Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Fees Initiative 2027
What is changing for DynaSpeak tauira from Semester A 2027, and the support available to you.
Important notice
Fees are changing from Semester A 2027
From Semester A 2027, selected DynaSpeak programmes that were previously fee free may attract tuition fees. This change supports the long term sustainability of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa while maintaining high quality learning, tauira support, and strong community outcomes.
Why this is happening
Why fees are being introduced
Fees are one part of a broader approach to sustainability, aimed at securing the long term delivery of educational opportunities for tauira, whānau, and communities.
Fee introductions affect multiple parts of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, not DynaSpeak alone.
2027 transition year
2027 is a transition year. It gives Te Wānanga o Aotearoa time to evaluate the impact of the change, gather insight from our communities, and refine how things work in practice before any further decisions are made.
What stays the same
Our purpose has not changed
DynaSpeak programmes will continue to help tauira:
- Build literacy, communication, and life skills.
- Increase confidence in learning and daily interactions.
- Improve employment pathways and further study options.
- Gain recognised learning outcomes and qualifications.
Where fees apply, they apply equally to new, current, and returning learners.
Support available
Financial support and payment pathways
Cost should not be an absolute barrier to learning. If a fee applies to your programme, these are the pathways open to you.
Inati Tahua | Tauira Access Fund
A dedicated access fund that reduces financial barriers for eligible tauira, through an application and assessment process.
Flexible payment plans
The standard plan is 8 equal fortnightly instalments by automatic payment, starting 14 days after the programme begins.
Student loans (StudyLink)
Available for eligible programmes and tauira. Please note that if a loan application is declined, the tauira remains responsible for the fee.
Payment in full
Programme fees can be settled in full up front when the invoice is issued.
The process
How the change works
Four stages, from reviewing each programme through to gathering your feedback.
Stage 1
Programme review
- Each DynaSpeak programme is reviewed to determine whether it attracts a fee.
- Before applying, you will see the fee requirement and exact amount, the payment options available, and where to go for support.
- Where fees apply, they apply equally to new, current, and returning tauira.
Stage 2
Payment selection
- Pay in full during enrolment and invoicing.
- Or choose the payment plan: 8 equal fortnightly instalments, starting 14 days after the programme begins, by automatic direct debit.
- Or apply for a student loan, assessed by StudyLink.
Stage 3
Financial support
- Inati Tahua, the Tauira Access Fund, supports eligible tauira on application and assessment.
- Tauira Support Services offer early help and financial advice if affordability is a concern.
- Withdrawals and refunds follow the standard regulations, based on timing and circumstances.
Stage 4
Community and delivery
- Community leaders are briefed so they can answer questions locally.
- Feedback is gathered on participation, progression, and community confidence.
- What we learn in the transition year informs future planning.
A shared approach
Fee introductions affect multiple parts of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, not DynaSpeak alone.
Early engagement
We are gathering feedback on how fees affect participation, progression, and community confidence, and that feedback informs how the change is implemented.
Reducing barriers
Financial assistance pathways are being put in place so that cost is not an absolute barrier to learning.
Frequently asked questions
- Will all DynaSpeak programmes have fees?
- Not necessarily. Fee status is decided programme by programme. Where a fee applies, the exact cost will be shown clearly before you enrol.
- What happens if a student withdraws?
- The official withdrawal process and refund provisions apply. What you are entitled to depends on when you withdraw and the circumstances.
- Who can tauira contact for help?
- Contact DynaSpeak for course details, or the Tauira Support team for help with affordability and payment plans.
- Does this change what I am studying?
- No. The purpose of DynaSpeak programmes is unchanged. You will keep learning with the same teachers, the same NZCEL aligned content, and the same support.
Documents
Download the full information
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Helpful information and support links
These pages on the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa website carry the full detail on fees, financial support, and the rules that apply. Each opens in a new tab.
- Fees and Financial SupportThe main Te Wānanga o Aotearoa page on fees and the help available.
- Inati Tahua | Tauira Access FundEligibility and how to apply for access fund support.
- Payment Terms and ConditionsHow and when fees are payable, including payment plans.
- Terms and Conditions of EnrolmentWhat you agree to when you enrol, including withdrawal provisions.
- Te Kōpuretanga | ScholarshipsScholarships available to tauira across Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
- Enrolment Support and Study ExperienceHelp with enrolling and the support available while you study.
- Policies and RegulationsThe full set of policies and regulations that govern study and fees.
Still have questions?
Talk to us about course details and what applies to your programme, or ask the Tauira Support team about affordability and payment plans. If cost is a worry, please get in touch early rather than waiting.
Contact DynaSpeak