - StudyLink

Once again, we're asking students to apply before 16 December.

It's a date students just can't miss, it allows us to manage the volume of applications and help them get organised for the start of their study year.

It also helps education providers because it means fee payments can be made earlier.

Students who apply early will be encouraged to supply all their supporting documents by 16 December as well.

This year’s 'you can't miss it' campaign, uses the existing colourful and fun oversized 16s. As well as videos on the application process and students talking about their experiences getting ready to study.

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FEES FREE - POLICY

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For information about the current Fees Free policy, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

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Videos

All our videos are on our website and on YouTube. The YouTube links to these are below. The short versions (30 seconds) have been designed to use on socials.

Student Loan vs Student Allowance:

• Student Loan vs Student allowance - short version

• Student Allowance vs Student Loan - long version

Tips for applying online:

• Tips for applying online for a student loan or allowance - short version

• Tips for applying online for a student loan or allowance - long version

Before you apply:

• Before you apply for a student loan or allowance - short version

• Before you apply for a student loan or allowance - long version

Setting up a RealMe Login:

• Setting up a RealMe Login - short version

• Setting up a RealMe Login - long version

After I’ve applied:

• What's next after I've applied for a student loan or allowance - short version

• What's next after I've applied for a student loan or allowance - long version

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