Level up with an Education Loan

An education loan can cover a wide range of study costs, including: 

•   Tuition and course fees
•   Books, uniforms, and materials
•   Laptops and technology
•   Exam fees and registration costs
•   Transport, accommodation, or living expenses while studying

You can typically borrow from $3,000 up to $100,000 or more, depending on your credit history, income, and the cost of your study. Whether it's a short course or a full degree, we'll work with you to find a suitable amount and repayment plan. Subject to lender criteria and approval.

Education loan terms typically range from one to five years, depending on how much you borrow and how you'd like to structure your repayments. A shorter term means less interest overall, while a longer term lowers the repayments but usually costs more in total.

Your rate is personalised. It's based on things like your credit history, your financial position, and the loan details. You can see the current rate range in the Loan Information section below, and use the calculator to get a feel for repayments (a guide only until we assess your application).

We offer fixed-rate education loans. A fixed rate means your repayments stay the same for the life of the loan, so they're predictable and simple to plan your study budget around.

Education loans usually have an establishment fee and an introducer fee. Some lenders also charge ongoing account fees. We'll spell out every fee before you go ahead, so there are no surprises. Full fee details, including a worked example, are in the Loan Information section below and in your loan contract.

You'll need to be 18 or older to apply. There's typically no strict upper age limit, but you'll need to show you can comfortably meet the repayments within the loan term.

In most cases you'll need to be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work or study visa. Some lenders may also want proof of longer-term residency or local income. If you're a non-resident, it's worth checking with our team - depending on your visa type and financial situation, we may still be able to help. Subject to lender criteria and approval.

Not necessarily a problem. Options may be available across a range of credit histories, subject to lending criteria and affordability checks. A less-than-perfect credit history doesn't automatically rule you out - lenders look at your income and whether you can comfortably afford the repayments. Rates may be higher and the amount you can borrow may be lower. Our advisers can talk through your situation and outline suitable options. Subject to lender criteria and approval.

Yes - being self-employed doesn't rule you out. Lenders will usually want to see proof of income, like bank statements or financial records, to understand what you can comfortably repay. We'll let you know what's needed.

It varies, but with all your information in, approval can be same-day. Once you're approved and everything's signed, funds are often available the same or next day, depending on the lender. Approval is subject to meeting lending criteria, and an affordability test applies.

When you start an application, we run a soft credit check to size up your options - and a soft check doesn't affect your credit score. It's only if you go ahead with a lender, and they run a full credit check, that it's recorded on your credit file and may affect your score. Applying with several providers can mean several checks.

Yes, in most cases you can make early or lump-sum repayments, which can reduce the total interest you pay. Some lenders charge an early repayment fee, so it's worth checking your loan contract before you go ahead.

Get in touch with your lender as soon as you can - the earlier the better. Missing a repayment may mean fees and could affect your credit score, so keeping the lines open is the most important thing. Lenders can often work something out if they know early.