Changes to fees free study, could see students having to budget more carefully

First-time students will now have their final year of study or work-based learning free of charge, rather than their first year.

But Auckland University Student Association, president Gabriel Boyd, says it'll be especially daunting for first-year students from outside of Auckland, who have to pay for accommodation on top of education.

He says a hybrid fees free model, would work better.

Boyd says first years can be free, but students would have to pay it back if they don't complete their studies, incentivising both enrolment and completion.