As of the end of 2024, Fees Free study is no longer available for your first year of study. From 2025, Fees Free is available to full-time and part-time students who are in their final year of their first programme of study. You will not be able to use Fees Free in both your first and final years of study.
Who is this available to
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. In order to be eligible for Fees Free in 2025, you must:
- Complete a qualification in a programme that is eligible for Fees Free, and
- Meet the residency criteria, and
- Meet the prior study and training criteria, and
- Not have already used Fees Free
If you are eligible for the final-year Fees Free scheme you will need to arrange payment of your fees to the University and apply for reimbursement from the IRD on completion of your qualification.
How do I check my eligibility for Fees Free
Visit the Fees Free website to see the full eligibility criteria for final year Fees Free:
It is important to note that the University does not determine your eligibility.
Further information
Fees Free FAQs - starting study in 2025