Youth Guarantee
Youth Guarantee is provided to help young people access foundation learning (NCEA levels 1-3) without paying course fees.
The courses are level 1-3 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
The courses provide students with knowledge and information on vocational pathways, and contain a mix of practical, specific and general skill development.
Under 18 year olds
Students who are under the age of 18 on the date their study application period starts and are undertaking a Youth Guarantee course or programme, are not eligible for a Student Loan, as the course is fully funded by the government.
When a student reaches the age of 18 during a period of study, they can access Living Costs when they begin their next period of study.
The period of study referred to above is the period covered by the student's study application.
18 - 24-year-olds
From 1 January 2023, clients up to 24 years old can participate in Youth Guarantee.
From 1 January 2014 until 31 December 2022, the maximum student age for the Youth Guarantee scheme was 19 years.
18 - 24 year old students can only access Living Costs and Course-Related Costs components of a Student Loan, as Youth Guarantee courses are fees-free.
