The Dilworth Trust Leavers’ Support Grant can be applied for by any Dilworth School old boy from Year 12 or 13 attending an approved tertiary course at either a University, Polytechnic, Wānanga, Institute of Technology, Private Training Establishment or Industry Training Organisation (including trades apprenticeships) within three years of leaving school.
The grant is generously provided by the Dilworth Trust to assist tertiary students with costs directly associated with being a student and being unable to earn a full-time salary while studying or training.
The grant is designed to assist with course-related costs and can cover things such as a text books, course fees, repayments towards student loans etc. and will be split over the first three years of study up to the maximum available to you. If you are working full-time and undertaking an approved apprenticeship with an Industry Training Organisation a grant can be applied for to cover the cost of tools in the first year.
Application should be made to the Dilworth Advancement Team. Eligible old boys who complete their secondary schooling at Dilworth and are entering tertiary study or training can apply for $4,600 over the course of their studies. Students who gain Level 1, 2 and 3 endorsed with Merit or Excellence are able to apply for higher grants (see below for more information).
Applications must be made online on the official application form and can be requested from the Advancement Team, using this email: alumni@dilworth.school.nz
Applications should be discussed with the Advancement Team prior to submitting them.
All students who complete Year 13 will be able to take their school issued device with them. Therefore, the Leavers’ Support Grant will not be available to purchase a device for study. A possible exception could be in Year 3 of study if your course requires a special software program or device.
If you leave school in Year 12, or before the end of Year 13, you will be able to purchase your laptop from the school at a reasonable cost.
The Leavers’ Support Grant can be used in your first year to pay for course fees. Typically, these will be about $4,500 per semester. Remember that the Leavers’ Support Grant will only fund up to $2,500 in the first year.
The process to follow to use the Leavers’ Support Grant for fees will be:
1. Apply for a student loan with StudyLink before 1 December in the year you leave school.
2. When your tertiary enrolment is confirmed in January, your tertiary provider will inform StudyLink who will then pay the full amount of fees for you.
As an example, using the table above, a student has completed their schooling at Dilworth, making them eligible to apply for $4,600. They have also been endorsed with a Level 1 Excellence, a Level 2 Excellence, and a Level 3 Merit. So in this example using the above table $4,600 + $825 + $1,375 + $1,100 means they could apply for up to $7,900.
The time gap between leaving school and beginning tertiary training for a first qualification allowed under this scheme is three years.
If the applicant has been working full-time for longer than one year before making an initial application for the Leavers’ Support Grant, the grant is pro-rated by 2/3 of the original amount.
3. You then apply to the Advancement Team to have $2,500 (or some lesser amount) repaid to your student loan with StudyLink. You will need to download a statement of your loan from the IRD website to do this and make an application for the Leavers’ Support Grant.
4. If you do not require a student loan from StudyLink due to receiving scholarships or prefer to use your own funds, the Leavers’ Support Grant can be used to assist with this. But contact the Advancement Team first regarding the process to follow.
When applications are reviewed and approved the grant will be paid directly to the supplier on your behalf. You will not be paid cash. Awarding of a Leavers’ Support Grant is entirely at the discretion of the Headmaster and the Dilworth Trust.
Any further questions or enquiries can be made directly to the Advancement Team: alumni@dilworth.school.nz
What can my grant be used for?
To support course-related costs incurred during study or training.
I am doing an apprenticeship, does this qualify for the Leavers’ Support Grant?
Yes, if it is an apprenticeship registered with an Industry Training Organisation.
I am doing an apprenticeship, can I use the Leavers’ Support Grant for tools?
Yes, you can use it for tools in your first year up to $2,500 (including GST). But not after that if you are working full-time.
I am doing a six month certificate course. Does this qualify?
You can apply for assistance from the grant during your training. It is likely to be on a pro-rated basis.
I have university fees to pay this year, can I use my Leavers’ Support Grant for these?
Yes. You can use a portion of the Leavers’ Support Grant to pay for your fees.
Is there a limit on how much of the Leavers’ Support Grant I can use in my first year?
Yes, there is a limit of $2,500 (including GST) available in your first year.
How much is available in subsequent years?
Usually the amount remaining after Year 1 would be divided between Years 2 and 3. From 2025 the final year of study will be fees free. Discuss with the Advancement Team how to spread the grant over your time in study.
Over how many years can I use my Leavers’ Support Grant?
Generally it is over three years. If it is intended that your study or training is going to take longer, you could discuss this with the Advancement Team to extend it over a longer period.
I left school four years ago and have been working. This year I am starting university. Can I still access my Leavers’ Support Grant?
No, it should be first accessed within three years of leaving school.
My school issued laptop is no longer working. Can I use the grant for a new one?
No. the Leavers’ Support Grant is not available for electronic goods. This includes laptops, Ipads, repairs and headphones.
I need new clothes for work. Can I use the Leavers’ Support Grant for this?
No
I need a car to get to work, can I use my Leavers’ Support Grant for this?
No
Can I use the Leavers’ Support Grant to pay for my accommodation costs?
Yes, provided that you are required to live away from home, studying, not working full-time and living in a Halls of Residence. Applications for accommodation will require a tax invoice.
Can I use the Leavers’ Support Grant to pay off my student loan?
Yes, we can make a payment direct to the IRD to reduce the amount of your loan.
Can I get reimbursed for costs I have incurred?
No, there is no reimbursement. All payments from the Leavers’ Support Grant must be to an approved supplier using a tax invoice.
Can I buy something online using my Leavers’ Support Grant?
Such transactions are difficult as online providers are often not willing to supply the correct invoice for the Dilworth Trust Board. Best to discuss with the Advancement Team first.
I have finished my study and still have money available in my Leavers’ Support Grant. Can I use this?
No, the Leavers’ Support Grant is to provide support with study or training costs. It may be that you do not need to access all of the funds.
Can I use my Leavers’ Support Grant in one lump sum?
No, it should be spread over several years. The maximum amount each year is $5,000.
Can I use the Leavers’ Support Grant to pay for costs associated with overseas providers?
No, all purchases must be made within New Zealand.