Eligible learners undertaking their final year of study from 2025 can claim the fees for their final year of their provider-based qualification or work-based programme, with the following parameters:

• Learners entering their final year of study or training from 1 January 2025, who have not received first-year Fees Free may be eligible for the new final-year Fees Free scheme.
• Eligible programmes include provider- and work-based study or training at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
• Learners will receive their entitlement after they complete their qualification or programme, with payments starting from 2026.

Learners will be able to apply from 2026 through myIR on Inland Revenue's website. Payments will be offset against student loans or paid directly to learners.

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

Keep up to date

We will update tertiary education organisations 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 – final-year Fees Free
• Qualification and programme eligibility – final-year Fees Free
• Entitlement – final-year Fees Free
• Implementation – final-year Fees Free
• Content for TEO websites – final-year Fees Free

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.