Fees Free at the University

Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.

When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

Who is eligible for Fees Free?

If you would like to check if you meet any of the eligibility requirements before you complete your qualification or programme, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

In general, to get Fees Free for your final year of study or work-based learning you must:

• complete an eligible qualification or a programme, and
• meet the residency requirements on the day you complete it.

Even if you meet these, you may not be able to get Fees Free if you have:

• previously studied or done work-based learning, or
• already had Fees Free, or
• used the Training incentive allowance to pay your final year study fees.

If you’re unsure about your qualification or programme eligibility, we can provide you with more information. Visit Contact us - Inland Revenue.

I am eligible for Fees Free, what do I need to do?

At enrolment

When you enrol for your study or work-based learning you will need to pay your fees. To help cover this cost you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

On completion

When you complete your first eligible qualification or programme, you will need to apply for Fees Free.

You must apply within one year of completing your qualification or programme. For study or work-based learning completed in the 2025 calendar year, you have until 31 December 2026 to apply.

You will be able to do this in myIR from 15 January 2026.

What are the Fees Free processing timeframes?

Inland Revenue need confirmation from us that you have completed your qualification or programme before they can process your application.

The best time for you to apply for Fees Free is after Inland Revenue receives your completion information. Find out more by visiting Application processing times - Inland Revenue.

Do I need to provide my IRD number to the University?

We will request your IRD number. This will make it easier to apply for Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

You do not need to provide your IRD number if you have already had Fees Free or you know your qualification/programme is not eligible for Fees Free.

I’ve previously studied a short qualification.

Keep in mind that some shorter qualifications (like certificates) you complete before a degree or diploma may use your Fees Free entitlement.

If you’re unsure about your qualification eligibility visit Eligibility for Fees Free - Inland Revenue.

Started tertiary study prior to 2025?

If you started tertiary study prior to 2024 and were eligible for consideration under the ‘First Year’ Fees Free scheme you have until 31 December 2025 to submit your statutory declaration or any appeals to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

For more information, please visit the TEC website. If you believe you were entitled to a Fees Free payment in 2025 but have not yet received it, please Contact us | Whakapā mai.