Fees Free
Find out about Fees Free study or training.
What's on this page?
Thinking about starting tertiary education? The first-year Fees Free scheme is targeted at first-time learners. You may be able to get one year's study or two years' training fees-free.
How to check if you're eligible
To find out if you can get fees-free study, visit the Fees Free website and check your eligibility using your National Student Number (NSN).
If you're eligible for the first-year Fees Free scheme, you don't need to apply to receive fees-free training. Your fees will automatically be paid when you enrol to study or train in an eligible course of training programme.
Fees Free 2025
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study and training will finish at the end of 2024. It will be replaced with a final-year Fees Free scheme starting from January 2025 with the following parameters:
- Learners entering their final year of study or training from 1 January 2025 and who have not received first-year Fees Free may be eligible for the new final-year Fees Free scheme.
- Eligibility will include provider- and work-based study or training at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
- Repayment will be made after the learner completes their qualification, with refunds starting from 2026.
Transition arrangements are being worked through for first-year Fees Free learners as well as detailed policy design and implementation for the final-year scheme. As soon as this is finalised, you’ll be able to find more information on the Fees Free website.
Video: Fees Free helps Ula change her life
Updated 30 May 2024