Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF)
Become an essential worker and help get New Zealand moving again
If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident you may be eligible to get free^ training in construction and specialist trades, engineering, digital technologies, nursing or health. These are areas that are critical to the economy and will help New Zealand get moving again.
If you start now and finish by the 31 December 2022 your study could be fees-free^ as part of the government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF).
Due to high demand, we recommend applying early.
Can't find a free* option that works for you?
If the programme or study areas you are looking at is not listed as free above, check out our other free* options.
-
First year free
New learners get one year of Fees Free* study. Find out if you can get the equivalent of one year’s full-time study (up to the value of $12,000) Fees Free. Find out more. -
MPTT scholarships
If you are NZ Māori or Pasifika, aged 16-40 years old, you could get free fees* for many of our trade qualifications. Find out more about what programmes are available. -
Youth guarantee
If you are 16-19 years old, you could get free fees* with one of our level 3 qualifications. Find out more about what programmes are available. -
Level 1 and 2
Start your journey with MIT. All of our Level 1 or 2 programmes are free*. Find out more.
Ready to take the first steps towards your dream job?
If you know what you want to study, but you're unsure what to do next — we can help by sending through relevant information from the areas of study that appeal to you.
Or, if you need help deciding what to study our experienced Ask Me! agents can assist you. Complete the form below, and we'll be in touch.
*Required fields.
^Free study for this qualification may be available to you under the government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF). If you’re enrolled in an eligible programme, TTAF will automatically cover your fees from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2022. Visit https://www.tec.govt.nz/funding/funding-and-performance/funding/fund-finder/targeted-training-and-apprenticeship-fund/faqs-for-learners/ for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student and meet any other entry criteria as required. Some costs may also apply. Free study is subject to funding confirmation. Note: if your programme of study goes beyond 31 December 2022, your courses after this date will be subject to applicable course costs. Please talk to us at that time though, as you might be eligible for fees-free study or other options to cover the rest of your tuition fees.
*All Level 1 and 2 programmes excluding First Aid certificate courses will be free in 2021 for New Zealand citizens, residents entitled to reside in New Zealand indefinitely, and refugees and protected persons (under the Immigration Act 2009), of all ages, that are eligible for tertiary study. Free Study for Level 3 may be available for 16 to 19 year olds (Youth Guarantee). Free study for up to one year for Levels 3 and 4 may be available under Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT), a government-led training initiative to encourage young Māori and Pasifika people to gain trade qualifications. [All free study is subject to funding confirmation]. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.