Kore utu Fees Free tertiary study

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington students may be able to get Fees Free funding after completing their first eligible qualification.

Fees Free

Starting tertiary study for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study, up to $12,000.

When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan—StudyLink.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free—Inland Revenue.

IRD number

While you are studying with us, we will request your IRD number. This will make it easier to apply for Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

You can provide your IRD number in Pūaha—Student Portal.

You do not need to provide your IRD number if you have already had Fees Free or you know your qualification/programme is not eligible for Fees Free.

If you started studying before 2025

Prior to 1 January 2025, Fees Free was available for your first year of study. If you started studying before 2025, you may be eligible to claim Fees Free funding under the transition rules.

First-year Fees Free transition rules

If you have already used Fees Free funding in your first year of study you won't be able to access Fees Free under the final-year policy. However, until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under 'first-year transition' rules.

Visit the Tertiary Education Commission website to check your eligibility under the 'first-year transition' rules.

Need help

If you would like to speak to the University team about studying at Victoria University, you can contact us at 0800 04 04 04, email us at info@vuw.ac.nz, or book a course planning session.