<h2>The government has taken a big first step towards making tertiary education and training more affordable for all New Zealanders this week.</h2>
<p>The government’s first 100 days programme includes introducing a $50 a week boost to both student allowances and loan entitlements for living costs and making the first year of tertiary education fees-free from January 1, 2018.</p>
<p>“Today we are announcing the first of these policies is in place as promised. This will make more than 130,000 students $50 a week better off.</p>
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<p>“From January 1, student allowance base rates and the maximum amount students can borrow for living costs will rise by a net $50 a week,” says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. “Where the allowance rate reflects the living costs of two adults, the increase will be $100 net a week.”</p>
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<p>“Allowance payments for single students aged under 24 and living away from home, for example, will rise from $177.03 to $227.03. The maximum amount that students can borrow will rise from $178.81 to $228.81.</p>
<p>“No change is being made to eligibility rules for student allowances or loans.</p>
<p>“We have heard the concerns of students and their families who have told us cost is a real barrier to taking on tertiary study. Improving affordability and access to tertiary education and training will improve <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/2015/10/developing-opportunities-at-school-with-a-view/" title="opportunities" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" target="_blank">opportunities</a> both for our young people and for adult learners who have previously been deterred from taking on tertiary study and training because of cost,” Mr Hipkins said.</p>
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<p>“New Zealand itself and its economy will also be a big winner, with an ever increasing number of jobs requiring tertiary-level education or training.”</p>
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<p>In addition, student allowance rates and loan living costs maximum will be further adjusted from 1 April 2018 in line with any increase in the CPI. The Accommodation Benefit is also scheduled to rise by $20 a week in 2018 to a maximum of $60 a week for students,” Mr Hipkins said.</p>
<h3>Fees free</h3>
<p>The government is also on track to deliver the first year of fees-free education and training from January 1 next year. “Final decisions are being worked through, and students can rest assured that the first year of fees-free study will kick in next year and they should plan accordingly. We expect to be in a position to make announcements soon, Mr Hipkins said.</p>
<p>“The changes for 2018 are just the first step in the process as the government rolls out a full programme of three years’ fees-free tertiary education for New Zealanders by 2024 alongside better support for living costs,” Mr Hipkins said.</p>

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