Photo: ODT FilesStressed out students are struggling to pay rent, buy food and take the bus to class because their student loan applications are still not processed, weeks after courses began. Other students in her hall were worried about being kicked out of university because they could not pay their fees, Bethell said. She confirmed students would be backpaid, and said anyone who's struggling students should contact them. Student associations advocating for studentsVictoria University Students' Association president Aidan Donoghue said up to fifteen students had been in touch this academic year struggling with Studylink delays meaning they can't pay their fees. Other student associations had also seen an increase in students reporting StudyLink application delays.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 13, 2026 12:32 UTC