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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get money to support my year at Polytechnic?
Student loans and allowances are administered by Studylink.
All enquiries regarding student loans and allowances should be directed to Studylink on freephone 0800 88 99 00.
Student AllowanceIf you are a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or refugee you can apply for a student allowance, there are certain criteria you must meet:- be over 18 years of age (unless you qualify under additional criteria),
- if you are under 25 years of age allowance is scaled accordingly to parental income,
- if you have previously been in tertiary study and was on an allowance you must have successfully completed and passed over ½ of your qualification,
- be enrolled in a Tertiary Institute with NZQA and attending full time tertiary study,
- be able to provide all documentation requested by Studylink.
Student LoanThe student loan is to help with study costs. If you haven’t been eligible for a student allowance this would be the next option. This loan money will have to be paid back. Stop and think about other ways that you may be able to support your study, such as a scholarship, help from parents or part-time work. The Student Loan is made up of three parts:- Compulsory Fees (Your Programme Cost),
- Course-related Costs (up to $1000 for books and equipment),
- Living costs (up to $150 per week for rent, food and power).
For more information, please visit the Studylink website: www.studylink.govt.nz or freephone 0800 88 99 00.
How much can I earn while getting the Student Allowance?
Student AllowanceThis is a weekly payment for full time students to help with day to day living costs. There are certain criteria you have to meet to qualify, but this allowance doesn’t have to be paid back.- If you are single living alone
- You can earn up to $180.00 a week before tax in any week before your Student Allowance payments are affected. For every cent you earn over $180.00 per week, the amount of Student Allowance before tax you get will reduce by the same amount. For example, if you earn $195.50 a week before tax, your Student Allowance will be reduced by $15.50 per week.
Combined Income Limit (Couple) A higher rate of Student Allowance will be paid if you and your partners combined income is $360.00 or less before tax per week.
If your combined income is more than $360.00 but less than $750.00 before tax per week then Student Allowance will be paid at a lower rate. In any week that your combined income is $750.00 before tax or more, there will be no entitlement to Student Allowance for that week.
Remember - The student may earn personal income up to $180.00 before tax per week. For every cent you earn over $180.00 per week, the amount of Student Allowance before tax you get will reduce by the same amount.
Student LoanThe student loan is there to help with study costs. You do have to pay this back. You can get a loan to help with your: - Compulsory fees,
- Course related costs,
- Living costs.
For more information, please visit the Studylink website: www.studylink.govt.nz or freephone 0800 88 99 00.
I have started my programme but I’m finding it isn’t right for me. What can I do about it?
Most students are happy with the courses and qualification they choose but sometimes they find that the course or qualification does not match their ability or specific goals. If this is the case, you need to talk to the Programme co-ordinator to discuss alternative programmes that will better for you. - There is the option to transfer to other course if certain criteria can be met and if there is still a vacancy available.
- you haven’t completed 10% of your programme, you can withdraw and receive a partial refund of your programme fee.
Don’t just stop coming to the polytechnic, because if you don’t go through the proper process to withdraw it may affect your loan and allowance entitlement if you want to study in the future. Withdrawing is a very easy process and Student Support or your Programme Co-ordinator can help.
How do I choose a programme that is right for me?
It is very important that at the time of making your enrolment enquiries you ask the Programme Co-ordinator questions about the programme.
Some examples can include: - How many weeks does the Programme run?
- How much theory (book, paperwork and written assignments) and practical (activities, work experience) work is involved?
- What topics does the programme cover and what outcomes are expected?
- What would help in my preparation to starting and completing the course?
- How big are the classes and a brief outline of the other students expected to be on the programme?
- After successfully completing my Certificate or Diploma what suggestions can be given for job opportunities?
I’m having trouble with another student or staff member, who can I turn to for help?
There will be times when conflict does happen. At Tai Poutini Polytechnic we take complaints of harassment very seriously. The best way to manage the situation is to have the confidence to talk about issues with someone you can trust. If you need help, talk to your Programme Co-ordinator, Tutor or Student Services Officer. You are encouraged to bring a friend or family member as a support person with you.
I have a disability/impairment and I don’t want to disclose on the enrolment form.
It is not mandatory to disclose your disability. We strongly advise that you do declare especially if you require disability support services. If you declare a disability on the enrolment form, it is done confidently and only the staff that need to know will have access to this information. If you are unsure discuss this with your family, doctor or support person. If you would like more information please contact the Disability Co-ordinator.
I didn’t do well at school and I need help with my reading/writing and study. Who do I talk to?
This is a common question and help is available. Contact Student Services for friendly and confidential support. You may need to do an assessment to determine what areas of your learning need assistance; from there a support plan can be developed and provided.
I have a disability/impairment and will need help with my study, what should I do?
Before your start of your programme make an appointment with the Disability Co-ordinator or Student Services Officer. We will need to coordinate the right support for you to complete your programme. It is important to contact this staff early, please do not hesitate if you need further information.
Campus AccessIf there is any difficulty with access, please notify the Disability Co-ordinator.
ParkingThere are currently two designated parking spaces. These are located around the side southern entrance (Gate C) of the Greymouth campus beside the student cafeteria. You must display a current mobility card when using this space.
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