Study Fees Free

 

First Year or Final Year Fees Free

The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.

If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.

For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.

Study free with Youth Guarantee

Are you aged 16 to 24 and looking for a course where you can pick up some practical skills? The Youth Guarantee programme provides the chance to study a range of courses for free. We have the following courses available under the Youth Guarantee programme:

Places in these programmes are limited and often fill really quickly. To avoid disappointment it is best to get your application in as soon as possible!

Find out more about Youth Guarantee here.

*All free study is subject to funding confirmation and eligibility requirements.

More information

If you would like to talk to someone about your eligibility and apply for a Youth Guarantee place, please contact Cut Above on 0800 288 226 or send us an enquiry below.

Who is eligible for Youth Guarantee?

To qualify for study under the Youth Guarantee scheme, you must:

  • Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.

  • Be 16 to 24 years of age before the start of the course.*

  • Be prepared to study full-time for up to one year.

  • Complete an application form for the course you are interested in.

  • Gain a place in that course or programme.

  • Be successful in the Youth Guarantee funding interview – you’ll be interviewed once you have gained your place.

*15 year olds who hold ministry-approved early exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.

Youth Guarantee Fees

Tuition is free for students studying under the Youth Guarantee scheme. Because the programmes are free, you will not be eligible for student loans for your fees, however:

  • If you are 18 you can apply for course related costs and living costs if you meet the eligibility requirements as set out by Studylink.

  • You can apply for a student allowance if you meet the eligibility requirements as set out by Studylink.

  • Youth Guarantee students are eligible for financial travel support. This funding is linked to your attendance and it is administered by Student Support, not Studylink.

For information about allowances and loan options for any other costs or financial support you may need, please check out the Studylink website.