How to Access Free Tertiary Education
With so many different free course options available now, you might be wondering which one (if any) is right for you. Don’t worry – our dedicated advisors are here to navigate through the different funding criteria on your behalf. Simply apply for your course and we’ll make sure you get what's right for you.
Youth Guarantee or Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT)
If you’re eligible for all the options, we’ll put Youth Guarantee or Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) at the top of the list.
- Youth Guarantee places are available for 16 to 24 year-olds – you’ll be prioritised if you haven’t yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or 2.
- MPTT, administered by Te Ara Poutama, is ideal if you’re Māori or a Pacific Islander, aged 16 to 40, and applying for one of our trades courses.
- Limited places on selected courses are available.
- Both options provide extra mentoring to support your success.
- If you take a Youth Guarantee course or MPTT course you’ll also be able to pursue other fully-funded courses in the future, depending on their criteria.
For more information see Youth Guarantee or Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT).
Final Year Fees Free
The other option in free tertiary funding is the Final Year Fees Free scheme.
- Available if you’re a school leaver or have completed less than six months of tertiary study or training at Level 3 or above.
- Covers the final year of a course or the equivalent value if you want to study part time or over multiple years.
The Government has confirmed that Fees Free will end on 31 December 2026. If you complete your provider-based qualification in:
- 2026, you can still apply for Fees Free in myIR within 12 months of completing.
- 2027 or later, you will not be eligible for Fees Free.
For more information see the government website page about Fees Free.