The New Zealand Government has announced the continuation of fees-free tertiary education for 2020 for people new to tertiary study, which includes most UCOL programmes. If you’re planning to start tertiary study or training for the first time you may be eligible for fees-free support.
Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund
The Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) provides a fees free approach to learners studying approved programmes from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2022. Eligible programmes are targeted towards industry skill needs where demand from employers continues to be strong, or is expected to grow, during New Zealand's recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Please check the programme page or contact the UCOL Information Centre team on 0800 GO UCOL. In some cases, there may be a small amount for learners to pay that is not met by the funding provided by the TTAF.
Eligibility
If you’re a New Zealander or are ordinarily resident in New Zealand and were at school in 2017, 2018 or 2019 (other than as an adult student), you may qualify for the equivalent of one years’ fees-free provider-based study at UCOL in 2020.
If you’re not a recent school leaver, and you’ve done less than half a year of tertiary study or training (whether in New Zealand or in any other country), you may also qualify.
Eligible qualification and programme criteria
- Funded by the Tertiary Education Commission
- Recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
- Level 3 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (see UCOL's programme pages for the levels)
Find out if you're eligible
To find out if you're eligible go to
www.feesfree.govt.nz and enter your national student number (NSI). If you don't know your NSI there's a helpful link, and if you have more questions, see
the FAQs.
Amount of funding available
There is a limit of NZ$12,000.00 for fees, which will cover tuition fees, associated manditory fees and compulsory student services fees at UCOL.
Length, location and timing of study
Fees-free can be taken up at UCOL for up to two years from the study start date. Extramural study, including from overseas, is allowed.
Fees-free can't be deferred for a later year. It must be used from the start of an enrolment.
If you're eligible and have already paid for your 2019 study, simply contact
Tertiary Education Comission for a refund. If you have applied for a StudyLink loan, log in to your StudyLink account to change your application.