After 1 January 2025 - qualifications or programmes completed

Check if a previous qualification or programme you completed after 1 January 2025 stops you from getting Fees Free.

Not eligible for Fees Free for current qualification or programme

If you've already completed an eligible qualification or programme after 1 January 2025, you cannot get Fees Free for your current one.

Qualification and programme eligibility

If you have completed study or work-based learning overseas, for any length of time and at any level, you cannot get Fees Free.

Exceptions – when previous study and work-based learning is allowed

There are exceptions where you may get Fees Free even if you have already completed a qualification or programme after 1 January 2025.

Previous study and work-based learning allowed:

• certificates of proficiency 
• pathway qualifications
• zero-fee programmes 
• school learning programmes
• secondary tertiary programmes (like trades academies)
• qualifications funded through the Youth Guarantee Fund, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Fund, or the Refugee English Funds
• qualifications or programmes at Levels 1 or 2 on the NZQCF
• qualifications and credentials under 0.5 EFTS
• programmes under 120 credits.

From 1 January 2025, any study or work-based learning you do not complete will not impact your eligibility for Fees Free.