National Student Number (NSN)
A National Student Number (NSN) is a unique number given to every student. The NSN makes it easier for secondary schools and government agencies (including NZQA and TEC) to manage and share information about students in a way that protects their privacy.
Without an NSN, we cannot determine your eligibility for Fees Free. If you do not know your NSN, please contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) on 0800 697 296.
If you do not have an NSN, you should read the eligibility criteria to determine if you are eligible. If you meet the criteria, you will need to enrol with a tertiary organisation and come back to the Fees Free website to confirm your eligibility status with the TEC.
New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
The NZQCF is a record of all qualifications in New Zealand that have been reviewed and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The NZQCF provides information about what knowledge, skills and experience the holder of a qualification should have.
You can find more about the NZQCF and levels here.
The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) was previously known as the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
Optional and occasional fees
These include (but are not limited to) student association and club memberships, some course materials and late fees. These fees are not covered by Fees Free.
Ordinarily resident
Ordinarily resident means you normally and lawfully live in New Zealand, intend to stay here and consider New Zealand to be home.