The application of the last Government's fees free policy may not have done enough to target the people it was aimed at. 

The Tertiary Education Commission has told a select committee there's no discernible evidence that the first-year free policy helped more low decile school students into university. 

First Foundation CEO Kirk Sargent told Kerre Woodham that while removing financial barriers to education makes a major difference in what young people are able to achieve, it is not the only hurdle. 

He said that community and knowledge are two things that need to be taken into consideration. 

Sargent said that their job is to connect with young people on a personal level, building a community and knowledge that gives them the confidence to travel outside of their home regions and remain there for study. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Change to fees free intends to "reward achievement"
• Last year's free study "doesn't make a lot of sense" - Tertiary Education Union Secretary
• The Huddle: Is it time to ditch fees-free university?
• ‘No discernible evidence’ the previous Government’s fees-free scheme has improved uni participation from low socio-economic groups