What does 'same qualification' mean?

If you were enrolled in provider-based study in 2024, in a programme leading to a qualification, and continued study in 2025, you must have been undertaking courses towards the same qualification to receive Fees Free.

For example, if you were working towards a Bachelor of Arts in 2024 and continued in 2025, you were eligible for Fees Free (as long as you continued to meet other eligibility criteria, and had remaining entitlement). However, if you changed to a Bachelor of Science in 2025, you were not eligible.

If you were enrolled in work-based learning in 2024, in a training programme or apprenticeship leading to a qualification(s), and you continued training in 2025, you must have been continuing in the same training programme or apprenticeship to receive Fees Free.

For example, if you were doing a New Zealand Apprenticeship in Carpentry in 2024, and continued in 2025, you were eligible for Fees Free (as long as you continued to meet other eligibility criteria, and had remaining entitlement). However, if you changed to a New Zealand Apprenticeship in Sawmilling, you were not eligible.

Read the full transition rules for the end of first-year Fees Free.