- New Zealand has eight universities.
- There were 175,240 university students in 2018, including 49,400 post-graduate students (29%).
- Over 43,000 students graduate from NZ universities each year – 90% at bachelor’s degree level and above.
- NZ universities' total expenditure is $3.5billion annually – and accounts for 1.2% of NZ’s gross domestic product.
- New Zealand has approximately one university per 500,000 people (in line with international norms).
- Read more about how New Zealand universities are growing the economy, driving research and innovation, efficient and effective, delivering quality teaching and learning, enriching knowledge and understanding, building Māori and Pasifika success, and advancing international education.
- Find out more about studying in New Zealand:
Key sector agencies
A range of government agencies are involved within the sector:
- The Tertiary Education Commission implements the Tertiary Education Strategy by funding tertiary education in New Zealand, providing information and advice to government, and monitoring and managing the performance of tertiary education organisations.
- The Ministry of Education is New Zealand’s lead education policy agency. It advises on relevant aspects of the Government’s Budget, leads the development of the government’s Tertiary Education Strategy and collects and publishes tertiary education statistics on Educations Counts
- The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, including registration of TEOs (excluding universities) and is responsible for quality assurance matters in the sector (excluding universities).
- Careers New Zealand, which is part of the TEC, provides careers support and assistance to learners and connects education and training with employment.
- StudyLink, run by the Ministry for Social Development, administers student allowances, accommodation allowances and the Student Loan Scheme.
- The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) develops and delivers policy, services, advice and regulation to support business growth and the prosperity and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. They are responsible for employment and skills including the Vocational Outlook, and science and innovation system including the National Statement of Science Investment (NSSI).
- Immigration New Zealand, which is part of MBIE, looks after New Zealand’s immigration rules and laws, and offers a range of visas to help those who would like to visit, work, study, live, or invest here.
- Education New Zealand has two core functions – international student recruitment and business development to help the education sector achieve growth.