More than 150 students have requested financial support from the University of Otago since lockdown was announced.
The University of Otago’s Putea Tautoko student hardship fund was established last year to support students facing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2020, grants totalling $4.1million were paid out to nearly 2600 students, governance group chairman David Thomson said.
Up until lockdown began last week, another $500,000 in total had gone to more than 350 students this year.
And more than 150 new applications have been received since lockdown was announced last Tuesday.
The university committed $1.5million as an initial investment to support Otago students, and asked alumni, staff, and friends to contribute to increase the amount available.
Putea Tautoko was the largest hardship initiative in the university’s history.
Applications were considered by several panels, all including student representation.
