EPISODE · May 11, 2026 · 5 MIN
Govt to scrap fees-free policy for tertiary students
from Checkpoint
The coalition government is promising to "repurpose" the millions of tax payer dollars being spent on the fees-free policy for tertiary students. Winston Peters' confirmed the scheme, which has been through a few versions, will be scrapped. It was introduced in 2018, under Jacinda Ardern's government. Back then, students were eligible for their first year of study free and $194 million was paid in fees. Grant Robertson, was Labour's finance Minister when the fees-free policy was brought in and is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Otago. Grant Robertson spoke to Lisa Owen.
What this episode covers
The coalition government is promising to "repurpose" the millions of tax payer dollars being spent on the fees-free policy for tertiary students. Winston Peters' confirmed the scheme, which has been through a few versions, will be scrapped. It was introduced in 2018, under Jacinda Ardern's government. Back then, students were eligible for their first year of study free and $194 million was paid in fees. Grant Robertson, was Labour's finance Minister when the fees-free policy was brought in and is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Otago. Grant Robertson spoke to Lisa Owen.
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Govt to scrap fees-free policy for tertiary students
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