From 2025, first-time tertiary learners may be able to get Fees Free for their final year of study or training towards a provider-based qualification or work-based programme.

From 2025, to get Fees Free for their final year of study or training, learners must:

• complete a qualification or a programme that’s eligible for Fees Free, and
• meet the residency criteria at the time they complete, and
• meet the prior study and training criteria, and
• not have already used Fees Free.

Learners don't need to do anything to confirm their eligibility until they have completed their qualification or programme. Once a learner completes their first eligible qualification or programme, they will be able to confirm their eligibility and claim entitlement from 2026 through myIR.

Learners will need to organise payment of their fees on enrolment with their tertiary education organisation (TEO).

For information on the first-year Fees Free policy, see first-year Fees Free.

Keep up to date

We will update TEOs on policy changes and decisions via the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) website and Fees Free Focus.

Sign up to the Fees Free Focus newsletter for policy, process and reporting updates.

Information about final-year Fees Free

• Learner eligibility
• Residency criteria
• Prior study and training criteria
• Qualification and programme eligibility
• Entitlement
• Implementation
• Content for TEO websites

Who to contact

If you have any questions, please contact your Relationship Manager or Advisor, or the Customer Contact Group on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.

Find information for learners on Fees Free at FeesFree.govt.nz. Learners can also call 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz.