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.
Starting tertiary study or training for the first-time? You may be able to get Fees Free for the final year of the first provider-based qualification or work-based programme you complete.
When you enrol for your study or training you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost you may wish to apply for a Student Loan through StudyLink.
To get Fees Free on completion of your final year of study or training you must:
- complete a qualification or a programme eligible for Fees Free, and
- meet the residency criteria at the time you complete your qualification or programme, and
- meet the prior study and training criteria, and
- not have already used Fees Free.
You don’t need to do anything to confirm your eligibility until 2026. However, if you would like to check if you meet the residency and prior study and training criteria before you complete your qualification or programme, you can read the eligibility criteria on the Fees Free website, www.feesfree.govt.nz/final-year.
Claiming Fees Free
After you complete your first eligible qualification or programme, you will be able to confirm your eligibility and claim your entitlement. You will be able to do this through myIR from early 2026.
If you have a Student Loan, your Fees Free entitlement will go towards paying off your Student Loan. This will lower the amount you have borrowed. If you don’t have a loan, the entitlement will be paid to a bank account you nominate.
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.
