Fees-free Study

If you’re planning to start tertiary study for the first time, you may be eligible for fees-free support.

Fees-free study includes all compulsory fees (tuition, compulsory students services fee, etc.) up to $12,000 for tertiary study at any level. The policy will cover one year's study, which is usually 1 EFTS/120 credits or points.

Are You Eligible?

To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria and be enrolled in an eligible course.

All Cut Above programmes at Level 3 or above are eligible for fees-free study.

To check if you meet the requirements, visit the Fees-free website and enter your National Student Number (NSN). If you don’t have an NSN, contact the Cut Above team.

Returning Students

You may be eligible if you haven’t previously undertaken more than 60 credits (half a year of equivalent full-time tertiary education, 0.5 EFTS) at Level 3 or above on the NZQF.


Check out the Fees-free site for:

FAQs and information guides

Glossary