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 policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
If you’re enrolled in work-based learning in 2024 and you’re continuing in the same qualification into 2025, Fees Free will cover your fees up to the end of 2025 only (within your remaining 24 month, one EFTS and $12,000 entitlement). From 2026 onwards, you’ll need to refer to FeesFree.govt.nz to check your eligibility.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
