Do I have to pay back my student loan if I never finished the course?

Generally, yes. Under the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011, you owe what you borrowed whether or not you completed the course, and repayments are collected through Inland Revenue at a set percentage of income above a repayment threshold. Interest is not charged on New Zealand-based borrowers while they live in New Zealand, subject to the rules, but it can apply if you go overseas and fail to keep IRD informed. There are limited grounds for relief, such as if your provider closed or you are affected by hardship or serious illness, so contact Inland Revenue. If you withdrew early, you might have been entitled to a refund of fees under your provider's withdrawal policy or the Code of Pastoral Care. Check the timing of your withdrawal and ask the provider in writing.