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nrobbo138(Newbie)Newbie
13 Mar 2025

I am a New Zealand citizen so pay Commonwealth supported upfront fees. I am studying a double bachelor's degree, of which the primary degree I currently work in the associated industry.


Are these fees eligible for any sort of tax deduction? I started my employment part way into my studies, though I had the intention of working there from the beginning of my studies.


Additionally, outside of the course fees are there any other university related costs that can be claimed on tax? ie, amenity fees, equipment, etc? and can these claims be backtracked to the beginning of my studies?


Thank you in advance.

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RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
13 Mar 2025

Hi @nrobbo138,


To be eligible to deduct uni fees, there needs to be a connection with your employment activities. Read through self-education expenses, it gives examples of what you can and can't claim.


You wouldn't be able to claim a deduction for the period of time you weren't working. This is because there's no connected income to deduct against.

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Most helpful reply

RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
13 Mar 2025

Hi @nrobbo138,


To be eligible to deduct uni fees, there needs to be a connection with your employment activities. Read through self-education expenses, it gives examples of what you can and can't claim.


You wouldn't be able to claim a deduction for the period of time you weren't working. This is because there's no connected income to deduct against.

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Are university fees eligible for tax deduction? | ATO Community