Final Year Fees Free

Fees Free covers fees for the final year of tertiary study or final 2 years of work-based learning. To get Fees Free, you must start your final year on or after 1 January 2025. In most cases you can only get Fees Free if you are starting study or work-based learning for the 1st time.

Varda falls under tertiary study and all our programmes qualify for Final Year Fees Free.

When you enrol at Varda you will need to pay your Tuition fees.

From 15 January 2026, you can apply for Fees Free when you have completed your 1st eligible qualification. To do this you can apply at Inland Revenue.

For more information go to https://www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free.

Fees Free

I enjoy Varda because everyday I get to learn new things and enjoy the company I share with my pairs. I also enjoy going to Varda because of my tutors, that are patient, kind and cool to be around.

Charne Mackie

Varda creates a safe space for future generational hairdressers and allows us to be our complete selves while we’re learning new skills and techniques which helps us improve and be better and do better within ourselves and our hairdressing careers. Not only do they offer hairdressing, but Barbering, make-up and Salon Support are on offer too with a wide variety of tutors who have different skill sets, techniques and ways of learning so it allows everyone to to be seen and heard.

Shaann

Varda is a great nurturing environment for young barbers/hairdressers and makeup artists alike. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the practical and theory learning opportunities varda provides. The hands on practical days in the salon really help cement the theory I’ve learned in class and have helped me gain the confidence I need to provide services to clients. I couldn’t recommend varda enough for those who want an interactive learning experience, with knowledgeable tutors and friendly students!!

Charlie E

My most favourite thing about this place was going in with little experience and within the first 2 weeks already have had gained quite a-bit of knowledge that I thought would takes ages to learn but only took a few weeks.

Henare Ngaruhe

A great place to
study and pick up skills to prepare for the work place.

Darian Bennett

Varda has been so fun and so much help to becoming a professional hair dresser!! Highly recommend for anyone looking at enrolling

Chloe Nicholson

Coming to Varda was the best choice I made when I left High School. I’ve learnt professionalism in the Barber trade and I’ve taken it and used it as a life skill. Varda has taught me all the basics of barber skills and the tutors were supportive.

Maia Haumu

Before coming to Varda I was a stay at home mum, so this year was definitely a change for me.

When covid came around it all changed again. We did it and without the support from every single person at Varda I don't know how we would of survived the year. From other students supporting each other and cheering us all on and helping with models, to the tutors and all staff who were there helping us all achieve our goals and supporting us through our tough days too.

Also a big thank you to our tutor for your support, loyalty and guidance.

Megan Brinkworth
‘Salon Support’

To Varda, the staff and of course our amazing tutor, thank you for your endless support and overall patience throughout this course especially through the times where we couldn't see the end.

This year has been amazing working along side all of you. The amount of support and banter with each other has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to have shared this adventure with.

Helena McKenzie
‘Emerging Stylist’

Just perfect! Tutors encouraged me and showed me a lot of new skills and found what I was good at. Varda also relaxed me before completing any assessments that were hard to achieve, helpful tutors and classmates. I started dreaming a new future here at Varda, and Varda also helped me to set my goal for next year too. Thanks, it was the best school I ever went. Miss you all.

Phoebe Choi
‘Salon Support’

“I loved studying at Varda, I loved all the tutors. They were friendly and they believe in me”.

Brittany Richardson
‘Makeup and Skin Care’

“My experience studying at Varda was absolutely amazing. It always felt like a safe learning environment and always had such a dedicated team of tutors and staff to help us with questions or problems. Walking into class always felt homely and welcoming. Our tutor was always willing to help any student and always had a boost of motivation and support to push you to succeed your goals.”

Chloe Curnow
‘Salon support’

I loved the atmosphere, everyone is always happy and all staff are so polite. I also believe that Varda has a great support system for both students and clients.

Jade Coe
‘Makeup’

Varda has helped me so much with my people skills and has made me so much more confident in myself and the things I can do. I’ve learnt a lot being here and have loved every moment of it.

Jamie Paki
‘Salon Support’