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Fees Free Courses

Considering tertiary education but find yourself putting it on the back burner as a result of potential tuition fees and time commitment? Fees Free education in New Zealand can help by offering your first year of tertiary study or two years training up to the value of $12,000, completely fees-free!

Considering tertiary education but find yourself putting it on the back burner as a result of potential tuition fees and time commitment? Fees Free education in New Zealand can help by offering your first year of tertiary study or two years training up to the value of $12,000, completely fees-free!

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New Zealand Certificate in Tourism With a Strand in Tourism and Travel Level 3

The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Tourism and Travel is an excellent introduction to the exciting tourism industry. The course includes a high level of practical activities, such as roleplays and industry visits, to best prepare y...

Study Method In-class
Location Auckland +1
Job Outcomes There are so many exciting areas of...
The International Travel College of New Zealand - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

Calling aspiring creatives, innovators, artists, animators, content creators, movie-makers and photo-takers. The New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) will help you develop the foundational knowledge and skills you need to use c...

Study Method Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Advertising +3
eCampus NZ - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media & Design (Level 4) (AKL Only)

The semester-long programme (18 weeks) concentrates on developing a digital portfolio for application to on-going tertiary study at Whitecliffe, elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas. The Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media and Design is a semester-lon...

Study Method In-class
Location Auckland +1
Job Outcomes Digital Designer +3
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Arts & Design (Level 4) (AKL Only)

The semester-long programme (18 weeks) concentrates on developing a portfolio for application to ongoing tertiary study at Whitecliffe, elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas. The emphasis is on practical projects and deepening students’ understand...

Study Method In-class
Location Auckland +1
Job Outcomes Junior Assistant +3
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

Graduates will have an underpinning knowledge of exercise training principles and concepts, and the skills and knowledge to adapt and deliver exercise programmes suitable for individuals within the general population. Graduates will automatically quali...

Study Method Blended, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Personal Trainer +5
Exercise Academy - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) (AKL Only)

This programme is designed for people seeking to focus on one or more application domains such as general application development, web development, games development and mobile applications development. The aim of this programme is to provide students...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland +2
Job Outcomes IT Systems +14
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Networking (Level 6) (AKL Only)

Be part of the change that technology is making to our world. This qualification will prepare you to enter employment in roles such as a network professional in a service environment. You will be capable of configuring, maintaining and monitoring netwo...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland +2
Job Outcomes Professional Practice +6
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5) (AKL Only)

This programme is designed for those looking to gain an entry-level role as a web developer. You’ll also gain the practical IT and professional skills needed to succeed in your IT career. On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to build...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland +2
Job Outcomes Applications Developer +9
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5) (AKL Only)

This programme prepares you to work in a range of entry-level support roles in an organisation, which may include employment in roles such as computer technician, service desk or technical support, or provide a pathway to further IT related study. Grad...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland +2
Job Outcomes Network Technician +4
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5) (AKL Only)

This programme is perfect for those with a keen interest in computing looking to enter the IT industry or to upskill for future career opportunities. It also provides a solid foundation for IT diploma level study. The Certificate in Information Technol...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland +2
Job Outcomes Programming +6
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) (AKL Only)

Be part of the change that technology is making to our world. Learn the latest technologies used to build digital platforms and exceptional user experiences. This programme has a practical, hands-on focus which will provide you with the transferable sk...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Christchurch +2
Job Outcomes Programming +6
Whitecliffe College - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)

Become a software developer in just 20 months in a supportive and small class environment with a maximum of 14 students. Studying at Developers Institute we expect students to be self-driven and in return, we will provide you with everything you need t...

Study Method Online, Virtual
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Software Developer
Developers Institute - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 3) (Tauranga only)

This program is intended for people who want to participate in the education and care of infants, toddlers, and young children in an entry-level career role. The program is aimed at people who want to progress into a career or further study in Early Ch...

Study Method In-class
Location Tauranga
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Educator
EmployNz - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (Level 6) (Tauranga only)

Take your technical skills to the next level with this specialist IT qualification, specially designed for top achievers wanting to become network architects or similar. You will develop practical and theoretical knowledge of hardware and software, net...

Study Method In-class
Location Tauranga
Job Outcomes IT Technician +4
EmployNz - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Information Technology Technical Support (Level 5) (Tauranga only)

Get modern hands-on IT training which will make you an asset to any business. Develop a broad understanding of the core concepts and practical skills in Information Technology, with a Technical Support focus. Learn how to provide a high standard of IT...

Study Method In-class
Location Tauranga
Job Outcomes Computer Technician +5
EmployNz - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Web Development (Level 5)

Become a full-stack web developer in only 10 months in a supportive and small class environment with a maximum of 12-14 students. We focus on providing skills that prepare for a successful professional future in software. All our courses are delivered...

Study Method Online, Virtual
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Web Developer +1
Developers Institute - Course

New Zealand Certificate/Diploma Outdoor and Adventure Education Multiskilled (Level 4/5) (AKL Only)

Do you love the outdoors? Not working yet but want high-quality outdoor instructor course and qualifications to get you the best jobs? Our outdoor instructor training programs are designed for students who know they have an interest and a passion for w...

Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Auckland
AdventureWorks - Course

New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)

Have you thought about working in an accounts role? Are you thinking about making a move from business administration into an accounts role but need more confidence and knowledge to take that step? Perhaps you are already working in an organisation and...

Study Method Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Bookkeeper +5
eCampus NZ - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Human Resource Management) (Level 5)

You can be the people person! Have you always had a penchant for people management? Can you see yourself in an HR role but you’re just not quite sure how to get there? If this sounds like your dream and you want to pursue it, then take the first step!...

Study Method Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Manager
eCampus NZ - Course

New Zealand Diploma in Business (Project Management) (Level 5)

You can lead that project from start to finish! Project Management is a challenging yet rewarding field of expertise. The sense of fulfilment achieved when a project reaches successful completion is satisfying and energising. If you want to understand...

Study Method Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Manager +1
eCampus NZ - Course
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What is Fees Free Education?

Fees Free study is a New Zealand government initiative that was launched in 2018 that allows prospective learners to study at a tertiary level at 0 costs. This applies to you if you’ve just graduated from high school, or if you’re an ‘adult learner’ (someone who is 19 years old and enrolling or currently enrolled in a school).

This funding can be used towards most forms of tertiary education, whether that be a Diploma, a Bachelor’s degree or some form of training (e.g. apprenticeship).

Depending on the form of tertiary education you choose to enrol in, any fees-free entitlement that isn’t used during the first calendar year of study (1st January – 31st December) can be carried over into future years of education. This means this funding has the potential to fund your entire tertiary education qualification!

By completing a qualification, you’re opening yourself up to a world of opportunities including advancing in your career which could then lead to the achievement of more personal goals like going on a holiday or saving for a house!

Am I Eligible?

Below are some key eligibility criteria for Fees Free study.
  • New Zealand citizen
  • New Zealand ordinarily resident
  • An Australian citizen or permanent resident who’s lived in New Zealand for a total of 3 or more years

Conditions

  • You need to be a recent school leaver; or
  • Have completed less than half a year of full-time tertiary study or training at Level 3 or above

It’s important to note any tertiary education undertaken as a secondary school student does not apply to the above conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve undertaken more than half a year of full-time tertiary study it’s best to check how many EFTS you’ve completed.

How do I check if I’m eligible?

The easiest and fastest way to check if you’re eligible for fees-free is to enter your National Student Number (NSN) into the New Zealand Government’s Fees Free website.

This number is assigned to you when you enter formal education in New Zealand and allows for the effective organization of all the relevant information about your education history. If you don’t know you’re NSN, you can ask your current school for it or you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Where can I study to receive Fees Free in NZ?

Most tertiary education options are eligible to be Fees Free providers.

Check out the list below to see if your institute is eligible:

  • Institute of Technology
  • Polytechnic
  • Private Training Establishments
  • University
  • Wānanga

What if I want to complete an apprenticeship?

Industry training is still considered a form of tertiary education. So, if you’re looking for an apprenticeship or you’re an employer looking to take on an apprentice, Fees Free is an option for you!

If you choose to apply for Fees Free and you’re successful, yours and your employer’s training costs will be covered for the first 24 months of your apprenticeship (up to the value of $12,000)!

Similarly to if you were applying for free university NZ, you should check your eligibility via your NSN number or the NZQA website.

StudyLink

What is it?

StudyLink is a New Zealand government student loan and student allowance initiative that helps students financially plan, budget and pay for fees associated with study, such as course fees, compulsory course-related expenses (e.g. textbooks) and daily living costs (rent, groceries etc.).

StudyLink eligibility can vary, depending on variables such as your study load, course type, living situation and age.

StudyLink and Fees Free

To apply for Fees Free, you don’t need to have StudyLink and vice versa. Fees Free works in such a way that your eligible fee help will be paid directly to the institution or trainer with which you’re studying. StudyLink can make payments either to the education provider or to the individual (depending on if financial help is directed towards course fees or living expenses).

StudyLink is a great service if either the course you wish to do does not meet the Fees Free criteria or if your fees will exceed the maximum Fees Free help of $12,000. Furthermore, if you need financial assistance during your study for living or course-related costs, a StudyLink loan or allowance is also an option.

*Please note that if you’re undertaking a training program or apprenticeship you are not eligible for a StudyLink loan or allowance.

Fees Free offers students the chance to further their education with as minimal study fees.

If you’ve been thinking about studying or you’ve just begun a tertiary course, check your eligibility for this amazing opportunity to kickstart your future career!

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