We offer a range of zero fees courses, and you may also be eligible for the fee-free study offered by the Government.
On this page:
Government fees free study
Eligible learners who start tertiary study for the first time in 2025 or 2026, and complete their first eligible qualification or programme before the end of 2026 may be eligible to access the Governments final year Fees Free entitlement.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. You may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
- If you are eligible and completed an eligible qualification in 2025, you must apply for your Fees Free entitlement through MyIR before 31 December 2026.
- If you are eligible and complete an eligible qualification in 2026, you must apply for your Fees Free entitlement within 12 months of completing your qualification through MyIR, and no later than 31 December 2027.
For more information on the eligibility requirements, how and when to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.
Important Note: The Government has confirmed that final-year Fees Free will finish at the end of 2026. Learners who complete their qualification in 2027 or later will not be eligible for Fees Free, even if they started study in 2025 or 2026. There are no transition arrangements.
Open Polytechnic zero fees programmes for domestic learners
We offer a range of zero fees programmes to make study in these areas as accessible as possible to those who need it. These programmes are free for domestic learners who meet the entry requirements and have not already completed a similar or related qualification at a higher level.
The zero fees offer will be for a limited time. We will publish the end date of the offer two weeks before the offer ends in the qualification/programme page on our website.
What the zero fees offer covers
This zero fees offer only applies to the programme’s enrolment fee.
It does not include provision of textbooks or any other additional fees incurred by a student. These will remain the responsibility of the student.
Applying to enrol
When you enrol in the programme or a course you need to fill in the enrolment form. Payment will not be required to complete your enrolment application (subject to terms and conditions).
List of Open Polytechnic zero fees programmes:
Please note these can be subject to change.
Accounting
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
Business
Level 3
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership) (Level 3)
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Project Management (Level 4)
Design
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)
Education
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Education Support (Level 4)
New Zealand Certificate in Assessment Practice
New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4)
Level 5
New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching
New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education (Vocational/Workplace)
Foundation and Bridging
Level 2
New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Foundation User) (Level 2)
Level 3
MC5327 : Introductory Mathematics for Engineering (Micro credential)
Level 4
MC5327 : Introductory Mathematics for Engineering (Micro credential)
Health, Wellbeing and Community Services
Level 3
New Zealand Certificate in Sterilising Technology (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) (Health Assistance)
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) (Support Work)
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4)
Horticulture
Level 2
New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 2)
Level 3
New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)
New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 3)
Information Technology
Level 4
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4)
Level 5
New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
Pharmacy
Level 3
New Zealand Certificate in Pharmacy (Introduction to Pharmacy Practice) (Level 3)
Te Reo
Level 1
Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) (Te Kaupae 1) [New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual) (Level 1)]
Te Pōkaitahi Reo (Reo Rua) (Te Kaupae 2) [New Zealand Certificate in Te Reo (Bilingual) (Level 2)]
Find out more
For more information about our zero fees courses, get in touch:
Freephone 0508 650 200