Explore the free study options available to NZ Domestic Students. Check your eligibility with Fees-Free, Zero-Fees, TTAF (Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund) and Youth Guarantee. Don’t let studying costs and debts get in the way of your future career.
From 1 July 2020, The New Zealand Government introduced the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) to support domestic learners in undertaking vocational education and training without fees. The TTAF will cover all fees on selected programmes until 31 December 2022.
We have a wide range of programmes that are currently eligible under the new TTAF Fund listed below. If a programme that you're interesting in studying isn't listed below, we may have other funding options available. For more information on TTAF, FAQ's and eligibility criteria's, please check the FAQs for Learners on the TEC Website here.
Fees-free is a funding scheme provided by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), which can allow you to get one year of tertiary study or two year’s training up to the value of $12,000.
All NZSE College Certificate, Diploma and Degree programmes from level 3 to level 7 may be eligible for Fees-free study. You are only eligible for Fees-Free if you haven’t previously undertaken more than 60 credits (half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education, 0.5 EFTS) at Level 3 or above on the NZQF – New Zealand Qualifications Framework. To check if you meet the requirements, visit the New Zealand Government’s Fees-Free website and enter your National Student Number (NSN). If you do not have an NSN, contact your Student Support Advisor.
• NZ Citizen or holder of a Residence Visa for at least 3 years
• A recent secondary school leaver or;
• Not a recent secondary school leaver but has undertaken less than half a year of tertiary study or training.
Conditions apply – our Course Advisors can help and advise you on your options.
‘Zero-Fees’ programmes may currently be eligible for free study for a limited time. We offer a range of Zero-Fees programmes and options which can vary and change. Terms and conditions may apply so get in touch with us to discuss your options.
• New Zealand Resident or New Zealand Citizen
Conditions apply – our Course Advisors can help and advise you on your options.
Youth Guarantee funding provides prospective students aged 16-19 with an opportunity to participate in a range of courses free of charge.
Travel allowances are available for students under the Youth Guarantee programme. This allowance can help you with things like the cost of transport to and from our campuses, by either using public or private transport. Students will be required to pay for their travel until all required documents have been submitted. Receipts must be provided to our Recruitment Team Staff for this process to begin.
• A New Zealander or ordinarily resident in New Zealand
• Be 16-19 years old before the start of the programme*
• Be enrolled in a 6 or 12 month programme
• Be enrolled into one of our Zero-Fees programmes
*15 year old's who hold an Early Leaving Exemption (ELX) approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE) may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
The Student Achievement Component (SAC) is the Government’s contribution towards the cost of teaching and learning services for students enrolled at a tertiary education organisation (TEO). Students must be studying towards a qualification listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
For more information on SAC eligibility and programmes, visit the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) website, or talk to our helpful Course Advisors.
A Student Allowance is a weekly payment through StudyLink that can help with your living expenses while you’re studying. This is an allowance that is designed to support you through your studies – you are not required to pay back Student Allowance payments. You can complete an elibility test on the StudyLink website to find out if you are eligible for Student Allowance.
• A New Zealand citizen, or ordinarily resident in New Zealand
• Have been living in New Zealand for at least 3 years while holding a residence class visa, or protected person, or be sponsored into New Zealand by someone in your family who, at the time you were sponsored, was a refugee or protected person
• Between the ages of 16-65 studying full time, however in some instances, you may still be eligible if you’re 16-17 or studying part-time
• Be studying at an approved education provider in New Zealand and enrolled in an approved course which is either an undergraduate course (level 7 or below), or a Bachelors degree with honours overseas through an approved education provider in New Zealand
• How much you get will depend on your parents' income. If their joint earnings are more than $56,888.52 a year before tax, the rate you get for Student Allowance goes down. Find out more on Student Allowance Income Threshold and limits here.