Before 1 January 2025 - study or work-based learning

Check if study or work-based learning you did before 1 January 2025 stops you from getting Fees Free.

Not eligible for Fees Free for current study or work-based learning

You generally cannot get Fees Free if you have done study or work-based learning that was:

• at level 3 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework
• the equivalent study or work-based learning completed overseas.

This applies if the study was more than:

• half a year of full-time study, or part-time study if it would add up to more than half a year full-time (half a year of full-time study is usually 0.5 EFTS)
• 60 credits of work-based learning. 

This also includes study or work-based learning where you: 

• did not pay fees
• did it as part of workplace training or an apprenticeship
• did not finish
• failed
• withdrew after the refund timeframe
• paid the fees yourself, including by student loan or a scholarship.

If you started in 2024 or earlier but have done less than half a year, you may be able to get Fees Free.

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

There are exceptions where you may get Fees Free, if your study or work-based learning was:

• any tertiary education while enrolled in secondary school
• made up of credits that you achieved after 1 January 2018 as part of a work-based programme - if it was less than 120 credits in total  
• a course you studied after 1 January 2023 - if it had zero tuition fees and zero compulsory course costs
• any tertiary study or training that was funded through the Youth Guarantee, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training or Refugee English Funds.