ITC and Fees Free
What’s happening with Fees Free in 2026?
We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
Last updated: 11 May 2026
The New Zealand Government has confirmed that the current final-year Fees Free scheme will end after 2026.
Students who complete an eligible qualification or work-based programme during the 2026 calendar year will still be able to apply for their Fees Free entitlement, provided they apply within 12 months of completing their study or training.
At this stage, there are no changes for students completing eligible qualifications in 2026.
For the latest official information, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
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 currently 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 upfront. To help cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan through StudyLink.
Don’t worry, our ITC team is here to help support you through the process.
Key Facts for 2026 Students
The current Fees Free settings for eligible 2026 students include:
- 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 reward learners for completing their qualification or programme and help reduce the overall cost of study and training.
- Fees Free can only be used once.
- If you have a student loan, the Fees Free payment will reduce your loan balance.
- If you do not have a student loan, the payment will be made to the bank account provided in your application.
- Learners who complete an eligible qualification or programme during 2026 can still apply for Fees Free up until 31 December 2027.
For more information, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
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 programme, and
- Meet the residency requirements on the day you complete it.
Even if you meet these requirements, you may not be eligible if you have:
- Previously studied or completed work-based learning,
- Already received Fees Free previously, or
- Used the Training Incentive Allowance to pay your final-year study fees.
If you would like to check your eligibility before completing your qualification or programme, visit Fees Free Eligibility Information.
If you are unsure whether your qualification or programme is eligible, our team can help guide you.
What Students Need To Do
At Enrolment
When you enrol in your study or work-based learning programme, you will need to pay your fees upfront. To help cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan through StudyLink.
On Completion
Once you complete your first eligible qualification or programme, you will need to apply for Fees Free.
Applications must be submitted within one year of completing your qualification or programme.
Students completing eligible study during the 2026 calendar year will have until 31 December 2027 to apply.
Applications are completed through myIR.
Application Processing Times
Inland Revenue requires confirmation from ITC that you have completed your qualification or programme before your application can be processed.
The best time to apply for Fees Free is after Inland Revenue has received your completion information.
For more information, visit Fees Free Processing Times – Inland Revenue.
IRD Numbers
We will request your IRD number during enrolment. This helps make the Fees Free application process easier after you complete your qualification or programme.
You do not need to provide your IRD number if:
- You have already received Fees Free previously, or
- You know your qualification or programme is not eligible.
Shorter Qualifications
Please note that some shorter qualifications, such as certificates completed before a diploma or degree, may use your Fees Free entitlement.
If you are unsure how this may affect you, our team is happy to help explain your options.
The ITC Team Are Here To Help
Our friendly team can assist you with:
- Student allowance applications to support you during your study
- Student loan applications
- Understanding Fees Free eligibility and processes
- Enrolment support every step of the way
Our goal is to help you focus on preparing for your brighter future in one of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting industries.
For more information, please Contact ITC.