Is my course, credential or programme eligible for Fees Free?

An eligible course or credential for a provider-based learner is a course or credential that is:

  1. funded by the TEC from:
    1. the Non-Degree Delivery at Levels 3-7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all Industry Training (DQ3-7) fund, but excludes provision that would previously have been funded through the Industry Training Fund; or
    2. the Delivery on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework at Levels 7 (Degree) and above (DQ7+) fund; or
    3. grants under section 556 of the Act for tertiary provision towards a qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) at Level 3 or above, or a micro-credential at Level 3 or above approved by the NZQA; and
  2. not part of a school learning programme or secondary-tertiary programme.

An eligible programme for a work-based learner is a programme that is:

  1. at New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 3 or above;
  2. approved by the NZQA;
  3. funded by the TEC through the Non-Degree Delivery at Levels 3-7 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all Industry Training (DQ3-7) fund and would previously have been funded through the ITF;
  4. comprised of at least 120 credits (which includes all New Zealand Apprenticeships); and
  5. not part of a school learning programme or secondary-tertiary programme.

Please contact your tertiary education organisation if you’re not sure about your course or programme eligibility.

Unsure of some of these terms? Check out our glossary.