Apply for Youth Guarantee

The Youth Guarantee allows students 16-19 years old to study for free on selected programmes.

The Youth Guarantee(external link) program is designed to support young people between the ages of 16-24 to achieve their NCEA and access foundation learning (NCEA levels 1-3) without paying course fees.

The program aims to improve young people's transition from school to further study, training, and employment.

Places are limited, so apply today.

Download the poster [PDF, 1.1 MB] or contact the enrolments team for more information.

Eligibility criteria for Youth Guarantee

Students must be 16–24 years of age at the start of the Youth Guarantee Programme (or 15 years old and hold an early leaving exemption from school).
Students must be New Zealand citizens or have permanent residency in New Zealand.
Be studying at least 50% of full-time, full-year enrolment and at least one qualification of 60 credits over the calendar year.
Have left school and do not hold a level 3 qualification or higher
Have not already used two years of Youth Guarantee funding.

Eligible Youth Guarantee programmes

Eligible programmes	Level	Campus
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills	1	Nelson
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills	2	Nelson
Foundation Skills - Introduction to Career Pathways(external link)	2	Marlborough
New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality(external link)	2	Marlborough
Foundation Skills in Sport, Recreation and Coaching(external link)	2	Marlborough
New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage(external link)	3	Nelson
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support)	3	Nelson
New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Skills	3	Nelson
New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering	3	Nelson
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering	3	Nelson, Marlborough

I've applied, now what?

Once you have completed the application process and have been interviewed and selected for your chosen Te Pūkenga NMIT programme, you will be notified of your successful application.

If you want to study a level 3 programme and are wondering about the Government's Fees Free policy, we suggest you apply for a Youth Guarantee place.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a Youth Guarantee place, we will discuss your options, including if you are eligible for Fees Free study(external link).

This Scholarship fully funds your Te Pūkenga NMIT tuition fees. In some cases, course-related costs apply, don't hesitate to contact the Programme Area Administrator to learn more about this.

First name

Last name

Email address

Phone number

Residential address

Town/city

Date of birth

I confirm that I meet the following TEC criteria:

I will be 16 to 19 years old at the commencement of the Youth Guarantee programme OR If I am 15 years old at the commencement of my study I have supplied NMIT with a school exemption.

I have NOT completed a level 3 qualification or above

Travel Assistance Subsidy:

Youth Guarantee students are entitled to a Travel Assistance subsidy. Maximum payment is NZD20 per week, the current rate is 0.30 cents per kilometre.

Please supply your bank account details

Account name

Bank (2 digits)

Branch code (4 digits)

Account code

Suffix (2 or 3 digits depending on your bank)

This section is for 15 - 17 year olds only:

I understand that I am NOT eligible for any Financial Assistance from Study Link this includes a Student Loan, Compulsory fees, Course-related Costs and living Allowance