You may be able to study at Unitec Fees Free

If you’re considering starting your first tertiary qualification, you might be eligible for Fees Free – a government initiative that helps cover the cost of study for first-time learners.

It’s a great way to reduce financial pressure and focus on what really matters – building your future.

What is Fees Free?

Fees Free supports eligible learners with the fees of their tertiary education. If you qualify, the government will cover the fees of your final year of study at an approved provider like Unitec – up to $12,000.

This means you’ll still need to pay your tuition fees initially, but you can claim back the fees of your final year once you’ve completed your first eligible qualification.

To check whether you and the programme you want to study are eligible, visit the Inland Revenue Fees Free website.

Are you eligible for Fees Free?

To check if you are eligible, visit the Inland Revenue Fees Free website.

Which programmes are covered?

You can find more information on eligible study options on the Inland Revenue Fees Free website.

What’s changed in 2025?

If you’re starting your first eligible tertiary qualification in 2025 or later, you’ll need to pay your fees upfront.

Note: In the past, Fees Free covered your first year of study and was paid out before you commenced study. From 2025, it covers your last year of study and is paid after you’ve completed your qualification.

Here’s how the updated process works:

  1. Pay your fees and study – you’ll enrol and pay your fees before your classes start.
  2. Complete your qualification – if you complete an eligible programme, you can claim the cost of your final year of study.
  3. Apply through Inland Revenue – from 2026, you can apply through the Inland Revenue Fees Free website. You don’t need to do anything now, except focus on completing your study.

Apply for Fees Free

You can’t apply for Fees Free directly through Unitec. Instead, visit the Inland Revenue Fees Free website to:

  • Check your eligibility
  • Understand how the updated process works
  • Learn how to claim once your study is complete

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help. Contact us at Unitec Student Central or call us on 0800 10 95 10.