Hardship Fund for Learners gets $20 million boost

Tertiary learners who are facing hardship due to the result of Covid-19 restrictions have help at hand, after a $20 million funding boost was announced by the Government.

The Minisrty of Education announced, “This additional funding will allow tertiary education organisations to address current need, and provides cover in case of future COVID-19 restrictions, including into the start of 2022.

“Minister Hipkins has directed the Tertiary Education Commission to work with learner representatives and provider groups to make sure that learners know about and can access this support.”

The Hardship Fund for Learners is to be paid out to providers that supports learner to access funding. It can be used for technology-related costs where COVID-19 restrictions remove the options for face-to-face study, for example.

The Government has also made a change to ensure student living support payments can continue for students unable to study online for an extended period as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.

“These changes, coupled with the support MSD can already offer, support tertiary learners facing hardship due to COVID-19 restrictions,” said the MoE.