“Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed that the fees-free tertiary scheme will be cancelled in the upcoming Budget.”

Nicola WillisStatementMay 10, 2026Read the original

New Zealand's finance minister confirmed the decision before the 28 May 2026 Budget.

Our verdict

True

Willis confirmed in early May 2026 that Budget 2026 would end the fees-free scheme; students finishing this year stay eligible.

What we found

Budget documents later showed the cut saves about NZ$1.04 billion over four years. Willis said the scheme had not raised enrolments or completions. The claim is accurate.

The evidence

1 of 2 sources support the claim; none contradict it.

Contradict 0Support 1Background 1

Supports the claim
The fees-free tertiary scheme will be gone in Budget 2026, Willis confirmed. [1]
Background
The budget shows the cancellation saves about NZ$1.04 billion over four years. [2]

How we checked

We checked the claim against Otago Daily Times (RNZ), Times Higher Education. We reviewed 2 relevant sources.

Sources

[1]Otago Daily Times (RNZ) · Announcements ahead of Budget 2026
[2]Times Higher Education · Tertiary education a net loser from New Zealand fee-free reversal

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