You may be eligible to complete your qualification for FREE…
What is Fees Free?
Fees Free is a fund for first-time tertiary learners. It may cover fees for one year’s study or two years’ work-based training – up to $12,000. To get Fees Free, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, and your course or programme must also be eligible.
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study or training won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under “first-year transition rules”.
The fees free policy is still under development with government. BHB Academy will update this page as details are confirmed.
You do not need to do anything to confirm your eligibility for Fees Free at this stage. When you enrol you will need to organise payment of your fees with BHB Academy. Then, when you complete your qualification, you will be able to make a claim through the myIR portal on the IRD website. This portal will be available from 2026 onwards.
To get Fees Free for your final-year of study or training in 2025 you must:
• complete a qualification in a programme that’s eligible for Fees Free, and
• meet the residency criteria, and
• meet the prior study and training criteria, and
• not have already used Fees Free.
What do you need to do?
• When you enrol in tertiary study or training, you’ll need to organise payment of your fees to your tertiary education organisation. You may wish to apply for a student loan to help you cover the fees.
• You don’t need to do anything else until you complete your first qualification. The myIR portal will be available in early 2026 for you to confirm your Fees Free eligibility and claim your entitlement.
For more information visit the fees free website HERE or talk to us at BHB Academy as we are more than happy to walk you through this process.
How to apply for a student loan
To apply for a student loan through StudyLink you will first need to create a RealMe account. Watch this video for information about RealMe.
Click HERE for information and to apply for a RealMe account.
Once you have completed your RealMe account set up go to the StudyLink website and follow the steps in the application process.
Make sure you have the following information on hand BEFORE starting the eligibility test:
Residency status, programme dates, and other personal information e.g. financial information (benefits from WINZ), your address, family details, health conditions, IRD number, and bank account details. You can save your application at any stage.
Your student loan application will take a minimum of four weeks to be approved and paid but can take longer during StudyLink busy periods December – March
Working while you study
The commitment you have made to study is one that should not be taken lightly. BHB Academy understands that being a student can be financially challenging. Please consider this when entering into enrolment with BHB Academy so that you are prepared for the commitment it takes.
Working part-time, outside of course hours, is something you may wish to consider as plenty of people decide to work to help support themselves while they study. It can also contribute towards your qualification, and help you develop the skills needed for the workforce.
The Student Job Search website is a great resource to find work while you are studying.
If you are enrolled in a Youth Guarantee course you do not need to apply for course fees. If you need other financial assistance please refer to the study link website to see if you are eligible.
