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TEC: Fees-free tertiary education policy

09 November 2017 | news

The following information is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission's website (http://moetec.cwp.govt.nz/news-and-consultations/fees-free-tertiary-education-policy)

LAST UPDATED 8 NOVEMBER 2017

The Tertiary Education Commission (the TEC) is working closely with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development (StudyLink) and Inland Revenue (IR) to implement one of the Government’s 'first 100 days' policies for tertiary education: the introduction of one year of fees-free tertiary education.

The changes for 2018 are just the first step in the process as the Government rolls out a full programme of three years’ fees-free tertiary education for New Zealanders by 2024.

We understand that prospective students, their families and whānau, secondary schools and Tertiary Education Organisations (TEOs) want to know details. This includes how the policy will be implemented and how eligibility will be defined.

Final decisions around details are currently under consideration.

Further information will be made available as soon as possible, on the TEC website, and on the StudyLink website

Until then, StudyLink is encouraging students to apply for their tertiary study by 16 December 2017 and to provide their supporting documents promptly, to ensure their applications are sorted for the start of the 2018 academic year.

TEOs are advised to continue enrolling students using current processes. This includes advising students to continue with their applications for student loans and allowances.

Please contact your Investment Manager if you have any further questions. 

Read the Minister's press release on fees-free tertiary study.