The Government has introduced the final-year Fees Free policy starting from 1 January 2025. The policy aims to motivate learners to complete their studies and reward hard work and success.
Eligible learners undertaking their final year of study from 2025 can claim the fees for their final year of their provider-based qualification or work-based programme, with the following parameters:
Learners entering their final year of study or training from 1 January 2025, who have not received first-year Fees Free may be eligible for the new final-year Fees Free scheme.
Eligible programmes include provider- and work-based study or training at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
Learners will receive their entitlement after they complete their qualification or programme, with payments starting from 2026.
Learners will be able to apply from 2026 through myIR on Inland Revenue's website. Payments will be offset against student loans or paid directly to learners.
For information on first-year Fees Free policy, see first-year Fees Free.