Fees
Am I eligible for financial assistance?
The government has changed the way it is doing Fees-Free. You will need to pay for your courses upfront (either with a Student loan through Study Link or Bank Deposit/Cash). If you’re eligible, your final year of tuition fees will be covered but only after you have passed the qualification and as a refund from the government (through IRD). Go to www.ird.govt.nz/fees-free for more information.
How much does it cost to attend EXCEL?
Level 4 Certificate - 2026
$9150 incl GST
(this includes a Tuition Fee of $8512 and a Compulsory Student Services Fee of $638)
Level 5 Diploma - 2026
$9150 incl GST
(this includes a Tuition Fee of $8512 and a Compulsory Student Services Fee of $638)
Commitment and Administration Fee
$150 incl GST
A commitment and administration fee must be enclosed with a student's letter of confirmation accepting the place offered them in the EXCEL School of Performing Arts. This fee is in addition to the tuition fees listed above. If a student declines their place before the course commences, the commitment fee is non-refundable. It should be noted that EXCEL, unlike other similar organisations, does not charge an audition fee, in spite of the fact that there is considerable expense in processing each application.
Student Services Fee
$638 incl GST
This fee is included in the above total fee for a students tuition.
It covers school services such as counselling, medical, sport and recreational activities etc.
Click for Fee Breakdown
Student Services Fee 2026 Excel School of Performing Arts The Student Services Fee for 2026 is $638 (inc GST). Budgeted Revenue Student service fees $46,000
Budgeted Expenses Counselling services/ pastoral care $19,000 Careers advice and guidance $2,000 Recreation and cultural activities $25,000
Counselling services A trained counsellor, Hanna Cope is available for counselling and students are able to book in for sessions. According to availability the student is able to have more than one session if required. Staff are available for pastoral care and support.
Careers Advice and Guidance We provide careers advice and guidance to help students transition into post-study employment.
Recreation and Cultural activities Students are provided with several recreation and cultural activities throughout the year and food is often included to celebrate life at EXCEL. A 4 day camp is held in Term 1 with food and accommodation provided as well as transport there and back. The second year students are given an opportunity to tour for which includes noho marae where food, transport and accommodation is provided.
Are there any other extra fees?
International Students' Fee- 2026
$18,300 incl GST