If you’re a domestic student studying a 60-point certificate at AUT and have applied for Fees Free (or are planning to), there are some things you need to know. This applies to:
From 2025, the Fees Free scheme has changed from being a first-year payment to your tertiary provider to a final year payment through Inland Revenue, paid directly to you as the student or to your StudyLink loan account, once you’ve completed your qualification.
If you complete your 60-point (one-semester) certificate at AUT and you’ve applied for Fees Free, this will use up your full final-year Fees Free entitlement. However, this would only be 50% of the value compared to the final year of a higher-level programme (for example a diploma or degree).
If you want to continue into a higher-level programme at AUT after your certificate, and you’re eligible for entry, we can help you maximise your Fees Free entitlement.
If you’ve let us know that you want to continue into higher-level study at AUT, and you’re eligible for this, you’ll receive an offer for a related higher-level programme. You can then:
If you want to enrol in a higher-level programme at AUT and use your full Fees Free entitlement, let your faculty know this is your plan. We can then let you know if you’re eligible.
Contact details for your programme:
If you're a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary education, you may be eligible for one year of Fees Free full-time study.