Free training and wage subsidies

Find out what Government support is available

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Fees Free

March 2025

The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.

If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.

If your training started in 2024 or earlier and continues in the same qualification in 2025, your fees will be covered until the end of 2025 or until entitlement is exhausted.

For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit www.feesfree.govt.nz.

Mana in Mahi programme

The Mana in Mahi programme offers a wage subsidy of up to $16,000 for your first year of training and wrap-around on-the-job support to help you kick start your career. This programme is administered by Work and Income.

Find out more on the Work and Income website.

Mana in Mahi - Work and Income

FAQs

Head to our FAQs page for more information on the different funding options available.

Find out more