Eligible learners can take advantage of Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Fees Free scheme if enrolled in an eligible programme, until the end of 2024.
The current scheme covers ākonga (learner) fees for up to two years of training up to $12,000, provided they are enrolled in a programme of 120 credits or more at Level 3 or above and meet the Tertiary Education Commission's (TEC) eligibility criteria.
If you have already begun using your Fees Free entitlement and will continue in the same programme, you can carry over your remaining entitlement to the end of 2025.
However, if you have not accessed your Fees Free entitlement before the end of 2024, or if you have but are switching to a different programme in 2025, you will no longer be eligible to use the Fees Free scheme.
Learn more about the changes to the first-year Fees Free policy here.
Note that any new enrolments for learners who are not New Zealand citizens or residence-class visa holders (with some exceptions), will not be eligible for tuition subsidies for work-based learning. TTAF has no impact on a Fees Free eligible learner’s entitlement. Learners should refer to the Fees Free website to check their eligibility. See below for a step-by-step video on how to check eligibility.
We presently have limited information available to us from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) regarding the status of current learner eligibility and consumption under the Fees Free scheme. We will be contacting our employers with further updates when it is made available.
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Check the 2023 learner and programme eligibility criteria for work-based learning.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) also has a tool available for learners to check their eligibility using their NSN.
We will send you correspondence regarding an update on your learner’s eligibility when it is available. If you believe the information we have regarding your learner’s eligibility is incorrect, please contact TEC.
Note there are specific residency and prior study and training criteria for work-based learning that starts in 2023. Read more about the eligibility criteria here.
The TEC also has a tool available for learners to check their eligibility using their NSN.
TTAF covers your fees for training between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2022. If your learner is still training in the programme after 31 December 2022, you’ll need to pay fees for that part of the training. We’ll send you an invoice for the period after 1 January 2023.
The eligibility for TTAF is broader than the Fees Free scheme. TTAF is finishing 31 December 2022. It is available even if you have already trained in tertiary levels 3-7 previously. TTAF is to encourage tertiary qualified people to change careers and retrain in targeted programmes, as well as covering the fees of all eligible programmes for trainees in levels 2-7.
Fees Free funding is attached to an individual learner, whilst TTAF is attached to targeted programmes.
Click here for more info on how TTAF interacts with Fees Free.
We will endeavour to keep the FAQs on this webpage as current as possible. The Fees Free website is a good resource for learners. The TEC website is continuously updated and is a good resource for employers.
There is no paperwork to complete if you are enrolled in any apprenticeship or an eligible traineeship in the sectors listed above. Your fees will be automatically covered from 01 July 2020 to 31 December 2022.
Find out if you are eligible to claim reimbursement for fees you have paid to a trainer or provider for TTAF eligible programmes.
No problem, for all eligible programmes your fees will now be automatically covered from 01 July 2020 to 31 December 2022 by TTAF.
TTAF covers level 3 to 7 New Zealand Certificate targeted traineeships and micro credentials in these sectors:
Manufacturing Engineering
Food and Beverage Processing
Fire Protection
Printing
Signmaking
Packaging
Textile Making
Plastics Processing Technology
Footwear Making
Wood Machining and Turning
Cabinet Making
Furniture Upholstery and Renovation
Furniture Polishing
Manufacturing Engineering and Technology not elsewhere classified.
Wood Based Manufacturing
Pulp and Paper
Materials Engineering
Ceramics, Industrial Glass and Rubber Manufacturing
Food (excluding Seafood) Processing Technology
Cellar ops
Painting and Coatings
Process and Resources Engineering not elsewhere classified.
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Toolmaking
Metal Fitting, Turning and Machining
Sheetmetal Working
Boiler-making and Welding
Metal Casting and Pattern Making
Precision Metalworking
Plant and Machine Operations
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering & Technology not elsewhere classified
Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning.
Forestry
Silviculture and Harvesting
Solid Wood Processing
Wood based Manufacturing.
The fund also covers level 2 New Zealand Certificate targeted traineeships in these sectors:
If you are not already in an apprenticeship or industry training, check out our website to find out about industries that interest you. You will need to be in paid employment before starting on an apprenticeship. We have exciting opportunities available now on our job board.
If you are currently employed as an apprentice or doing a traineeship in one of our targeted sectors, then your fees will be automatically covered.
To sign up new learners, please contact our customer service team on 0800 526 1800 or use the form below.
We have great candidates looking for roles now. Let us help you find a fees-free apprentice or trainee today. Use the form below to get started.
Use the form below to confirm your eligibility for reimbursements and instructions on submitting your claims.
