Here are some common questions you might have.
If you have any other questions, please:
- complete the online form for questions
- call us on 0800 697 296 with your question.
On this page
National Education Information Centre
As part of New Zealand's entry to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) was designated as New Zealand's National Education Information Centre.
If you have a question about New Zealand's education system or how New Zealand qualifications and framework works with other countries:
Questions about universities
NZQA has limited authority over universities in New Zealand.
NZQA lists New Zealand qualifications used in universities. However, for any questions about how university programmes run or what is in them, contact the relevant university.
For information on quality assurance of universities, contact the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand:
Go to the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand website (external link)
Questions about Fees Free
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) runs the Fees Free initiative. You can find the latest information on the Fees Free website
Fees Free (external link) - TEC
Fees Free 2025
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025 with the following parameters:
- Learners entering their final year of study or training from 1 January 2025 and who have not received first-year Fees Free may be eligible for the new final-year Fees Free scheme.
- Eligibility will include provider- and work-based study or training at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework.
- Repayment will be made after the learner completes their qualification, with refunds starting from 2026.
TEC is working through transition arrangements for first-year Fees Free learners as well as detailed policy design and implementation for the final-year Fees Free scheme.