Application processing times

There may be a delay from when you complete your qualification or programme to when we can pay your Fees Free entitlement. Use the information on this page to work out the best time for you to apply.  

Information we need before we process your application

Before we can process your application, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) must tell us:

• you have completed an eligible qualification or programme
• the amount of Fees Free you can receive.

This will happen after your Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) gives TEC the information they need. Most TEOs do this 3 times a year.

The best time for you to apply

The best time to apply is after we've received your information from TEC. We suggest you wait for this to happen before completing your application. We will pre-fill your qualification or programme details (such as your completion date). Otherwise, you will need to fill in the whole form.

When we will receive your information

TEC shares learner completion information with us within a few days of receiving it from a TEO.

You can use the information in this table to work out when we will receive your information. We will be able to pre-fill your application soon after.

Our processing times

When we have your completed application, and your information from TEC, it can take us up to 20 working days to process your application.

We then pay your Fees Free entitlement into your student loan (if you have one) or into your bank account.