Funding your studies

Fees-Free and Subsidised Programmes

Students can benefit from the government’s first-year fees-free tertiary study scheme and NorthTec’s own commitment to providing some programmes fees free.

NorthTec’s fees are subsidised by the government to make it easier for New Zealanders to gain tertiary-level skills.

• If you are a first-time tertiary learner, you may be able to get up to $12,000 of your fees covered for one year’s study or two years’ training. Find out whether you are eligible for Fees Free study at FeesFree.govt.nz.
• All level 2 programmes are fees free.
• 16-24 years old? Study for free with Youth Guarantee on selected level 3 certificate programmes

Fees Free 2025

The Government has advised they intend to change the Fees Free policy from 2025. The details of the change are yet to be confirmed, and we'll update this webpage when we have more information. The Fees Free policy for 2024 is unchanged.

If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:

• Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
• Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
• Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.

Priority places will be given to students who:

• have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
• have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.

All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.

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Study Link

If you're studying, you can apply for a loan and allowance to help with course fees, course-related costs and living expenses. You may also be able to get help during your study break.

Remember, apply early!

StudyLink can provide everything you need to fund your study. They offer:

• Student Loans
• Student Allowance
• Financial support during a break in your study
• Extra help with accommodation, childcare, and health and disabilities
• Grants and scholarships

Student Loans

There are three parts to a Student Loan – compulsory course fees, course-related costs, and living costs. You can choose how much you want to borrow, but you will have to pay this back.

Apply now!

It takes time to process a Student Loan application, so NorthTec recommends you apply as soon as you can before your study or training starts. This will help make sure your money is organised in time for you to begin. If you currently receive Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payments, please see your Work and Income Case Manager to let them know you have enrolled for a course at NorthTec. Do this before making your StudyLink application.

You can find more detail about StudyLink online at www.studylink.govt.nz.

Student Allowance

A Student Allowance is a weekly payment to help with your living expenses while you study full time. How much you get each week will depend on your personal circumstances. You don’t have to pay the Student Allowance back. You can apply for this at StudyLink.

Scholarships

There are many grants and scholarships available to help finance your studies.

• StudySpy – Search Aotearoa's largest database of scholarships by location, study level, and ethnicity.

Don't know where to start? Get in touch with our Student Support Champions who can help you each step of the way.

Hardship Assistance

NorthTec hardship grants are available as payments for unexpected financial hardship which may arise. To be eligible, you must have accessed all other external supports, and your application must be supported by your tutor or other NorthTec staff member. You will need to provide a digital copy of your bank account details for payment, a digital copy of the bill you are seeking help to pay, and evidence of two weeks’ bank transactions. 

Budgeting and Financial Advice

While you study, NorthTec helps you with budgeting and financial advice to make life that little bit easier while you study! NorthTec will also help you on your way to a successful career with employment advice and a work broker that will help you find work after you have graduated.

Payments

Need to make a payment? See more details about making a payment.