Fees Free And Studylink

Final year fees free

The Government has confirmed that Fees Free will end on 31 December 2026. 

If you are completing your qualification in 2026

Your eligibility is not changing. The Tertiary Education Commission has confirmed that learners completing an eligible qualification or programme in 2026 can apply for their final-year Fees Free entitlement within 12 months of completion, up to 31 December 2027.

If your final year of study falls in 2027 or later

The Government has confirmed it will end Fees Free for the final year of tertiary study and final two years of work-based learning on 31 December 2026. 

If you complete your qualification or programme after 31 December 2026, you will not be eligible for Fees Free.

If you are considering enrolling

Talk to our team about your options. Student loans and allowances through StudyLink, our payment options, scholarships, and student support services are unaffected by this change.

Official information

For Government information on Fees Free, visit ird.govt.nz/fees-free. 

For questions about your situation, contact our student support team.

Youth Guarantee Funded Courses

A great way to start. If you're not sure what to do, take the first step with a Level 2 Foundation course or one of our excellent Level 3 courses. If you are aged 16-24, the Youth Guarantee scheme gives you the chance to study free for up to one year.

Places in these programmes are limited and often fill really quickly. To avoid disappointment it is best to get your application in as soon as possible!

FInd out more about this scheme here.