Fees Free is ending: who can still get it?

What Fees Free is now

Fees Free used to be about your first year of study. It was changed to cover your final year of tertiary study, or your final two years of work-based learning (an apprenticeship, for example), up to $12,000. It is run by Inland Revenue, not by your provider. You pay your fees when you enrol, and the Fees Free amount is paid to you after you finish.

Who can still get it

• You started your final year of tertiary study (or final two years of work-based learning) on or after 1 January 2025.
• You are, in most cases, a first-time learner. Inland Revenue says you may not qualify if you have already studied, done work-based learning or received a Fees Free payment before.
• Your qualification or programme is an eligible one. Check the list on ird.govt.nz/fees-free.
• You meet the residency requirements.
• You complete your qualification or programme by 31 December 2026.
• You apply in myIR after you finish.

Check the full eligibility rules on Inland Revenue's Fees Free page, because the rules are detailed. If your situation is borderline, call Inland Revenue (0800 227 773) before you decide.

How it interacts with a Student Loan

If you have a Student Loan, your Fees Free entitlement goes against your loan balance, even if you did not borrow for those particular fees. That means you may not get cash back, but your loan is smaller. Work and Income says that if you use the Training Incentive Allowance for fees in your final year, you cannot also get Fees Free. If you pay fees another way, you may be able to use TIA for other final-year costs such as childcare or transport.

If you will finish in 2027 or later

• Ask the provider whether you can complete early (some courses allow extra credits or a faster pace). Do not rush into something that harms your results.
• Look at a Student Loan for fees. If you are 55 or older you can borrow for compulsory course fees only.
• Ask Work and Income whether you qualify for the Training Incentive Allowance (limited to certain benefits) or Course Participation Assistance.
• Consider an apprenticeship or traineeship, where your employer pays you while you learn.