Student allowances

Student allowances are another form of welfare administered by the Ministry of Social Development. Their latest Studylink newsletter details the widening of eligibility for Student Allowances which took effect on 1 January 2006 (it also covers the circumstances by which you can live and work overseas and still have your student loan interest written off). Eligibility for a Student Allowance is based on parental/partner income and NZ citizens, permanent residents and refugees qualify.

So I thought I'd take a quick look at who uses the scheme. Here's a quick comparison between 1999 and 2005

The amount distributed is fairly steady. In 2005 $360m up from $350m. Slightly more females are receiving student allowances at 53 up from 50 percent. The ethnic make-up is the most interesting aspect. In 1999 9 percent were Maori, Asians made up 12 percent. By 2005 Maori had increased to 11 percent and Asians to 22.

Twice as many Asians as Maori are taking up student allowances.