Updated 29 May 2026
End of final-year Fees Free
The Government has confirmed that final-year Fees Free will finish at the end of 2026. Learners who complete an eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme in 2026 will remain eligible and be able to apply for their Fees Free entitlement within 12 months of completion, up to 31 December 2027.
We recognise this announcement will raise questions for learners who are expected to complete their qualification or programme from 2027 onwards. Further details and specific arrangements relating to the end of the policy are still being worked through.
Please note that the FeesFree.govt.nz website will no longer be available after 29 May 2026. However, the TEC website continues to hold information about the first-year Fees Free policy for your reference. TEC Website | First-year Fees Free
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, you can also visit ird.govt.nz/fees-free.
If you believe you are eligible for Final-Year Fees Free study, based on your eligibility review at ird.govt.nz/fees-free, we’ll need your IRD number to support your refund claim through IRD. Please complete the TEC Fees Free – IRD Number Collection form.