What is the Fees Free scheme?

Fees Free is a government initiative designed to help first-time tertiary learners by covering the cost of their final year of study, rather than the first year as it previously did. Starting in 2025, Strategi Institute will be offering the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) under this updated scheme. For shorter programmes like NZCFS (Level 5), which can be completed in under a year, the scheme ensures learners are reimbursed in full as soon as they pass, making it a completely cost-free qualification.

• A rewarding career in financial services: The financial services industry offers excellent opportunities for growth, development, and making a real impact. By gaining the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) through the Fees Free scheme, you can start a fulfilling career without the financial burden.

• A cost-effective recruitment opportunity for FAPs: This scheme also provides a cost-effective way for financial advice providers (FAPs) to recruit and train new advisers without long-term expenses. The upfront fees are covered, and once the student completes the course, they’ll receive a refund from Inland Revenue. Proper management of the process means no cost to the FAP or the student in the long run.

How does it work?

Here’s a quick overview of how the Fees Free scheme works:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Visit ird.govt.nz/fees-free to check whether you qualify. You’ll need your National Student Number (NSN).

Step 2: Pay your course fees

Your course fees must be paid to Strategi Institute before your programme begins. You can pay directly yourself or apply for a student loan through Studylink.

Step 3: Complete the programme

When you finish your qualification, you can apply for your refund.

Step 4: Apply for your refund in myIR

From 15 January 2026, learners can log in to the myIR portal on the Inland Revenue website and submit their Fees Free refund application. If eligible, your refund will either reduce your student loan balance or be paid directly to your bank account.

Please note: Inland Revenue cannot reimburse employers who pay a learner’s fees. If your employer covers the cost, you and your employer will need to agree on how any refund is handled.

Who qualifies for Fees Free?

To qualify for the Fees Free scheme for the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), you must:

• Complete the programme in under a year.

• Be a New Zealand citizen or have been a permanent resident for at least three years.

• Be a first-time tertiary learner.

It’s important to confirm your eligibility before enrolling. The Inland Revenue website provides full details and eligibility checks.

How to apply for the Fees Free refund

Once learners have successfully completed the qualification, they can apply for the Fees Free refund as follows:

• Log into your myIR account on the Inland Revenue website.

• Submit your refund request after completing your qualification.

If eligible, the refund will be applied to reduce your student loan or paid directly to you.
Inland Revenue cannot reimburse employers who pay the learner’s fees; if an employer covers the fees, the learner will need to manage the payment and refund process.

Support and further information

For learners:

• Go to ird.govt.nz/fees-free for information and eligibility checks.
• From 15 January 2026, once you have successfully completed your programme, apply for your refund in the myIR portal.

For FAPs:
This scheme provides a cost-effective way to recruit and train new advisers, ensuring they gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Inland Revenue cannot reimburse employers who pay a learner’s fees. If you cover the initial cost, you and your employee will need to agree on how any refund is managed.

For more details or to discuss how this could benefit your team, contact us today.

Additional support options

New Zealand citizens and residents can apply for a student loan through StudyLink to pay their course fees for the NZCFS.

For full details on using a student loan with Strategi Institute, including how the process works, please visit our Student Loans page.

Have questions?

Our team is here to help! If you need assistance with funding options or application processes, reach out to us at [email protected].