New Zealand starts new student fee support program on Oct. 6, 2025, covering up to $12,000 for first qualifications.

Starting October 6, 2025, New Zealand’s final-year Fees Free policy transitions to Inland Revenue, offering up to $12,000 in fee coverage for eligible learners completing their first qualification or work-based programme. Applicants must meet residency requirements, not have used Fees Free before, and apply within one year of completion—by December 31, 2026, for 2025 completions. Payments reduce student loans or go directly to bank accounts. TEOs must report accurate data via SDR and DXP Ngā Kete, and learners must pay fees upfront. Only first qualifications completed on or after January 1, 2025, are eligible, with exceptions for certain programmes and prior study under 0.5 EFTS.