Fee regulation settings for micro-credentials are published in the funding mechanisms.

Funding mechanisms and delegations

From 1 January 2026, the maximum that you can charge for TEC-funded micro-credential fees is $64 (GST inclusive) per credit.

The fee cap applies to micro-credentials funded through:

• Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund
• Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10) Fund.

When the fee cap does not apply

The fee cap does not apply to:

• micro-credentials delivered in work-based learning modes funded through DQ3-7
• micro-credentials that are part of an approved programme leading to a qualification on the NZQCF.

For micro-credentials that are part of an approved programme leading to a qualification on the NZQCF, Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM) rules apply.

See Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM).

Applying for an exception to the fee cap

You can apply for an exception to the fee cap. To be eligible you must show that the micro-credential is:

• financially unsustainable to deliver, considering total income (government funding and fees), and that there are no satisfactory alternatives to reduce costs, and
• supported by industry and/or employers, and it clearly meets their needs.

You must provide evidence for both criteria.

How to apply

To apply for an exception, complete the application form:

Application for exception to the micro-credential fee cap (DOCX 331 KB)

If you are seeking funding for your micro-credential and an exception to the fee limit, you will need to submit both an application for an exception to the fee limit and a tertiary education organisation (TEO) micro-credential application.

For more information on funding micro-credentials, see Micro-credentials funding and fees. 

Email your completed exception application and other relevant supporting information to our Customer Contact Team at customerservice@tec.govt.nz with the subject line [EDUMIS] – Application for exception to micro-credential fee cap.