Rise in university students accessing hardship funds

More university students are struggling to pay their bills despite extra financial assistance from the New Zealand government. Figures collated by NZME show an increase in hardship funds given out and applications for financial help at three of New Zealand’s biggest universities, writes Emme McKay for the NZ Herald.

The University of Auckland’s student association gives out funds for students in need of financial help with food, accommodation, travel or medical bills. Applications are assessed by a committee and then given out accordingly. In semester one, or the first half of the university year, hardship grants had a value of NZ$13,991 (US$9,200). That compares to NZ$16,000 handed out for the whole of 2017. Luke Kibblewhite, the student association's welfare vice-president, said early indications look like semester two would be higher than the first.

Victoria University of Wellington’s hardship grants had also increased – with 100 more grant applications compared to last year. The student association's president Marlon Drake said it was down to the rising cost of living from rent, power and medical prices. Sage Burke, Otago University student association student support manager, said rent was the major contributing factor.
Full report on the NZ Herald site