Fees-free university study

The New Zealand Government provides one year of fees-free study for students who are doing university for the first time. To get Fees Free support, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria.

Starting university study for the first-time? You may be able to get Fees Free for the final year of the programme you’re completing.

Are you eligible for Fees Free?

To get Fees Free when you complete the final year of your studies you must:

  • Complete a qualification or a programme eligible for Fees Free, and
  • Meet the residency criteria at the time you complete your qualification or programme, and
  • Meet the prior study and training criteria, and
  • Not have already used Fees Free

You don't need to do anything to confirm your eligibility just yet. However, if you want to check if you meet the residency and prior study and training criteria before you complete your qualification, you can read the eligibility criteria on the Fees Free website.

IRD website

Studying a 60-point certificate? Your Fees Free entitlement

If you’re studying a 60-point Certificate in Arts or Certificate in Business Studies at AUT and have applied for Fees Free (or are planning to), there are some things you need to know.

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What does Fees Free cover?

Fees Free covers the final year of study, up to $12,000. This includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Compulsory course costs
  • Compulsory student services fees

It doesn’t include other costs like textbooks and course materials.

What you need to do

When you enrol at AUT

When you complete your qualification

Use myIR on Inland Revenue’s website to:

  • Confirm your eligibility, and
  • Claim your Fees Free entitlement after you complete your AUT qualification

Claiming Fees Free

After you complete your eligible qualification, you’ll be able to confirm your eligibility and claim your entitlement.

You’ll be able to do this through myIR on Inland Revenue’s website from early 2026. You can’t claim before 2026. You’ll have one year to claim your entitlement.

If you have a student loan, your Fees Free entitlement will go towards paying off your student loan. This will lower the amount you have borrowed. If you don’t have a loan, the entitlement will be paid to a bank account you nominate.

Need more info about Fees Free?

Check out the official Fees Free information for:

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