Youth guarantee
funding

YOUTH GUARANTEE – FEES-FREE STUDY

Youth Guarantee is a New Zealand Government-funded initiative that provides eligible young people with the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications without paying tuition fees.

The programme is designed to support young people aged 16–24 into further education, training and employment.

Where Youth Guarantee funding is available, eligible learners can access fees-free training, including the use of essential equipment during their studies.

### Youth Guarantee Funding at Varda Academy

**Varda Academy currently has no Youth Guarantee-funded places available for new enrolments.**

We remain committed to supporting young people into vocational education and hope to offer Youth Guarantee-funded places again in the future.

In the meantime, we welcome enquiries from prospective students and can provide information about our available programmes, tuition fees and other funding or student loan options.

Interested in studying with us?

Contact our friendly team to discuss your study options and upcoming intakes.

Youth Guarantee students:

  • Receive Free Training
  • Must enroll full time, for the full qualification
  • Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills Level 2 (62 credits)
  • Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Level 3 (120 credits)
  • Enroll to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skincare Level 3 (62 credits)
  • Live at home with parent/caregiver support or are financially independent
  • Aged 16-18 attend a consultation with a parent/caregiver who signs a support letter
  • Receive a small travel allowance
  • Are not eligible to apply for student loans
  • Aged 18 to 24 may be eligible for a student allowance (StudyLink criteria apply)
  • Aged 18 to 24 year olds can access course related costs and living costs through StudyLink

Youth Guarantee Enrolment Requirements:

  • Aged 16–24 years at programme start date.
  • Must meet domestic student eligibility requirements.
  • Intended for learners with low or no prior qualifications.
  • For Level 3 programmes, learners must not already hold a Level 3 qualification or higher.
  • Cannot be enrolled in secondary school at the same time.
  • Cannot be enrolled in another TEC-funded programme simultaneously.
  • Must provide proof of identity and residency/citizenship.
  • Subject to Youth Guarantee funding limits (maximum 2.5 EFTS lifetime).

If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact our office.

Students are expected to fully commit to all aspects of the training, take every training and employment opportunity made available to them and gain a suitable post-training outcome.

They must treat the training day as a work day and respect the requirements of this.

Contact Us

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’

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