Youth Guarantee Scheme

The aim of the Youth Guarantee Scheme is to improve the educational achievements of students aged 16 to 17 years of age, who are not currently engaged in education – and to improve the transition between school, tertiary education and work. 

The Scheme will provide successful candidates with improved access to study, allowing them to study towards qualifications that are at Levels 1 to 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in tertiary education.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme is open to all students:

Aged 16 and 17 years, who have achieved NCEA Level 1 or less and for whom a vocational pathway would be a preferred choice.

Youth Guarantee Providers:

Will need to apply the following criteria to determine student eligibility:

• Students must be 16 or 17 years of age at the time of study commencement and not turn 18 years of age within three months of starting study under the Youth Guarantee Scheme.

School Level:

Due to recent revisions made by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), it is now possible for students to enter the Youth Guarantee Scheme part-way through year 11.

New Students:

Students must be new to tertiary education e.g. not previously or currently enrolled in a Student Achievement Component (SAC) funded course
Full-Time: Students must be enrolled full-time

Full-Year:

Students must enrol in a minimum of a full year’s worth of study (the equivalent of 0.8 EFTS).

• Students must not be enrolled in school and a Youth Guarantee Scheme programme simultaneously.
• Students may move from a Training Opportunities, Youth Training or Industry Training programme into the Youth Guarantee Scheme although this is not expected to be a common path.
•  Students enrolled in Youth Guarantee Scheme are not eligible for Student Loans administered by StudyLink.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme allows students to undertake study that includes the following programme elements:

• Vocationally focused programmes with a mixture of practical, specific and generic skills
• Face-to-face delivery
• Embedding literacy and numeracy
• Leading to qualifications at Levels 2 to 3
• Provide clear pathways to higher levels of learning
• Student Achievement Component (SAC) courses.

The following programme is accepting applications for the second semester:

Certificate in Foundation Studies (Trades) (Levels 2 and 3)

This programme is for students who would like practical learning but are not sure what vocational area they would like to study in. It offers a mixture of trades-based learning that will allow you to explore different subject areas, such as business and computing, creative studies, sports and adventure, automotive, construction, horticulture, animal care, child and community, and hospitality. There will also be opportunities to experience work.

This programme is being offered as part of the Youth Guarantee Scheme. 

We welcome applications from anyone who is not eligible for the Scheme, however full programme fees will apply. For more information, please contact Customer Services.

Fees and Allowances:

The Youth Guarantee Scheme will cover the tuition fees, material and equipments costs of your programme of study for one year only.
It is important to note that students enrolled under the Youth Guarantees Scheme will not be eligible for student loans and in some cases, student allowances.

Student Services:

Each student in the Youth Guarantee Scheme will complete an individual learning plan, and will also receive career planning advice and support.