training incentive allowance
if you're bringing up a child on your own and you want to study, you might be eligible for tia
what is the training incentive allowance?
The Training Incentive Allowance is a top-up to make things easier for you while you’re getting a qualification.
If you're a sole parent receiving the Young Parent Payment, you might be eligible for the Training Incentive Allowance.
You can use it while you study, to help pay for things like childcare, transport, books and equipment.
You won't have to pay it back! You’ll still get your benefit and other entitlements – it just gives you extra money to help pay for the things that you need to study.
how does the training incentive allowance work?
TIA will be available for all courses at levels 1-7 of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
If you're enrolled to study for a qualification at Levels 1 to 7, you might be able to get TIA. The course you want to study must be a recognised course of study. This is one that's funded by the Tertiary Education Commission or the Ministry of Education. You can check this information with your training provider.
The study you're doing also needs to:
- increase your skills for employment
- be 12 weeks or more, and
- be at levels 1 to 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
When you apply for TIA, you will need to provide details of the course you want to study and the education institution you'll be studying at. You can apply for TIA up to 28 days before your course starts.
Download and complete the TIA application form with your youth coach
re-apply if your course goes for more than a year
If the course you're studying is a multi-year course, you'll need to re-apply for TIA each year. As part of that application, we'll need to know if you've passed your course from the previous year.
If you haven't passed, but you have a good reason, share it with us and you may still be able to receive TIA.
If you're no longer eligible for TIA, you might still be eligible for a different kind of support – like a Student Loan or a Youth Guarantee programme.
tia vs fees free in your final year of study
If you're in your final year of study, you may be able to get a fund called Fees Free. This can cover some of your course fees for your final year of study if you pass your course. You need to pay the fees upfront and then claim your entitlement at the end of your year once you complete your qualification.
- If you choose to use TIA towards your course fees in your final calendar year of study, you can't get Fees Free.
- If you choose to pay your fees another way (without TIA), you may be able to get Fees Free. Then you could use TIA to cover other costs during your final year, such as childcare or transport.
Before making any decisions, check the Fees Free website to ensure you meet the criteria and talk to us.