Financial assistance

Fees Free

End of Fees Free - Updated 25 Aug 2026

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 by emailing admissions@nztc.nz. 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

Study Link

If you are a full-time student and a New Zealand or Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, you may be eligible for a student loan or allowance through StudyLink to help with your compulsory fees, course related costs and living costs. The student allowance is a weekly payment for full-time students to help with day-to-day living costs. For more information see the StudyLink website www.studylink.govt.nz