US Federal Student Aid

Sallie Mae is a US loan provider offering private student loans and savings accounts. The University of Waikato accepts Sallie Mae loans for international students from the United States.

Eligible use of Sallie Mae loans

Loans may be used for:

• Tuition, fees, books, and supplies
• On-campus or off-campus accommodation
• Transportation, technology, and equipment
• Personal and professional expenses
• Disability needs and childcare
• Study abroad costs

More details: What can Sallie Mae student loans be used for?

Loan disbursement process

Once certified by the University, Sallie Mae disburses loans about one month before the programme start date. The financial team allocates funds according to your instructions.

For more information, contact: agency@waikato.ac.nz

Sallie Mae application process

1. Apply online
   • Submit your loan application on the Sallie Mae website.
2. Confirm approval
   • After approval, email agency@waikato.ac.nz to confirm eligibility.
   • In your email, specify whether your loan will cover tuition only, or tuition and living expenses.
3. Confirm the amount
   • Borrow only what you need. You are not required to take the maximum amount.
   • When Sallie Mae notifies the University for certification. When we receive this notification from Sallie Mae, we will email you the NZD conversion, the amount applied to tuition, and any remaining balance for living costs.
4. Loan certification
   • After you confirm the details are correct, the University will certify your loan.

Sallie Mae exchange rate policy

• Loans are certified and disbursed in US Dollars.
• Payments are accepted in New Zealand Dollars only.
• Funds are converted to NZD at the exchange rate on the day of delivery.
• Neither the University nor Sallie Mae can fix or revise exchange rates.

Loan queries: agency@waikato.ac.nz

VA Education Benefits assist veterans, service members, and eligible family members with tuition costs, study programme selection, and career counselling.

The University of Waikato accepts eligible students for US VA Education Benefits including:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill
• Veterans Education Assistance Programme (VEAP)

More details on the VA Gov website.

Programme approval requirements

• Check that your degree is on the list of approved University of Waikato programmes.
• Do not enrol in a programme that has not yet been approved, as you will be responsible for all costs, including tuition and fees.
• If your degree is not yet approved, email agency@waikato.ac.nz. The degree approval process may take up to six months, so apply early.

University of Waikato Bachelor of Teaching degrees are not eligible for VA funding.

Application process for VA benefits

1. Online application
   • Apply through the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.
   • Use the University’s VA faculty code: 11200699.
2. Confirmation and certification
   • The VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility.
   • Email a copy to agency@waikato.ac.nz.
   • The University will certify funding after full enrolment.

VA exchange rate policy

• VA Benefits are certified in NZD but disbursed in USD.
• Funds are converted to NZD at the exchange rate on the day of delivery.
• Neither the University nor the US Department of Veterans Affairs can fix or revise exchange rates.

VA funding queries: agency@waikato.ac.nz