NZ Engine

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 6 October 2025

This page sets out the residency requirements for final-year Fees Free learner eligibility.

On this page:

Learners must meet the residency requirements on the day they complete their qualification or programme.
If a learner needs help determining their visa status or duration, advise them to contact Immigration New Zealand through its contact centre on 0508 558 855.
Citizenship
Learners meet the residency requirements if they are a New Zealand citizen.
Resident visa
Learners who are not citizens must have a resident visa. Provider-based and work-based learning have different criteria for resident visa holders.
Provider-based residency requirements
Provider-based learners who are not citizens must be:

a holder of a residence class visa, and:
ordinarily resident in New Zealand and have held a residence class visa for at least three years while living in New Zealand.

Work-based residency requirements
Work-based learners who are not citizens must be:

a holder of a residence class visa, and:

ordinarily resident in New Zealand, or

a person who:

is working in New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and
is working in an occupation that is specified on the Immigration New Zealand Green List or within the scope of a sector agreement, and
the qualification has been identified by the appropriate Workforce Development Council as being in the national interest, and
the qualification has been approved by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) as being in the national interest.

See TEC’s list of funded programmes for eligible AEWV work-based learners:
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders – Funding eligibility
Exceptions to the citizenship or residency requirements
Learners who are not citizens and do not hold a resident visa may still meet the residency requirements if they are one of the following.
Refugee or protected person or their immediate family

a person granted refugee or protected person status prior to gaining a residence class visa, or
a family member of a person with refugee or protected person status in New Zealand, who is:

the partner or any child of the person granted refugee or protected person status, or
the parent or any sibling of the person granted refugee or protected person status, if the person granted refugee or protected person status is a dependent child.

Christchurch response visa holder, or their immediate family

a holder of the Christchurch Response (2019) Permanent Resident Visa, or
a holder of a residence class visa who would have been eligible for the Christchurch Response (2019) Permanent Resident Visa, or
a holder of a residence class visa who is a family member of a living person, where that living person is:

the holder of a Christchurch Response Visa residing in or outside of New Zealand, or
a New Zealand citizen residing in or outside of New Zealand, who:

was a resident visa holder under the Immigration Act 2009 on 15 March 2019 and was eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa, or
would have been eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa had they not already been the holder of a permanent resident visa under the Immigration Act 2009 on 15 March 2019, or
would have been eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa had they not already been a New Zealand citizen on 15 March 2019, or
was granted New Zealand citizenship after holding a Christchurch Response Visa, or

the holder of a permanent resident visa under the Immigration Act 2009 residing in or outside of New Zealand, who:

was a resident visa holder under the Immigration Act 2009 on 15 March 2019 and was eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa, or

would have been eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa had they not already been the holder of a permanent resident visa under the Immigration Act 2009 or on 15 March 2019, or
is the holder of a resident visa under the Immigration Act 2009 residing in or outside of New Zealand, who held the resident visa on 15 March 2019 and who was eligible for a Christchurch Response Visa.

Afghan evacuee

a holder of the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Resident Visa.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 6 October 2025

This page sets out what previous study or work-based learning is allowed under the Fees Free learner eligibility.

On this page:

Learners can only get Fees Free for the first qualification or programme they complete. If they have studied or done work-based learning previously, they may not be able to get Fees Free for their current qualification or programme.
Qualifications and programmes completed after 1 January 2025
Fees Free is for the first qualification or programme a learner completes on or after 1 January 2025.
If a learner has completed a previous qualification or programme in New Zealand, in most cases they cannot get Fees Free.
If a learner has completed any overseas tertiary qualification or programme from 1 January 2025, of any length of time and at any level, they cannot get Fees Free.
Exceptions – previous study and work-based learning allowed
There are exceptions where learners may get Fees Free even if they have already completed a qualification or programme in New Zealand from 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 (YG) Fund, Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) Fund or the ILN Refugee English Fund
qualifications or programmes at Levels 1 or 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
provider-based qualifications and credentials under 0.5 equivalent full-time students (EFTS)
work-based programmes under 120 credits.

From 1 January 2025 any study or work-based learning learners do not complete will not impact their eligibility for Fees Free.
Study or work-based learning before 1 January 2025
Learners generally cannot get Fees Free if they have undertaken study or work-based learning before 1 January 2025 that is:

more than half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education (0.5 EFTS or 60 credits), and
at Level 3 or above on the NZQCF, and
any tertiary education at an equivalent level and duration undertaken in any country before 1 January 2025.

This also includes study or work-based learning that:

was undertaken in New Zealand and/or overseas
was not funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
was undertaken part-time or full-time
was workplace training or an apprenticeship
was New Zealand study or work-based learning that pre-dated the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or NZQCF
was not completed, including where the learner withdrew after the refund period
received a fail grade
was undertaken as a domestic or international student
before 2023, had no fees associated with it
was paid for by the learner by accessing a student loan, using a scholarship, or paying for it themselves
was a Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF)-funded programme.

If a learner started in 2024 or earlier but has done less than half a year, they may be able to get Fees Free.
Exceptions – previous study and work-based learning allowed
There are exceptions where learners may get Fees Free even if they have already undertaken study or work-based learning before 1 January 2025.
Learners may be able to get Fees Free if their previous study or work-based learning was:

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

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 6 October 2025

This page has content that you can use in your communications and on your website to help learners understand the final-year Fees Free policy.

On this page:

Content for your website from 6 October 2025
If you are a tertiary education organisation (TEO), please update your website with final-year Fees Free content.

We recommend keeping the content simple and directing learners to Fees Free – Inland Revenue (ird.govt.nz/fees-free).
Please do not publish the eligibility criteria, so your learners go to the Inland Revenue website for the most up-to-date information.
You will need to remove any links to the Fees Free website and any Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) contact details for Fees Free support.

Learner support moves to Inland Revenue on 6 October
Please use the content below on your website.
———————
[Use this text]
Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

Key messages from 6 October 2025
You can use these key messages about final-year Fees Free in your communications and engagements with learners. The TEC will update these messages if anything changes.
Fees Free

Fees Free is available for learners who complete their first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
Fees Free aims to motivate and reward learners for completing their qualification or programme, and reduce the overall cost of their study and learning.
Fees Free can only be used once.
If you get Fees Free and you have a student loan, the payment will reduce your loan balance. If you do not have a student loan, it will be paid to the bank account you provide in your application.

For more information visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue (ird.govt.nz/fees-free).
Eligibility for Fees Free

To get Fees Free for your final year of study or work-based learning you must:

complete an eligible qualification or a programme, and
meet the residency requirements on the day you complete it.

Even if you meet these, you may not be able to get Fees Free if you have:

previously studied or done work-based learning, or
already had Fees Free, or
used the Training incentive allowance to pay your final year study fees.

If you would like to check if you meet any of the eligibility requirements before you complete your qualification or programme, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
If you’re unsure about your qualification or programme eligibility, we can provide you with more information.

What learners need to do
At enrolment

When you enrol for your study or work-based learning you will need to pay your fees. To help cover this cost you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

On completion

When you complete your first eligible qualification or programme, you will need to apply for Fees Free.
You must apply within one year of completing your qualification or programme.

For study or work-based learning completed in the 2025 calendar year, you have until 31 December 2026 to apply.

You will be able to do this in myIR from 15 January 2026.

Application processing times

Inland Revenue need confirmation from us that you have completed your qualification or programme before they can process your application.
The best time for you to apply for Fees Free is after Inland Revenue receives your completion information. Talk to us or find out more at ird.govt.nz/fees-free-processing-times (from 6 October 2025).

For more information visit Fees Free Processing Times – Inland Revenue (from 6 October 2025).
IRD numbers

We will request your IRD number. This will make it easier to apply for Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
You do not need to provide your IRD number if you have already had Fees Free or you know your qualification/programme is not eligible for Fees Free.

Shorter qualifications

Keep in mind that some shorter qualifications (like certificates) you complete before a degree or diploma may use your Fees Free entitlement. If you’re unsure about your qualification eligibility, we can provide you with more information.

Download final-year Fees Free key messages for TEOs – from 6 October 2025 (PDF 303 KB)

Definitions of key term
Equivalent full-time student (EFTS)
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training website
New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
Ordinarily resident
Refugee or protected person
Residence class visa
School
School learning programme
Secondary-tertiary programme
Sponsored (immigration)
Tertiary education
Undertaken study and/or training

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Tertiary education organisation (TEO) data and reporting
Fees Free reporting requirements
Fees Free data is collected via the Single Data Return (SDR) and work-based data collection through DXP Ngā Kete. Check the respective data specifications and resources for more information about reporting requirements and formats.

How you can support your learners
Ensure learners know they need to pay their fees upfront
Make sure learners understand they must pay their fees upfront and that Fees Free will be paid on completion of their qualification or programme.
TEOs are responsible for collecting any unpaid fees or outstanding debt from learners.
Ensure your data is accurate to prevent your learners being charged interest
You must ensure your data is accurate. Fee data is used to calculate learner entitlement. If a learner’s fee data is incorrect and they are overpaid their Fees Free entitlement, they could be charged use of money interest (UOMI) by Inland Revenue (IR). This is compensation for not having use of the money.
In the SDR, fee data is collected in the Actual Course Fee field in the Course Enrolment File (for course tuition and compulsory course costs charged for each course enrolment) and Maxima Exempt Fee field in the Learner File (for student services fees charged for the year).
In the work-based data collection, fee data is collected in the Fee Amount field in the Learner Fees API (there is an option to submit a CSV file if preferred to API). The fees reported must include the fees for all training and assessment activities undertaken by the learner in each calendar year.
Collect IRD numbers to streamline the application process
Collect and report learner IRD numbers to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). This will enable effective and efficient data matching across agencies and support the payment of Fees Free entitlement payments by IR. IRD numbers, alongside National Student Numbers (NSNs), dates of birth and information supplied by learners, are used to match identity and confirm eligibility.
Learners who provide their IRD number will have a more streamlined application process.
Provide qualification completion dates and other information to learners
Qualification completion date is defined as the date the learner has met the requirements to be awarded the qualification (whether an eligible provider-based qualification or work-based programme).
When learners apply, they will be asked for the official completion date for their qualification or programme. Learners must meet the eligibility requirements on this date. It’s important they provide the correct date to ensure their eligibility is assessed accurately.
Learners may be able to find their completion date on their New Zealand Record of Achievement, or they may contact you for the completion date.
You may wish to proactively provide learners with their official completion date before they apply for Fees Free.
Learners will also be asked to provide the following information:

NSN
TEO name
qualification or programme name
qualification or programme level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).

If IR already has information about the learner’s completion, this information will be pre-filled for the learner, and they’ll only be asked to confirm that the information is correct.
Advise learners of the best time to apply for Fees Free
The best time for a learner to apply is once IR has completion data about the learner – find out more at Fees Free Processing Times – Inland Revenue.
There may be a delay from when a learner completes their qualification or programme, to when IR receives confirmation of this from TEC. Once IR receives confirmation from TEC and the learner completes their application, it can take up to 20 working days to process.
Provide TEC with additional information for reviews
Learners can ask IR for a review if they disagree with their Fees Free outcome. This includes if they disagree with the fees, their eligibility, or qualification or programme eligibility.
IR may contact TEC for more information. We may contact you if the review is in relation to data you have reported in your Single Data Return or work-based data collection.
Keep up to date with Fees Free messaging
Keep your communications up to date with the content and key messages at Communications pack for TEOs.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking witnesses in relation to a man who was located unconscious in Auckland CBD last week.

At about 4.14am on Saturday 27 September emergency services were called after a man was found unconscious on the corner of Pitt Street and Karangahape Road.

The male received significant injuries and was transported to hospital in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, Auckland City CIB, says Police are working to establish the full circumstances of what occurred, and if anyone was responsible for the man’s injuries.

“We know there were several other members of the public who were in the area at the time, and we are hoping they have valuable information to share.

“There were also two potential witnesses who may have spoken to ambulance officers at the scene, and we would really like them to get in touch.”

If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote file number 250927/4761.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has been arrested and a homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in New Lynn this afternoon.

At about 11.52am, Police were called to a Kaponga Crescent address following a report of a person injured.

Despite the best efforts from first responders, the man sadly died at the scene.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Waitematā CIB, says one person was taken into custody at the scene.

“As such, Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

“We would like to reassure the community that this appears to be an isolated incident.”

Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says a scene examination is underway.

“The community can expect to see an increased Police in the area while further enquiries are carried out.”

Police will provide further details around the identity of the victim when we are in a position to do so.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Chris Power:

Police have received positive information relating to the man found deceased on Horotane Valley Road, Heathcote Valley on Friday 19 September.

We would like to thank the community that has come forward with information, which has greatly assisted us in our enquiries.

Formal identification could still take some time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The state highway summer maintenance season continues in the top of the South Island with State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle, between Rai Valley and Hira set for a summer spruce up.

This route will have three weeks of night closures during November for road resurfacing and maintenance work.

The work will run from 9 November until 28 November. It will see State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley closed from 7 pm to 7 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says it’s critical this important route between Nelson and Marlborough is regularly maintained.

“It’s essential our road crews complete this work to ensure the highway is in good shape before the busy Christmas and New Year period. They’ll be clearing drainage, replacing a culvert, doing resilience improvements, and other general maintenance work.”

“We have deliberately timed the work to happen at night, and it is also well outside peak summer holiday traffic. It means it will affect as few road users as possible,” Mr Service says.

The road will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. The freight industry and other drivers must plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.

Mr Service says given the narrowness of the road and the heavy equipment being used for resurfacing, the highway must be closed.

“We realise road closures are disruptive, but they help keep our road crews and drivers safe. They also let us complete work much faster than doing it during the day under stop/go traffic controls.”

“That would take far longer and create major delays for drivers. Night closures, when fewer people actually use the route, help us avoid this,” Mr Service says.

He says the closure does mean a lengthy detour via State Highway 63 and the Wairau Valley.

“It is absolutely essential drivers are aware of this and plan accordingly. Travelling between Nelson and Renwick is normally a 90-minute trip. With the detour via the Wairau Valley, it is over two hours.”

Drivers also need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for State Highways around the region in November, including the night closures on State Highway 1, Weld Pass south of Marlborough.

They should check road conditions before they travel, be aware of where the road works are, and plan their journeys properly.

Other state highway maintenance works

• SH6 Whangamoa Saddle resilience work
  • Ongoing 24/7 resilience work. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location

• 9 to 28 November, Sunday to Thursday nights, 7 pm – 7 am.
• No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
• There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
• Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
• Access will be available for emergency services at all times.
• There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during November. Please plan ahead when travelling.

Detour route

• The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
• This a much longer route and will add around 45 minutes to travel times between Nelson and Renwick.

Works location

View large map of Whangamoa Saddle night closures during November [PDF, 6.1 MB]

More information

Source: New Zealand Police

The search for missing 17-year-old Marley has now moved to a recovery phase.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan says Police remain committed to returning Marley home to his family.

“A helicopter conducted shoreline searches today, but sadly did not locate Marley.“

Further land-based searching near Taylors Mistake is being considered. 

“This is the news that no family wants to receive, and we are offering them ongoing support.

“We would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information over the course of this search.”

We continue to ask anybody with information to contact Police via 105 and reference file number 250927/3331.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The Kingston Garston Highway has now partially opened following a serious crash around 11am just south of Kingston. One lane is open to traffic.

The crash had initially blocked the road, causing delays to motorists.

Three people with minor injuries were transported to hospital.

ENDS