Money or support to train
Find information on the range of financial assistance to help you train.
See 6 types of financial support for training on this page
Fees Free Training
Tertiary Education Commission
Planning your vocational training? You may be able to get the first 24 months of your training fees-free.
What it's about
Learn about what Fees Free covers and check if you’re eligible to access it.
Who it's for
All learners across New Zealand who are starting their vocational training for the first time. Check if you’re eligible by visiting the Fees Free website.
What it offers
If you’re doing on-the-job training, Fees Free will cover all fees for training and assessment for the first 24 months of any eligible industry training programme.
You can also access eligible programmes in targeted areas for free under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF). This will not affect or use up your Fees Free entitlement.
Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund
Tertiary Education Commission
Train for free in an area you’re passionate about. You can gain new skills and a qualification, and play a part in kick-starting New Zealand’s economy. If you take part in an apprenticeship, you can also get paid while you learn on the job.
What it's about
Now could be the perfect time to retrain for a new job. The Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) will pay the costs of training for jobs in industries where demand for workers is high. This makes it easier for New Zealanders of all ages to retrain in areas with better job opportunities. If you’re an apprentice, the fund will cover your costs regardless of the industry you’re training in.
Who it's for
Anyone looking for training.
What it offers
- Covers your fees for a range of training, and all apprenticeships.
- Makes it easier to retrain in areas with better job opportunities.
- Lets you gain new skills and a qualification.
Training Support Funding
Ministry of Social Development
Funding if you have a health condition or disability and want training to make it easier for you to get, or stay, in work. This is funded by Work and Income and delivered by Workbridge.
What it's about
Making it easier for people with a health condition or disability to access training.
Who it's for
This is for people who:
- have a health condition or disability that’s likely to last for more than 6 months
- are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- aren't getting support from ACC or the Ministry of Health
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.
What it offers
Help with the extra costs of training as a result of a disability. This could include:
- having a support person during a training course
- special equipment needed because of your health condition or disability
- additional costs of transport or parking.
Course Participation Assistance
Ministry of Social Development
Work and Income can help pay for a short-term course to help people develop the skills they need to get into work.
What it's about
Making sure people have the training and skills they need to get into work.
Who it's for
People who are getting a Work and Income benefit, are attending an approved course, and have to pay to attend the course or pay extra costs (eg. travel) because of the course.
What it offers
Up to $1,000 over 52 weeks- you can get more than one payment during this time, but the total can’t be more than $1,000.
Support for Pacific people to access learning and work opportunities
Tupu Aotearoa — Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Tupu Aotearoa is a targeted programme to support Pacific people to gain tools and skills that enable them to thrive through employment, completing further training or study.
What it's about
Tupu Aotearoa is delivered by local providers to support you on your journey to employment, further training or study.
Local Tupu Aotearoa providers can help you with:
- identifying appropriate upskilling and training courses
- career advice and guidance
- job search
- support writing your CV and cover letter
- preparing for interviews
- obtaining a driver's licence
- pastoral care and support post-placement.
Who it's for
Pacific people in Aotearoa who are:
- aged 15 or over
- New Zealand citizens
- currently not in employment, education or training.
Locations of providers can be found on the Ministry for Pacific People’s website.
Support for employers to train permanent Māori staff
Cadetships — Te Puni Kōkiri
Boost the future of your business while developing the leadership and career paths of promising Māori employees. Partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to grow Māori leaders.
What it's about
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships supports Māori to achieve their potential in the workplace, and contribute to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses. It works by providing funding for employers to design, develop and implement tailored training and development programmes for Māori staff (who can be newly employed, or existing staff members), that will improve their skills, employability and earnings, and provide opportunities for them to move into leadership roles. Ideally, Cadetships programmes encompass elements of tikanga to support cadets to increase their confidence and mana.
Who it's for
Large, medium, and small employers, in a range of industries are encouraged to partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver Cadetships programmes. Cadetships are largely aimed at supporting Māori of all ages who are moving to the next stage of their career, into management roles or leadership positions. They can also support new employees to accelerate their skills-development and opportunities for progression.
What it offers
For employers
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:
- provides up to $10,000 per cadet for training and development
- invests in the future of the business economy
- encourages growth in a range of industries both national and regional
- contributes to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses, while increasing diversity and links to Māori communities.
For cadets
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:
- provides cadets with an opportunity for progression into the next stage of their career
- develops Māori leadership and career progression
- provides employer-led pastoral care throughout
- helps to improve well-being and thriving whānau.
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