The TEC Non-Domestic Learner Exemptions list can be found here: 2023 list of funded programmes for non-domestic learners (XLSX 162 KB)

Please note that following the Government’s updated immigration settings announced on 12 December 2022, we have revised the list of eligible programmes to reflect registered nurses and midwives being added to the Green List published on New Zealand Immigration’s website.

In approving implementation of the unified funding system for the Reform of Vocational Education, Cabinet removed training subsidy eligibility for non-domestic tertiary students.

However, the Government agreed to a targeted exemptions process to still subsidise work-based learning that was in the national interest.

Accordingly, the list aligns with the Green List and Sector Agreements developed by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) earlier this year, as part of the Government’s Immigration Rebalance policy.

The Green List helps employers hire migrants for specified high-skilled occupations, such as those in the construction, engineering, trades, health, and ICT sectors. These roles have registration, qualification, or experience requirements. Employers won’t need to provide proof of advertising and migrants will have a pathway to residence.

The Sector Agreements cover the care workforce, construction and infrastructure, meat processing, seafood, seasonal snow and adventure tourism sectors, and provide for a short-term or ongoing need for access to lower-paid migrants. They came into effect in October 2022.

The exemptions scheme is designed to support the Government’s objective of achieving a higher skilled migrant workforce, with the right skill mix to support New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and transition to a more productive and sustainable economy.

Note: Working holiday visas are not eligible and are excluded from the non-domestic learner’s exemption scheme.

TEC worked with the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and the Ministry of Education to develop an exemption criteria process to develop the list.

TEC used information on skills matching from the WDCs to determine the list of programmes it would fund to allow non-domestic learners to access training.

TEC then assessed the WDCs’ advice against overall available funding and alignment with strategic priorities outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy to determine the final list.

The list incorporates all programmes that were active in the Industry Training fund as at 26 August 2022.

The targeted exemption process only applies to the work-based and assessment and verification modes of delivery.

The non-domestic learners who are eligible under the revised settings will be treated as domestic learners and are eligible for Fees Free and Apprenticeship Boost. 

TEOs and employers can use the list to ensure potential learners have the correct eligible residential status for their enrolments.

The list is subject to change, and TEC expects the exemptions process developed for 2023 will be refined next year for 2024. It may be updated with either changes to the immigration lists/agreements, or with new/retired programmes.

If a TEO or employer believes their qualification or programme should be on the list given the set criteria, they should contact their respective Workforce Development Council to request a review.

Workforce Development Councils