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January 2026
Fees Free First year has ended. The deadline to confirm eligibility for first-year Fees Free was 31 December 2025, and this has now passed.
You may still be eligible for final-year Fees Free from 2025.
Final-year Fees Free has now moved to Inland Revenue (IRD). IRD is now responsible for providing information, assessing eligibility, and making entitlement payments.
You can apply for Final-year Fees Free from 15 January 2026, after you have completed your qualification or programme.
More information:
Final-year fees free: https://www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free
First-year fees free: https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/end-of-first-year/
The Mana in Mahi programme offers a wage subsidy of up to $16,000 for your first year of training and wrap-around on-the-job support to help you kick start your career. This programme is administered by Work and Income.
Find out more on the Work and Income website.
Head to our FAQs page for more information on the different funding options available.