Associate Social Development Minister Chester Borrows is urging students to apply for their 2014 Student Loan and Allowance by next Monday.
"This year StudyLink has been very clear that the best way for students to make sure their financial support is sorted when they start studying is by applying by December 16," Mr Borrows said.
"This will allow enough time for all the steps in the application process to be completed before the start of their 2014 study. If they don't apply on time or provide all the information needed they run the risk of not getting their payments on time."
Mr Borrows said during the busiest times of the year it could take eight weeks or more to finalise an application, particularly for complex applications requiring additional information such as parent's income.
More than 200,000 loan and allowance applications are expected for the start of the 2014 academic year, the minister said.
