Fees Free Information
Fees Free
You may be able to get Fees Free for the final year of the first provider-based qualification or work-based programme you complete.
When you enrol for your study or training you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost you may wish to apply for a Student Loan through StudyLink.
To get Fees Free on completion of your final year of study or training you must:
complete a qualification or a programme eligible for Fees Free
meet the residency criteria at the time you complete your qualification or programme
meet the prior study and training criteria
not have already used Fees Free
Inland Revenue supports learners with final-year Fees Free
Inland Revenue is now responsible for supporting tertiary learners with final-year Fees Free information following the transition on 6 October.
Final-year Fees Free information is now available at ird.govt.nz/fees-free.
Claiming Fees Free
If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
If you have a Student Loan, your Fees Free entitlement will go towards paying off your Student Loan. If you don’t have a loan, the entitlement will be paid to a bank account you nominate.
Started studying or training before 2025
The Government announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training finished at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy has replaced it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you used Fees Free in 2024, you may be able to continue to use your remaining first-year entitlement in 2025. For more information on the first-year Fees Free transition rules visit the IRD website, https://www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free
Study free with Youth Guarantee
Are you aged 16 to 24 and looking for a course where you can pick up some practical skills? The Youth Guarantee scheme gives you the chance to study free for up to one year. Places in this programme 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 Youth Guarantee here.
*All free study is subject to funding confirmation and eligibility requirements.
Full-year programmes available
Certificate in Skin Care and Makeup Services (Level 3)
Learn the basics of skin consultations, preparation, and beauty makeup application. Build your confidence in networking and communication, client skills, and sales techniques.
Who is Eligible for Youth Guarantee
To qualify for study under the Youth Guarantee scheme, you must:
Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
Be 16 to 24 years of age before the start of the course.*
Be prepared to study full-time for up to one year.
Complete an application form for the course you are interested in.
Gain a place in that course or programme.
Be successful in the Youth Guarantee funding interview – you’ll be interviewed once you have gained your place.
*15 year olds who hold ministry-approved early exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Youth Guarantee Fees
Tuition is free for students studying under the Youth Guarantee scheme.Because the programmes are free, you will not be eligible for student loans for your fees, however:
If you are 18 you can apply for course related costs and living costs if you meet the eligibility requirements as set out by Studylink.
You can apply for a student allowance if you meet the eligibility requirements as set out by Studylink.
Youth Guarantee students are eligible for financial travel support. This funding is linked to your attendance and it is administered by Student Support, not Studylink.
For information about allowances and loan options for any other costs or financial support please check out the Studylink website.
More information
If you would like to talk to someone about your eligibility and apply for a Youth Guarantee place, please contact Elite on 0800 GO ELITE or fill in the form below.