Get your first year for FREE*
The Government has advised they intend to change the Fees Free policy from 2025. The details of the change are yet to be confirmed, and we'll update this webpage when we have more information.
The Fees Free policy for 2024 is unchanged.
Fees Free tertiary education and training is a policy introduced in 2018 to expand participation in tertiary education and reduce student debt in New Zealand. It is targeted towards first-time learners.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training. If you are eligible, we’ll organise payment of your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission.
Who can get Fees Free?
Those at school or recent school leavers
- You can get Fees Free if you have been enrolled in a school in or after 2022 (other than as an adult learner) and you meet the citizenship or residency criteria.
Those who left school before 2022
- You can get Fees Free if you meet the prior study and training criteria and meet the citizenship or residency criteria.
How do I check if I can get Fees Free study or training?
Go to feesfree.govt.nz and enter your National Student Number (NSN) to find out your eligibility status and if you need to take any next steps.
If you can’t remember your NSN, you can request it from NZQA here.
You’ll also need to check that the course or training programme you’re enrolling in is covered by Fees Free. Ask the organisation who runs it whether it is, or find the course and programme eligibility criteria on the Fees Free website.
What does Fees Free cover?
- Tuition fees
- Compulsory course costs, and
- Student services fees.
If you’re doing provider-based study, you may also be able to get a Student Loan to help with course related and living costs. For more information on Student Loans and Allowances go to studylink.govt.nz.
Other funds and Fees Free eligibility
If you have studied or trained using the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Fund (MPTT), Youth Guarantee Fund (YG) or Refugee English Fund, you may still be eligible for Fees Free. Check your eligibility at feesfree.govt.nz.
Fees Free guide
Fees Free Guide PDF, 295.22 KB
If you would like to discuss your options, please contact our friendly Ask Me! student services centre.
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*Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. For more information and full eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/eligibility-criteria/.