Youth guarantee fees-free

This is a fully funded NZ Government initiative designed for young people aged 16 to 24 at enrolment. Learners gain recognized qualifications.

We are very pleased to offer approximately 45 fees-free places annually.

Youth Guarantee includes the full tuition fee and a loaned equipment kit.

A further training and/or employment placement is expected upon completion of the programme.

Youth Guarantee students:

Receive Free Training
Must enroll full time, for the full qualification
Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills Level 2 (62 credits)
Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Salon Support Level 3 (120 credits)
Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skincare Level 3 (62 credits)
Live at home with parent/caregiver support or are financially independent
Aged 16-18 attend a consultation with a parent/caregiver who signs a support letter
Receive a small travel allowance
Are not eligible to apply for student loans
Aged 18 to 24 may be eligible for a student allowance (StudyLink criteria apply)
Aged 18 to 24 year olds can access course related costs and living costs through StudyLink

If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact our office.

Students are expected to fully commit to all aspects of the training, take every training and employment opportunity made available to them and gain a suitable post-training outcome.

They must treat the training day as a work day and respect the requirements of this.

Fees Free

If you are a first-time learner, you may be able to get your fees covered for one year’s study. To find out if you are eligible go to www.feesfree.govt.nz and enter your NSN number.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

A student’s eligibility for the Governments ‘Fees Free’ Tertiary can change during their enrolment. If new information comes to light and a student’s eligibility changes from eligible to not eligible you will be liable and invoiced for fees owed.

I’d like to say a Thank you to Deb and the whole crew at Varda. The experience I had here was amazing and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The amazing support from staff and teachers was cherished dearly by myself and I can speak on the behalf of the other students when saying this too.

Thank you to my wonderful tutor for all the one on one learning and teaching you sent my way. Without it I wouldn’t be the great barber I am today. From helping me with cutting techniques to finding me work experience you were always there for me and always put me and the other students first.”

Troy Bernhard
‘Barbering’

Coming to Varda was the best choice I made when I left High School. I’ve learnt professionalism in the Barber trade and I’ve taken it and used it as a life skill. Varda has taught me all the basics of barber skills and the tutors were supportive.

Maia Haumu

Before coming to Varda I was a stay at home mum, so this year was definitely a change for me.

When covid came around it all changed again. We did it and without the support from every single person at Varda I don't know how we would of survived the year. From other students supporting each other and cheering us all on and helping with models, to the tutors and all staff who were there helping us all achieve our goals and supporting us through our tough days too.

Also a big thank you to our tutor for your support, loyalty and guidance.

Megan Brinkworth
‘Salon Support’

To Varda, the staff and of course our amazing tutor, thank you for your endless support and overall patience throughout this course especially through the times where we couldn't see the end.

This year has been amazing working along side all of you. The amount of support and banter with each other has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to have shared this adventure with.

Helena McKenzie
‘Emerging Stylist’

Just perfect! Tutors encouraged me and showed me a lot of new skills and found what I was good at. Varda also relaxed me before completing any assessments that were hard to achieve, helpful tutors and classmates. I started dreaming a new future here at Varda, and Varda also helped me to set my goal for next year too. Thanks, it was the best school I ever went. Miss you all.

Phoebe Choi
‘Salon Support’

“I loved studying at Varda, I loved all the tutors. They were friendly and they believe in me”.

Brittany Richardson
‘Makeup and Skin Care’

“My experience studying at Varda was absolutely amazing. It always felt like a safe learning environment and always had such a dedicated team of tutors and staff to help us with questions or problems. Walking into class always felt homely and welcoming. Our tutor was always willing to help any student and always had a boost of motivation and support to push you to succeed your goals.”

Chloe Curnow
‘Salon support’

I loved the atmosphere, everyone is always happy and all staff are so polite. I also believe that Varda has a great support system for both students and clients.

Jade Coe
‘Makeup’

Varda has helped me so much with my people skills and has made me so much more confident in myself and the things I can do. I’ve learnt a lot being here and have loved every moment of it.

Jamie Paki
‘Salon Support’

Hair and barber NZ

Pivot Point