We worked with the Ministry of Education to bring the announcement forward in response to feedback from tertiary education organisations (TEOs) about challenges with fee setting and planning. This earlier confirmation gives TEOs more certainty when setting fees for the 2026 calendar year.

What this means for TEOs

• AMFM rate: TEOs can increase fees for existing courses at Level 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) in 2026 by up to six percent (GST exclusive) above 2025 fees for domestic students.
• Micro-credential fee cap: The $64 (GST inclusive) per-credit fee cap for eligible micro-credentials will be maintained for 2026.
• Other changes: Minor and technical changes have been confirmed, including flexibility to send student services fee reports to us by email or post, and continuation of regulations allowing temporary fee reductions across calendar years.

What happens next

• All other 2026 fee regulation settings will be confirmed in the 2026 Funding Mechanisms, to be published by 1 October 2025.
• Guidance, criteria, and templates for fee regulation exception applications will be updated soon. See: Fee limits and regulations.

Full details are available on the Ministry of Education website.