Fees Free Eligibility Explained (Updated)

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Updated 24 January 2025

In 2024, all Mission Ready qualifications, including our Micro-credentials, were eligible for Fees Free funding for first time tertiary learners that covers their first year fees (upto $12k or 120 credits).

In 2025, the Government has introduced changes to the Fees Free programme:

  • Fees Free can only be applied to programmes offering a minimum of 0.5 EFTS = 60 credits that are registered on the NZQCF (New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework).
  • Micro-credentials are less than 0.5 EFTS and therefore will no longer be eligible for Fees Free in 2025. However, learners can still use Fees Free for the Diploma programme.

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"In today’s economy, diving into a tech certification might feel out of reach. Yet, with the Fees Free initiative, your dream job in tech is closer than you think.

If you’re embarking on your tertiary education journey for the first time, you could be eligible to have your fees covered for one year of study or two years of work-based training. This opportunity comes in the form of Fees Free, a dedicated fund designed for first-time tertiary learners. Fees Free can cover fees for up to $12,000 and is applicable to a wide range of educational institutions, including Mission Ready.

Are you eligible? It’s easy to find out:

  • Check if your course qualifies.
  • Use the NSN checker for your status.

In 2022 alone, over 42,760 students and trainees embraced this opportunity, spanning from university courses to apprenticeships. Remember, it’s not just for recent grads—less than half a year of prior tertiary study still counts.

In 2024, the government announced the end of fees free. They have provided updated guidance on eligibility - how to access Fees Free till 2025. So if you start a fees free eligible course in 2024, you can continue to access the full fees free amount in 2025 per the conditions on the Fees Free website.

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Dreaming of a tech career? Let’s make it happen. Connect with our advisors now and step confidently into your tech future."

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*Source: https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/fees-free

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