Source: Tertiary Education Commission
Last updated 21 May 2025
Last updated 21 May 2025
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This page sets out the learner eligibility criteria for the final-year Fees Free policy.
This page sets out the learner eligibility criteria for the final-year Fees Free policy.
From 2025, to get Fees Free for the final year of study or training, learners must:
complete a qualification or a programme that’s eligible for Fees Free, and
meet the residency criteria at the time they complete, and
meet the prior study and training criteria, and
not have already used Fees Free.
Learners who have used first-year Fees Free are not eligible for final-year Fees Free, even if they did not use their full first-year entitlement.
For more information, see:
Learner eligibility FAQs
Are there any age requirements for Fees Free?
There are no age requirements or restrictions for final-year Fees Free.
Are learners studying part-time eligible for Fees Free?
Learners eligible for Fees Free can study either part-time or full-time. However, Fees Free will not cover fees for study or training undertaken more than 5 years before the qualification or programme completion date.
Does a learner have to have a student loan to be eligible for Fees Free?
No. A learner with or without a student loan who meets the eligibility criteria will be eligible for final-year Fees Free.
If a learner defers or fails courses during their study, or takes longer than usual to complete a qualification, can they still get Fees Free?
There is no time limit within which a learner must start and complete a qualification or programme to be eligible for Fees Free. However, on completion, Fees Free will only cover the final 1 EFTS / 24 months / $12,000 used within the last 5 years. Fees Free will not cover fees for study or training towards the learner’s final year that was undertaken more than 5 years before completion.
