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School leavers have a chance to study for free at Waiariki. Find out about our Free Fees scheme and our Youth Guarantee programme here.
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Free Fees

Free Fees Criteria for School Leavers

Waiariki Institute of Technology is pleased to advise that the Free Fees scheme will be continued in 2013. Waiariki is encouraging early enrolments in order for students to secure their place in the courses and qualifications of their choice. The Free Fees scheme is similar to previous years with the exception of a few changes. The terms are outlined below:

  • Tuition is free for the first year of study in 2013 at Waiariki Institute of Technology (all campuses) for school leavers who have left school any time during 2012 and 2013;
  • Courses must be 12 or more weeks in duration;
  • Full-time or part-time courses are included;
  • Courses must be Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funded;
  • Qualifications that are exempt from free fees: Bachelor of Nursing, Certificate in Adventure Tourism and Diploma in Adventure Tourism;
  • Students will be required to pay the full fees to Waiariki upon enrolment, whether by StudyLink student loan (which is interest free) or cash; and
  • Upon successful completion (i.e., a "C" pass or better per course), Waiariki will repay the StudyLink student loan or refund the student if they paid cash. For example, if the student received a "C" pass or better in seven of the eight courses they enrolled into, Waiariki will repay for the seven courses but not the eighth. (Refunds will be processed at the end of the year).
  • Free Fees does not cover the following:
    • Course-related costs (e.g., textbooks, equipment, uniforms, etc.)
    • Students' Association fees
    • Development Levy
    • Student Amenity cost
    • NZQA credits cost

Free Fess information updated 19/9/12

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Youth Guarantee

Youth Guarantee Programme

Download Informationa nd application form: 2013 Youth Guarantee Information and Application Form (PDF 462KBs updated 20/12/12)

Youth Guarantee is a government initiative to support 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in education or training to get them where they want to be. Through the scheme, the government pays for the first year of tertiary fees for these students who enrol at Waiariki.

Waiariki highly supports this initiative which seeks to increase skills in our community’s youth. Begun in 2011, the scheme has already helped almost 70 students gain higher education and skills they can use to pathway into further study.

The goal of Youth Guarantee is that all young people will achieve NCEA Level 2 which is the minimum qualification needed for success in today’s world. Reaching NCEA Level 2 means graduates will have the foundation skills and competencies to further their pathway.

For this reason, places under this scheme exist in specifically tailored foundation qualifications which cover general literacy and numeracy skills in addition to ‘tasters’ in various trades.

Success in these foundation learning qualifications will help better prepare students for future success at higher levels of study and help inform decisions around vocational interests.

Youth Guarantee students receive extra learning support to improve their literacy and numeracy, individualised learning and career planning advice and support, and participate in national level testing.

Waiariki is keen to see these students transition easily into their studies, have a positive tertiary experience, and successfully gain training and education that will lead to a better life.

The number of Youth Guarantee places Waiariki can provide in 2013 is limited.

The Youth Guarantee website contains helpful information and guidance and can be found at http://youthguarantee.net.nz

Youth Guarantee information updated 4/9/12

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