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 Fees free study

If you’re thinking about a new career, learning something new, or improving your job prospects, there is support on offer.

One Year’s Fees Free Study

You may qualify for this funding if you are a New Zealand citizen or resident who:

  • You must have enrolled in a school in or after 2020, other than as an adult learner, or
  • Hasn’t done more than half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education (0.5 EFTS or 60 credits) at NZQA Level 3 or above

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.

Eligible programmes must meet these 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)
  • Not be part of a school learning programme or secondary-tertiary programme.

Amount of funding available

There is a limit of NZ$12,000.00 for fees, which will cover tuition fees, associated fees and compulsory student services fees at UCOL.

Length, location and timing of study

  • Fees free can use 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.

Student allowances, living costs and course-related costs

If you meet the requirements, but still need support with funding other aspects of your study, you can apply to StudyLink.

Training Incentive Allowance

If you’re on a Government benefit, you may also be able to get the Training Incentive Allowance.


If you’re thinking about a new career, learning something new, or improving your job prospects, there is support on offer.

One Year’s Fees Free Study

You may qualify for this funding if you are a New Zealand citizen or resident who:

  • You must have enrolled in a school in or after 2020, other than as an adult learner, or
  • Hasn’t done more than half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education (0.5 EFTS or 60 credits) at NZQA Level 3 or above

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.

Eligible programmes must meet these 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)
  • Not be part of a school learning programme or secondary-tertiary programme.

Amount of funding available

There is a limit of NZ$12,000.00 for fees, which will cover tuition fees, associated fees and compulsory student services fees at UCOL.

Length, location and timing of study

  • Fees free can use 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.

Student allowances, living costs and course-related costs

If you meet the requirements, but still need support with funding other aspects of your study, you can apply to StudyLink.

Training Incentive Allowance

If you’re on a Government benefit, you may also be able to get the Training Incentive Allowance.


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