Fees Free for students
Find out how Fees Free may help cover study or training costs, what’s required at enrolment, how to confirm eligibility and how to claim.
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.
Studying or training started before 2025
The Government announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training finished at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy has replaced it from 1 January 2025.
If you used Fees Free in 2024, you may be able to continue to use your remaining first-year entitlement in 2025.
More information on the first-year Fees Free transition rules
Steps to apply for and claim Fees Free
At enrolment
- Add your I.R.D number in your assumed final year as part of the annual questions when enrolling.
On completion
- When you complete your first eligible qualification or work-based programme, you can confirm your eligibility and claim your Fees Free entitlement.
- You will be able to do this through myIR from 2026.
- If you have a Student Loan, your entitlement will go towards paying off your Student Loan. If you don’t have a Student Loan, the entitlement will be paid to a bank account you nominate.
IRD numbers
- We may request your IRD number. This will make it easier for you to claim your Fees Free entitlement after you complete your first eligible qualification .
- You do not need to provide your IRD number if you have already used your Fees Free entitlement or you know your qualification/programme is not eligible for Fees Free.
Shorter qualifications
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Keep in mind some shorter qualifications (like certificates) you complete before a degree or diploma may use your Fees Free entitlement.
For more information
Within Te Manawa the Student Centre you will find Student Advisors who can help with general questions around Fees Free.
To reach a Student Advisor, get in touch with us using the contact information on this page.
Scholarships
The University is committed to ensuring that our scholarships advantage students.
If you are awarded a scholarship that includes a fees component, the scholarship regulations will tell you how the award money will be allocated.
Explore University of Waikato Scholarships.