Fees Free 2025
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, 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.
If you have any further questions you will find the answers at feesfree.govt.nz.
If you are planning to study at level 3 and above, you may be eligible for fees free support if:
- you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- you no longer attend secondary school
- you have not previously enrolled in more than 60 credits at level 3 and above.
Am I eligible?
To receive Fees Free, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the type of study or training you wish to enrol in. The course or programme you are enrolled in also needs to be eligible for Fees Free. Provider-based study refers to courses where you are studying on campus, or online.
Will I use up my fees-free support if my Te Wānanga o Aotearoa programme is free?
No. As of the 1 January 2025, if your course at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa does not have fees or compulsory course costs then you will not use up your fees free entitlement.