For Current and Interested Hawai‘i Renewable Learning Fund Students

70%

Of RLF participants transferred from another University of Hawai‘i campus before continuing at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Access zero‑interest student loans to help you finish your degree.

Created in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Renewable Learning Fund (RLF) is a 0% interest student loan program designed to help eligible students manage tuition and living costs, reduce financial stress, and finish their degree to pursue in‑demand careers in Hawaiʻi.

Why Students Choose This Program

0% Interest Rate: You only pay back what you borrow—your repayment is not affected by fluctuating student loan interest rates.
Income‑Based Protection: If you earn less than $50,000 annually at any point after graduating, you may apply for income-based deferment, during which period your monthly payment obligation would be $0.
Predictable Repayment: Once your annual income exceeds the $50,000 threshold, you make fixed monthly payments for a defined period of up to five years.
Pay‑It‑Forward Impact: All repayments are recycled back into the fund to help future University of Hawaiʻi students complete their degrees.
Employer Assistance: Some graduates may qualify for employer loan repayment assistance through participating local employers, depending on where they work after graduation.

Listen to stories from students who’ve already participated in RLF

Who Can Apply

To be eligible to receive a loan under the Hawaiʻi Renewable Learning Fund, you must be:

In your last two years of your Nursing or Engineering undergraduate study at UH Mānoa
A resident of Hawaiʻi (with permanent mailing address)
Authorized to work in the U.S.
At least 18 years old
Low-income (family income at or below 75% of state median)

How to Apply

Confirm eligibility: Start by reviewing whether you meet the general eligibility criteria listed above
Complete a short intake form: Share a few details so we can assess your eligibility
Connect with your school: Meet with a university representative (if required by your school)
Submit your application: Once your university representative confirms you are on track to graduate within two years, you’ll be invited to complete the formal application
Receive funding: Approved students receive disbursements aligned with the academic calendar

Submit an intake form

Key Resources:

Participant Stories

How the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Helped Jotis Focus on School

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How the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Helped Jotis Focus on School
Kaua’i native Jotis transferred from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo to the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Engineering but didn’t receive enough financial aid to cover his tuition and other costs. But then Jotis applied to the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund, which provided him the supplementary financial support he needed to fully dedicate himself to training for a career in engineering.

The Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Gives Melanie The Boost She Needs

A person with long dark hair, wearing a white shirt and a headset, smiles in front of a solid blue background.

The Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Gives Melanie the Boost She Needs

On the verge of finishing her civil engineering degree at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Engineering, Melanie, born and raised on O’ahu, found herself in need of financial support as she juggled her capstone coursework and a job. Melanie applied to the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund and got the assistance she needed to find the balance she needed to finish her college career strong.

The Hawai'i Renewable Learning Fund Gave David the Financial Freedom He Needed to Center His Studies

A man with a trimmed beard and mustache, wearing a gray shirt and white earphones, is positioned in front of a plain blue background.

The Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund Gave David the Financial Freedom He Needed to Center His Studies

Before getting assistance through the Hawai’i Renewable Learning Fund, David worked overnight shifts to cover his living expenses. The Fund’s 0% loans gave him the financial freedom he needed to focus on his studies and worry less about making ends meet.