The Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fund was established to support students who are experiencing financial hardship that is impacting their studies.
From 2026, enrolment fees at the University of Otago will include a compulsory annual fee to fund a larger and more accessible Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fund. The Fund will no longer be limited to restrictive eligibility criteria or requirements, such as unforeseen financial hardship. Current students who find themselves experiencing financial difficulties and have paid the annual fee, can apply to the fund for support, providing evidence to support their circumstances.
The NZ$20 (incl GST) Pūtea Tautoko Student Relief Fee will be paid once per year at the time of first enrolment; it does not change in relation to the enrolment period. For example, you will pay NZ$20 if you are:
- Enrolling in just one Summer School paper, or
- Enrolling in papers in Summer School, semester 1, and semester 2 in one calendar year
Domestic, international, full-time, part-time, undergraduate, and postgraduate students enrolled on any campus or by distance will be charged the fee. There are some enrolment groups who are exempt from paying
If you are taking out a student loan through StudyLink, the Pūtea Tautoko Fund fee will be covered alongside your tuition fees.
Further information
Pūtea Tautoko | Student Relief Fund