Fees and scholarships
Funding your study
Details about how to pay your fees and where to go if you need support.
StudyLink loans and allowances
You can apply to StudyLink for a student loan, a student allowance and course-related costs. This is only available for domestic students.
Student loans need to be repaid, but not all at once.
StudyLink student loans are interest-free and are repaid gradually through installments when you start earning over a certain amount. You don’t need to pay the full amount upfront.
Student allowances are weekly payments to help with your living expenses, and do not need to be repaid.
Fees Free
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 NZD $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.
Youth Guarantee Scheme
The Youth Guarantee is a funding scheme for domestic students 16–24 years old (or 15 if you’ve got an early leaving exemption letter). If you haven't already studied at Level 2 or Level 3, you can enrol in programmes at these levels cost-free.
We have various Level 2 and 3 programmes available under this scheme which can prepare you with practical skills for work. When you study any of these, the Youth Guarantee Fees Scheme covers your tuition fees and the material and equipment costs of your programme.
Free Fees for Foundation Skills Level 2
We offer free fees to domestic students that do not already hold a Level 2 or higher qualification for our Level 2 Foundation Skills programme. Some restrictions may apply.
He Toki Trades Training
If you are Māori or Pasifika, are 16-40 years old, and want to learn and earn in a practical, hands-on environment, consider our He Toki pathways. With He Toki, you'll be supported to gain a Level 3 certificate in carpentry or electrical pre-trades. You'll get a unique and empowering learning experience that has te reo, tikaka and mentorship at the heart of everything. And the programme is free for full-time learners.
Zero Fees programmes – for domestic learners
Each year, we offer selected programmes with zero fees for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, helping remove cost as a barrier to study.
Scholarships
A scholarship is an award to support your study. There are a variety of scholarships of different values available. They all have different eligibility criteria related to what you want to study, your background and your situation.
TIP: Start searching for scholarships early so you don’t miss the deadlines!
Frequently asked questions
If you are eligible for a StudyLink loan, you can apply for course-related costs to cover these expenses. Typically, this is processed alongside your loan. You can access this through StudyLink's website 2 weeks before the start of your programme (as long as your loan is approved and your enrolment has been processed).
Youth Guarantee covers certain Level 2 and 3 programmes for eligible students from ages 16 to 24.
Fees Free applies to first-time tertiary learners meeting specific criteria.
You can contact our Student Success team for advice on budgeting, financial support, and where to go for help.
You can check your eligibility on the IRD website. Most programmes will be eligible – get in touch with us if you’re unsure.
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.