Emergency Financial Support Grant , Koha āwhina

We know sometimes life can be tough financially while you study. If you are currently studying at Massey and facing financial difficulties, you may apply for an Emergency Financial Support Grant.

This grant is for current students in urgent and unexpected financial need, due to a temporary change in circumstances.

We may be able to help with unexpected and urgent things which affect your ability to study, such as:

  • a funeral or tangihanga of a close relative
  • an emergency medical or dental procedure that is not funded elsewhere
  • help towards your first pair of prescription glasses
  • laptop repairs so you can continue studying
  • emergency rent due to an unexpected change in living arrangements.

The hardship fund should not be considered your primary source of funding. The grant is for when other support agencies cannot assist, and you feel there is no other help available.

Before you apply for an emergency financial support grant you must have considered assistance from all other sources including the Ministry of Social Development and StudyLink.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for this grant your circumstances must be urgent and unexpected, and your financial need must be affecting your ability to access the everyday essentials you need for study. You must:

  • be enrolled in the current semester and actively participating in course learning activities
  • have passed at least 1 course in the 2 semesters prior to application (new students are exempt from this condition)
  • have a New Zealand bank account
  • be currently residing in New Zealand
  • have applied and/or identified alternative sources of support or funding
  • have provided quotes or invoices, as appropriate for the circumstances. Bank statements are not required.

Limitations

There are limits to the grant:

  • You may receive a maximum of $500.00 in a single semester.
  • You may receive a maximum of $800.00 per over a 12-month period.
  • For new students applications will open no earlier than 14 calendar days before the semester administrative start date.
  • For returning students applications will open no earlier than 28 calendar days before the semester administrative start date.
  • Applications close 7 days before the semester administrative end date.
  • This grant cannot be used to pay tuition fees, course related costs, placement costs, or credit card debt.
  • Students with an academic progress status of concern will not normally eligible for this grant. If you can show that your academic status is the result of a short-term financial difficulty, then this will be considered as part of your application.

How do you apply?

1, Log in to your student portal

2, Select the Scholarships tab

Select the Scholarships tab and choose apply for scholarship

3, Select Apply for a scholarship

Select the Scholarships tab and choose apply for scholarship

4, Locate Emergency Financial Support Grant in the list

Scholarships are listed alphabetically. To find “Emergency Financial Support Grant” either:

  • Search for "Emergency”
  • Go to the page containing scholarships that start with the letter “E”.
Locate "Emergency Financial Support Grant" in the list

5, Select Apply now

6, Read the scholarship rules, then select Commence application.

7, Complete the application form

If you have discussed your situation and support needs with someone at Massey, and you would like us to involve that person when making our assessment, please include their full name in your application.

What happens next?

Your application will be received by a student support liaison advisor. First, they will confirm whether you’ve previously received this grant and that you:

  • are enrolled for the current semester and actively studying
  • have identified and/or applied for other forms of support.
  • have a New Zealand bank account.

If they cannot confirm these details from your application, they may contact you to obtain additional information, and:

  • clarify the urgent and unexpected nature of the circumstances
  • check you are applying for the most appropriate amount for your situation
  • help you to access the wider university support network.

Your application will then be reviewed by the grant committee.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter through your student portal with the amount available to you. You need to accept the offer and provide your bank details before the funds can be transferred.

If your application is declined, you will be advised by a committee representative.

Closing dates

The hardship fund closing dates are subject to the availability of funds and the university reserves the right to bring forward these deadlines if necessary.

Semester Closing date
Semester 1, 2024 17 June 2024
Semester 2, 2024 4 November 2024
Summer school, 2024 7 February 2025

Timeframe

After you’ve submitted your application the process may take up to 10 business days.

Please provide as much information as possible to support your application. If we need to get more information from you, it may take longer to process your application.

Need help applying?

Your students association advocacy coordinators can give you advice on completing your application. They may also be able to help with an emergency food grant.

Find a students association advocate

Related content

Hardship & emergency support

Get emergency support to pay for unexpected medical bills or to meet your basic living costs.

Financial & budgeting help

Get help with funding your study and advice on managing your money. Access support during times of financial hardship.