The Government’s tertiary education (TEC) fees-free scheme means first-time learners of any age will be eligible for free study to the value of $12,000 for study you do in a calendar year.
Those who have previously undertaken study of less than 60 credits, and New Zealanders living overseas are also eligible.
Returning students
Students who used fees-free who have studied less than 120 credits and/or used less than $12,000 of fees-free entitlement can carry forward the remaining entitlement. If you have carryover entitlement, the total maximum fees-free entitlement you are allowed is 120 credits or $12,000. Whichever you reach first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if I’m eligible?
You can check your eligibility at FeesFree.govt.nz with your National Student Number. If you’ve enrolled at Massey University, you can find your number on our student homepage. Alternatively, visit FeesFree.govt.nz to find out how you can get your number.
What does the scheme cover?
The fees-free policy for tertiary education will pay tuition fees and most associated mandatory non-tuition fees. For details about which fees are covered see non-tuition fees.
Is there an age limit?
Great news, there are no age requirements or restrictions.
Will I be eligible if I am studying from overseas?
Yes, you can take advantage of Massey University’s programme of distance education and qualify for this scheme offshore as long as you are a New Zealand citizen.
Will I be eligible for fees-free if I’m enrolled in a secondary school while completing a tertiary education course?
Not usually. A range of other support is available for school students who wish to begin tertiary study while at school. The good news is tertiary study undertaken while enrolled in a secondary school does not need to count against your future eligibility for fees-free tertiary education. For information about studying at Massey while at school see Accelerate school + Massey study.
Do I need to let Massey know I’m eligible for the scheme when enrolling?
No, you don’t need to contact us. TEC will let us know. However you must apply for fees-free on their website at FeesFree.govt.nz.
Already enrolled?
What should I do if I am eligible for the scheme, but have already enrolled at Massey University?
If you believe you are eligible for fees-free it is important that you contact TEC promptly to ensure you don’t miss out on your eligibility. You cannot claim for study completed in the past.
What do I do if I find I am eligible for fees-free, but I have already taken out a student loan for my fees?
StudyLink advises that you should do the following:
- Log in to your MyStudyLink account and change the ‘Pay fees’ box in your loan application to ‘No’ (Note: Don’t cancel your loan application completely if you will still need other support from the loan like the living costs and course-related costs)
- If you were only taking out a loan to pay your fees, and your fees are less than or equal to $12,000, you may choose to cancel your loan application. Call StudyLink on 0800 88 99 00 to talk about cancelling your application.
- Contact TEC to check they have confirmed your eligibility.
Applied for a scholarship?
What do I do if I’ve have accepted the offer of an undergraduate scholarship?
The impact of the fees free scheme is dependent on the type of scholarship you have been awarded. Some scholarships provide money that can be used at the discretion of the awardee. Examples of these types of scholarships provided by Massey University, include:
- Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship
- High Achievers with Distinction Scholarship (Arts or Academic)
- High Achievers Scholarship (Arts or Academic)
- Academy of Sport Scholarship
- Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation and Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Accommodation Scholarship
For recipients of these scholarships, we have good news: regardless of your eligibility for the fees-free scheme, there is no change to your scholarship offer. The information provided in your letter of offer remains the same and you are able to use your scholarship for study and living costs, at your discretion. If you use your scholarship for fees this may change eligibility for free-fees. See FeesFree.govt.nz.
Other scholarships cover the costs of student fees. For information about eligibility for fees-free see FeesFree.govt.nz.
Additional information
More information about the scheme is available at FeesFree.govt.nz. If you have any queries relating to studying at Massey University, please feel free to contact us.