What is the Hardship Fund for Learners (HAFL)?

The purpose of this fund is to provide temporary financial assistance for students who are facing hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19. The funding is distributed by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) directly to Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) — like Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi — who are then tasked with allocating financial assistance to students in hardship and most in need of support.

TEC defines hardship as any suffering, deprivation or financial challenge faced by a learner due to COVID-19 that is interfering with their ability to progress with their studies. In this regard, the HAFL can help with a range of costs including but not limited to:

• Food
• Utilities
• Housing
• Health related costs
• Transportation costs
• Childcare costs
• Resources for learning (e.g. internet connections), excluding devices (student laptops are available for short term loans via the library or longer loans can be organised via Heads of Schools).

Note: This fund is no longer being offered.