Accessing your financial assistance

As a First Foundation scholar, you have access to $4000 in financial assistance each year for your first, second and third year of study, thanks to your scholarship partner. Anything you don’t spend can roll over and be used the following year.

This page explains what you can use these funds for and how to access them.

Remember, you need to submit your quarterly Pulse Surveys on time, succeed in your studies, and meet the other requirements of your scholarship.

We help with the costs of study

The purpose of our financial assistance is to help you with the fees and costs of attending university, such as a deposit for Halls of Residence, textbooks and a laptop. There are some restrictions and maximum amounts, which you’ll find below.

It’s important to know we pay bills directly on your behalf, such as to the university, Halls of Residence, Studylink, PB Tech etc. We don’t deposit funds into your personal bank account.

Eligible Expenses

Your funds can be used for tertiary-related costs, including:

We cannot cover:

Preparing to pay fees and student loans

Universities charge study fees in the first year and every year afterwards. The government’s first-year Fees Free scheme has changed to final-year Fees Free starting in 2025. Find out how this affects you here. 

First Foundation’s assistance

When your university sends your invoice for the semester’s outstanding fees, send it to First Foundation with the Payment Request form, which we will email you each month. We will pay the university directly and let you know when we have done so.

Student loans

Our assistance will not cover all of your fees. You can apply for a student loan to cover the extra amount.

You must apply for your student loan before you start studying, as it can take months to process. We can backpay our assistance to your loan balance once you start studying; you just need to give us your IRD number.

Access funds for other expenses

To request funds, complete and submit the Payment Request form before the 10th of the Month. We’ll make the payment to the supplier by the end of the same month.

You’ll need to include a quote or invoice when you complete the Payment Request form. 

For expenses such as University Halls of Residence, provide the necessary information with your payment request, including the host account details and reference details. We need this information to authorise payment on your behalf.

For University-related resources, simply let us know what you need with the online Payment Request Form. You can request a laptop or iPad up to the value of $2,500, but no more. You’ll need to include a quote or invoice and we’ll pay it.

We’re here to help

If you need more information, please email financialassistance@firstfoundation.org.nz or watch the video tutorial on accessing your scholarship funds below. We know starting university can be stressful and that money worries can distract you from your studies.

Please get in touch if you’re struggling – you’re part of the First Foundation whānau now, and we’ve got your back!