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GRADUATE SMARTER -
SAME STUDY.
NO TUITION FEES.
BETTER CHOICE.
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Government Fees-Free Policy

Fees Free covers fees for the final year of tertiary study or final 2 years of work-based learning. In most cases you can only get Fees Free if you are starting study or work-based learning for the 1st time.

When you enrol for your study or work-based learning, you will need to pay your fees.

You can apply for Fees Free from 15 January 2026, after you have completed your qualification or programme.

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What's the Difference Between Govt. Fees Free and SIT Zero Fees?

'Fees Free' is a Government initiative available to any NZ student who is in their last year of tertiary study. It's only available for your first year. Zero Fees is an SIT initiative, only available from SIT. Zero Fees applies to almost all programmes (on campus and SIT2LRN Distance Learning). SIT is the only tertiary provider in New Zealand to offer a no tuition cost education to all NZ students for study at all levels.

If you think you may be eligible and want to double check, head to ird.govt.nz/fees-free for more information.

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