Final-year Fees Free from 2025
26 November 2024.
From 1 January 2025, the first-year Fees Free scheme is being replaced by a final-year scheme.
Fees Free is administered by the Tertiary Education Commission.
You can find more information on their websites:
Training Incentive Allowance
Students who can get the Training Incentive Allowance (TIA) will need to choose how they’ll fund their course fees for their final calendar year.
If they choose to use TIA for course fees in their final calendar year, they won’t be able to get Fees Free, including for future qualifications.
We'll be supporting students to consider their options, including for their final year.
The TIA application form will be updated for 2025.
Fees Free is ending on 31 December 2026
As of June 2026, the Government has announced it is ending Fees Free.
Students who complete their tertiary study or work-based learning after 31 December 2026 will no longer be eligible for Fees Free.
Students who complete an eligible qualification or programme in 2026 can still apply within 12 months of completing (up to 31 December 2027).
You can find more information on Inland Revenue’s website.