Fees Free Information
End of fees free
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. 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.
For questions about your situation, contact our student support team.
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 Cosmetics (Level 3)
Learn the fundamentals 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.