Student loan borrower numbers and amounts surge in first quarter
Student loan borrowing rose significantly in the first three months of 2026, with more people taking on debt and larger amounts loaned.
The number of people borrowing through the student loan scheme climbed to 126,696 in the first three months of the year, a 12 percent increase on the same period last year. Students borrowed $1.145 billion during that time, representing a 19 percent increase or $184 million more than the first quarter of 2025.
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RNZ
Student loan borrower number climbs along with amount loaned
An Education Ministry report said 126,696 people borrowed from the student loan scheme in the first three months of the year, 12 percent more than last year.
Otago Daily Times
Major rise in student loan borrowers, along with amount loaned
1News
Student debt: Borrower numbers climb along with amount loaned
In the first three months of the year, students borrowed $1.145 billion, 19% or $184 million more than the same period in 2025.