The Government has confirmed that Fees Free will end on 31 December 2026, with no transitional arrangements when the scheme ends.

This means there will be no special rules for people who are already studying. To be eligible for Fees Free, you must complete your eligible qualification or programme on or before 31 December 2026.

If you complete your qualification or programme in 2027 or later, you will not be eligible for Fees Free, even if you started tertiary study for the first time in 2025 or 2026.

To check whether your programme is eligible and whether youhave any Fees Free entitlement, visit

If you have remaining entitlement and have completed an eligible programme, you can make your claim through myIR.