The New Zealand government has confirmed it will scrap the fees-free tertiary education scheme in the upcoming Budget.
The scheme currently covers the final year of university or tertiary study for students, meaning the government pays their tuition fees for that year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed the news after NZ First leader Winston Peters spoke about it on Newstalk ZB.
In a statement, Willis said coalition negotiations had led to “good Budget policy decisions” that serve the interests of New Zealanders, but did not give further details about why the scheme is being cut. One piece of good news for current students: Willis confirmed that those finishing their tertiary studies this year will still be eligible for fees-free.
The fees-free policy has been around for several years and was designed to make it easier for New Zealanders to complete their studies without taking on as much debt. University in New Zealand is expensive, and student loans are common. Removing the scheme means future students in their final year will need to pay their own tuition fees, or borrow more.]
The government has not yet explained what it plans to do with the money saved by ending the policy, or whether any other support for students will be put in place instead. More details will be announce with the release of the full Budget plan.
