OUMSA Emergency Grant

OUMSA emergency grants are available to assist students whose studies are threatened by unforeseen financial hardship.

Grants are intended for temporary, short-term support to allow an individual to continue their studies. They are provided at the discretion of OUMSA, and will be in the form of a targeted grant or vouchers up to a maximum value of $300 (NZ). Please note that we are unable to assist with payment of fines, tuition fees, or any debts accumulated by the applicant prior to enrolling at the University this year.

In order to be eligible to apply for a grant, you must:

  • Be enrolled in the medical program at the University of Otago and have attended your course for at least 1 week
  • Have exhausted all other avenues of financial assistance (e.g. partner, Studylink, WINZ, savings, bank overdraft)

Other Avenues of Support

Before you complete your application, check your eligibility for any of the following other supports.

  1. StudyLink Special Needs Grant

If an essential expense has resulted in you not having enough money for food, you may be entitled to a StudyLink Special Needs Grant. The maximum amount you can access in a year, if you are eligible, is $400 for a single person. Contact Studylink to determine eligibility. Phone 0800 889 900

  1. WINZ Special Needs Grant

This is the same as the Studylink Special Needs Grant but is for non-Studylink clients. Contact Work and Income NZ to determine eligibility. Phone 0800 559 009 www.workandincome.govt.nz

  1. WINZ Recoverable Assistance Payment Grant

As above. Phone 0800 559 009 www.workandincome.govt.nz

  1. Consumer Electricity Fund

DCC finances a fund to help Dunedin residents in hardship pay their electricity bill. This is a one-off grant. To apply, contact Dunedin Budget Advisory Service (471 6158), Salvation Army (477 9852) or Anglican Care (477 0801). OUSA Student Support is also able to make referrals on behalf of the student. 

  1. Bank Overdraft Facility

Most banks offer a student overdraft facility at a reasonable interest rate. Speak with your bank about this facility.

  1. Family or Partner Assistance

Can your family or partner provide some temporary financial assistance?

  1. OUSA Student Support Foodbank

Students in need can access the foodbank (free) up to two times per semester. Drop into 262 Leith Walk, between 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. No appointment needed.

The Process

  • Check out other avenues of support
  • Complete application form
  • Application will be assessed confidentially
  • You will be advised of the outcome via email

Apply Online Now

https://forms.gle/ZTLDwbcA9EYmo2GV6

Additional resources

Alternatively, please have a look at other options below.

  1. OUSA also has a Hardship Fund. For more information, visit the following page: https://ousasupporthub.org.nz/money/ousa-student-support-hardship/

2. The Otago Medical School can provide Scholarships, Hardship Support and Loans.  For more information, visit the following page: https://www.otago.ac.nz/oms/education/mbchb/current-students/support/scholarships