I have studied before, but it was part-time. Does this count as prior study or training?
Yes, all study and training (whether part-time or full-time) at or equivalent to New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) level 3 or above is considered when determining eligibility. This demonstrates you are not a first-time learner.
Unsure of some of these terms? Check out our glossary.
- I’m going to become eligible part way through my study/training by meeting residency requirements, can I get Fees Free for any study or training I do before I become eligible?
- I’m an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, am I eligible for Fees Free?
- I’m not sure of my residency status, who can I contact to check this?
- I’m a citizen of the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, am I eligible for Fees Free?
- I’ve previously undertaken a course with zero fees, does this count as prior study or training?
- I did some tertiary study while I was still at school. Does this count as prior study or training?
- I did National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 courses at school. Do they count as prior study or training?
- How do EFTS work?
- I’ve done study through the Refugee English Fund. Can I get Fees Free?
- I haven’t studied in New Zealand before, does my overseas study or training count as prior study or training?
- What does ‘undertaken’ mean in the context of prior study and training?
- I have previously undertaken tertiary study or training in New Zealand as an international student, does this count as prior study or training?
- I have studied before, but it was part-time. Does this count as prior study or training?
- I have previously undertaken workplace training or an apprenticeship. Does this count as prior study or training?
- Can I check use my NZQA Record of Achievement to find out how much prior study/training I've undertaken?
- How much study or training can I get Fees Free?
- What fees will be covered by Fees Free?
- Does Fees Free cover fees related to the recognition of prior learning (RPL)?
- Will zero fee courses use my Fees Free entitlement?
- What fees are not covered by Fees Free?
- I’m an apprentice and enrolled through a tertiary education organisation. Am I eligible for Fees Free?
- Can I use Fees Free for both provider-based study and work-based learning at the same time?
- Can I access Fees Free at more than one provider?
- If I did less than $12,000 worth of study in my first year of study, can I carry the rest over to another year?
- How can I check how much Fees Free entitlement I have used?
- If I change providers part-way through my study, can I get Fees Free study at my new provider?
- I know I have some Fees Free entitlement left to use, do I need to tell my provider?
- I started Fees Free study/training in a prior year and am continuing study/training in 2023. Do I need to re-check my eligibility?
- What are the terms and conditions of declaring that I am eligible for Fees Free?
- How long will it take for my statutory declaration to be processed?
- Who is authorised to witness me signing the statutory declaration?
- Where should I email my signed and witnessed statutory declaration?
- What happens if I give false information on my statutory declaration?
- Do I need to tell my tertiary education organisation (TEO) when I’ve submitted my statutory declaration?
- Is there a deadline for submitting my statutory declaration?
- I submitted a statutory declaration last year, but did not begin studying. Do I need to submit a new one when I begin studying?
- Do I need to apply to StudyLink to access Fees Free?
- What do I do if I’m eligible for Fees Free, but I’ve already applied for a Student Loan?
- What do I do if I’m eligible for Fees Free but have already paid fees to my tertiary education organisation?
- I started accessing Fees Free last year, but still have some entitlement left over to use. Do I need to apply to StudyLink to cover the rest of my fees?
- If I pay my own tertiary fees now, can I use my Fees Free entitlement later?
- Does Fees Free affect New Zealand scholarships?
- I’m eligible for Fees Free but have still been invoiced by my tertiary education organisation. Why haven’t my fees been paid?
- Due to the COVID-19 restrictions I am unable to get my Statutory Declaration witnessed in person, what do I do?
- I withdrew from my study because of COVID-19. How can I get my Fees Free entitlement reinstated?
- My study was impacted due to COVID-19, how do I appeal my entitlement use?
- Will I be notified when my entitlement is reinstated?
- I’ve used my Fees Free entitlement already but this was for study in an industry that has been impacted by COVID-19. Can my Fees Free entitlement be reset or can I access Fees Free to study something else?
- Some of my fees were paid through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), but now I need Fees Free to pay the rest. What do I need to do?
- My course fees were partially covered by the TTAF and partially by Fees Free. How is this calculated, and how much Fees Free entitlement have I used?