Funding for non-domestic learners in work-based learning for 2023

Funding for non-domestic learners in work-based learning for 2023

Last updated 16 December 2022
Last updated 16 December 2022

The TEC has released a list of vocational qualifications, programmes and micro-credentials that will receive domestic tuition subsidies in 2023 for non-domestic learners. 

The TEC Non-Domestic Learner Exemptions list and more information can be found at Funding for non-domestic learners in work-based learning in 2023.

In approving implementation of the unified funding system (UFS) for RoVE, Cabinet removed training subsidy eligibility for non-domestic tertiary students. However, the Government agreed to a targeted exemptions process to still subsidise work-based learning that was in the national interest.

Accordingly, the list aligns with the Green List and Sector Agreements developed by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) earlier this year, as part of the Government’s Immigration Rebalance policy.

The Green List helps employers hire migrants for specified high-skilled occupations, such as those in the construction, engineering, trades, health, and ICT sectors. The Sector Agreements cover the care workforce, construction and infrastructure, meat processing, seafood, seasonal snow and adventure tourism sectors, and provide for a short-term or ongoing need for access to lower-paid migrants.

The exemptions scheme is designed to support the Government’s objective of achieving a higher skilled migrant workforce, with the right skill mix to support New Zealand’s economic recovery.

TEC worked with the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and the Ministry of Education to develop an exemption criteria process to develop the list.

TEC used information on skills matching from the WDCs to determine the list of programmes it would fund to allow non-domestic learners to access training. TEC then assessed the WDCs’ advice against overall available funding and alignment with strategic priorities outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy to determine the final list.

The targeted exemption process only applies to the work-based and assessment and verification modes of delivery.  The non-domestic learners who are eligible under the revised settings will be treated as domestic learners and are eligible for Fees Free and Apprenticeship Boost.  TEOs and employers can use the list to ensure potential learners have the correct eligible residential status for their enrolments.