Fees and payments

Fees Free status updates

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has advised us that some EarnLearn learners:

  • have exhausted their Fees Free allocation and are no longer eligible for Fees Free, or
  • have an unknown Fees Free status. This means that TEC does not have enough information to confirm if this learner is eligible for Fees Free.


As per the TEC rules around funding, those learners (or their nominated payer) will need to start paying learner fees to EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga.

Fees Free FAQs

What happens if I don’t pay the fees?

Please be aware that learners with outstanding fees will not be allocated onto a Block Course until their fees are up-to-date or they have a confirmed payment plan.

If a learner has outstanding fees due at time of completion, we will need these fees paid or a payment plan set up prior to release of their certificate.

When will my direct debit start?

If you have chosen weekly or fortnightly payments, the first amount will be directly debited from your bank account on Thursday, 13 July 2023. If you have chosen to make monthly payments, the first amount will be directly debited from Thursday, 27 July 2023.

How do I know the frequency of my direct debit?

You should receive an automated email confirming the date of your first payment, amount and frequency. If you don’t receive that email, please contact us at receivables@earnlearn.ac.nz.

How do I check or change my payment plan?

If you have any questions about your payment plans, or want to make a change please email receivables@earnlearn.ac.nz.

I think I’m eligible for Fees Free, what should I do?

If you believe there has been a mistake regarding your Fees Free status, please contact TEC on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz. 

We will continue charging fees until TEC has provided proof of your Fees Free eligibility

My status is “unknown”, what should I do?

If you have read the terms and conditions around Fees Free and still believe you are eligible for Fees Free, you can complete a statutory declaration and send it to TEC. You will need to contact TEC on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz to request a Statutory Declaration Form.

We will continue charging fees until TEC has provided proof of your Fees Free eligibility.

Is there any other financial support available?

If you are an employer, you can apply for Apprenticeship Boost for apprentices who are in their first or second year. Apprenticeship Boost is a payment made directly to employers. This support has been extended to the end of 2024. For more information, and to apply, go to the Work and Income website.

If you are a learner, we recommend you talk to your employer to see if they can help. If you have any concerns about the financial impact on you and your whānau, please contact us to discuss options.

What am I being invoiced for?

If you are paying by direct debit: You’ll receive an automated invoice to cover your outstanding fees from 1 February 2023 (or your start date if after 1 February) until your direct debit starts.

If you are paying by invoice: You’ll receive an automated invoice detailing the amount due. If the learner started before 2023, you will be invoiced for the period 1 February 2023 to 31 December 2023. If a learner started after 1 February 2023, you will be invoiced for a full 12 months from their start date.

If required, you will be able to contact us to set up an alternative payment method upon receipt of your invoice.

How do I pay my invoice?

Please see the invoice payment options below. Or contact us at receivables@earnlearn.ac.nz to talk through your payment plan options.

I have a different question, who should I talk to?

Email receivables@earnlearn.ac.nz or talk to your Account Manager. If they can’t help, they’ll put you in touch with the right person.

Making payments

Pay with online banking

You can still pay your invoice using online banking. Our bank account number is 03-0502-0748887 000 (details are also on your invoice).

Please ensure you include the following as references:

  • Your debtor ID (shown on your invoice)
  • Your invoice number
  • Your name

Pay with credit card

You can now pay multiple invoices easily, instantly, and securely on this page. We accept Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards.

When you click the Pay now button below, you will be taken to a secure external website to complete payment.

Please have the following information handy:

  • Your invoice
  • Your credit card details