Paying your fees

It can be tough to talk about fees.

But we're here to support you without judgement. Please reach out to Student Success or Te Punaka Ōwheo if you have any questions or think you might have difficulties paying your fees.

Your invoice for your fees will be sent by email. If you have not received an invoice, check your email and your spam folder. If you can’t find your invoice, please get in touch right away. 

It is important to pay your fees, even if you withdraw from a programme. Otherwise, you could end up with debt, and it can impact your credit rating.

If you are having trouble paying your fees, or if you are thinking about withdrawing from a programme, it is best to talk to us as soon as possible so we can help you sort through your options.

What you need to know (for domestic students)

StudyLink

You can arrange a loan through Studylink to pay your fees. Student loans can also cover course materials and living costs. If you are under 18 you will need a parent or guardian to be your guarantor. You have to apply for Studylink before the programme ends or you withdraw. Read about student loans and check your eligibility on the Studylink website.

You might also be eligible for a Student Allowance through StudyLink, which you do not need to pay back. Make sure you are getting all the help you are entitled to with this eligibility test.

What about Fees Free?

Fees Free has changed from the start of 2025 and you can no longer use it to pay your fees directly. Instead, you have your fees refunded after you successfully complete the programme – read more on the Fees Free website. You cannot claim Fees Free if you withdraw.

Self-funding

If you are paying your own fees, and you need to arrange a payment plan, please discuss this with our Finance department by sending an email to: accountsreceivable@op.ac.nz

Please remember

It is your responsibility to pay the fees for your study. You can read the terms and conditions.

For support, visit Student Success or Te Punaka Ōwheo in the Hub or email:

Student Success Dunedin studentsuccessdn@op.ac.nz

Te Punaka Ōwheo TePunakaOwheo@op.ac.nz

For additional money advice, you can visit https://sorted.org.nz/ which has free guides and tools to help with budgeting and tackling debt.