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Te Tahua Akoranga Funding Your Studies Studying is an investment in your future and a great way to ensure you remain work-ready in today’s ever-changing world. Here are some of the options for funding your studies:
Fees-Free If this is your first time studying at tertiary level, you might be eligible for fees-free study support. Fees-free (administered by the Tertiary Education Commission) covers your tuition fees, compulsory course costs and compulsory student services fees. To receive fees-free support, you need to be eligible and enrolled in an eligible programme.
Checking your eligibility To check whether you’re eligible for fees-free study, follow these steps: 1. Go to feesfree.govt.nz and enter your National Student Number (NSN). If you don’t have this handy, there are additional instructions on the website. 2. Make sure you choose the eligibility criteria for Provider-based study. 3. Then, you’ll receive one of the following results: • Yes – you’re eligible for fees-free • No – you’re not eligible for fees-free • Maybe – not sure if you’re eligible for fees-free
4. Once you’re eligible with TEC, you can apply to study at Unitec. If you get a maybe, you’ll need to submit a statutory declaration form at feesfree.govt.nz as soon as possible, so there are no disruptions to your studies. For up-to-date information on fees-free study including eligibility criteria, visit feesfree.govt.nz.
Youth Guarantee Scheme If you’re between the ages of 16 and 24, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident and enrolled in an eligible 6 or 12-month Level 3 programme, you might be able to apply for funding under the Youth Guarantee Scheme to cover your compulsory tuition fees.
Here’s how it works: 1. Apply online for an eligible course or programme. 2. If your application is successful, you’ll have an interview with the Youth Guarantee team to talk about funding. 3. Youth Guarantee-funded places of study are limited, so apply as early as possible. For more information about eligibility criteria, visit tec.govt.nz.
