Winter Energy Grant

Need help keeping your flat warm this winter? Student Finance is offering a Winter Energy Grant to help pay a winter power bill.

Warm your whare—winter energy support

Are you needing support with your winter power bill? If the answer is yes, then the Winter Energy Grant may be for you. Follow the link below to apply for this assistance.

Conditions

One application per address

Only one application per address is accepted.

Group applications

If you live with other Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students, please submit one group application together.

Individual applications

If you're the only VUW student at your address, you can still submit an individual application.

Who can apply

All New Zealand-based VUW students who are currently enrolled are eligible to apply, as long as you are not living in a hall of residence with all-inclusive costs.

Grant amount

Thanks to generous support from businesses that work with the University, alumni, and staff, via donations to the Student Hardship Fund, Student Finance offers household grants of up to $350 to help contribute to increased costs of warming your home over winter.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 Winter Energy Grant are now closed.

If you require assistance with a power bill, or are otherwise experiencing financial hardship, applications to our Hardship Fund are open year-round.

Supporting evidence

To complete your Winter Energy Grant application, you’ll be asked to provide:

  • Evidence of your bank details that show the bank logo, account number, account holder and address. The name and address of the payee bank account need to match the details on the Winter Energy Grant application. A flat account is preferred.
  • A copy of a current or previous month's power bill or prepaid electricity tokens. The address on the bill must match the details of the Winter Energy Grant application.

If you do not have a flat account, explain in the application how your household manages bill payments and provide an appropriate nominated account with your flat address.

If you are unable to match your flat address across your supporting evidence, you can provide a current tenancy agreement with your name and flat address, alongside your bank account details.

Acknowledgements

This initiative would not be possible without the generous donations and support from alumni, staff, and the following businesses: