TEC’s Chief Executive, Tim Fowler, says it’s not too late for people to take up the opportunity of fees-free study in 2018, but those who are thinking about it need to act soon.

“The TEC is running a short information campaign about fees-free education starting today. Look out for ads in national newspapers and on social media over the next week or so. The aim of the campaign is to make sure those considering tertiary level study for the first time are well informed about Fees Free so they can make the best decisions about their future learning.

“But people will need to act soon to ensure their Fees Free eligibility is processed in time to complete enrolment for many qualifications and courses starting in 2018. I recommend people visit FeesFree.govt.nz for full details.

“Broadly, if you’re a New Zealander who finished school in 2017, or if you will finish school during 2018, you qualify for a year of fees-free provider-based tertiary education or two years of industry training in 2018.

“And, Fees Free is an opportunity for adults as well as school leavers. So if you’re not a recent school leaver, but you’ve done less than half a year of tertiary education or training (including tertiary study overseas), you may also qualify.

“Fees Free covers industry training and apprenticeships, as well as qualifications and courses run by universities, wānanga, polytechnics and private training establishments,” says Mr Fowler.

To further help people who are considering their options, Mr Fowler recommends people visit the TEC’s careers.govt.nz website.

“Careers.govt.nz has a wealth of information and advice about careers, training and study.

“For those students receiving their NCEA results tomorrow, some will confirm their study or career pathways, but for others the results may be disappointing or unexpected and will require some further thinking.

“Together parents, caregivers and their teens can visit careers.govt.nz to research options to further plan their career and training pathway to make sure it’s heading in a direction that’s right for them.

“2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year for all those wanting to take up the opportunity of tertiary education. Tertiary education, in whatever form it takes, provides economic and social benefits for students and drives better economic, social, and cultural outcomes for all New Zealand.”