Fees Free

Thinking about starting tertiary education? You may be eligible for Fees Free.

Fees Free is a fund that covers fees for one year's study or two years’ work-based training – up to $12,000. To get Fees Free, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, and your course, qualification or programme must also be eligible.

The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.

You may be able to get Fees Free for the final year of study or training for your first provider-based qualification or work-based programme. You don’t need to do anything yet – after you complete your qualification or programme, you’ll be able to confirm your eligibility and claim your entitlement.

• Fees Free website – Find out about Fees Free and what this means for you starting study and training for the first time in 2025.

Did you start study or training in 2024 or earlier? Check your eligibility to find out if your fees may be covered for your first year.

• Fees Free website – check your eligibility by using the NSN checker

If you used Fees Free in 2024, you may be able to continue to use your remaining first-year Fees Free entitlement in 2025. Check whether you can access your remaining entitlement under the first-year Fees Free transition rules.

• Fees Free website – first-year Fees Free transition rules