We’ve seen steady increases in Pacific participation and achievement in our universities, increasingly at higher levels of qualifications, underpinned by evidence-based initiatives that aim to build capability, expand the knowledge base of our society and achieve positive outcomes.
Improving Pacific outcomes is an ongoing priority for universities. The universities, through their research, teaching and learning initiatives and student support and pastoral activities, are helping to meet government priorities for Pacific achievement as expressed through the five key objectives in the Statement of National Education and Learning Priorities and Tertiary Education Strategy.
Komiti Pasifika was established in 2018 to advance and promote the collective national interests of New Zealand universities for any matters relating to Pacific advancement.
Key facts
- 13,700 Pacific students (9% of domestic students). This is an increase of 27% from 2014. 1
- 22% of Pacific students studying at postgraduate level across the university sector (up from 19% in 2014). 1
- 10,300 Pacific equivalent full-time students (EFTS) in New Zealand universities – an increase of almost 24% since 2014. 1
- 9% of all domestic university EFTS. 1
- Average Pacific EFTS load (EFTS/student enrolments) remains at 0.76 in 2023. 1
- Pacific bachelor's degree EFTS have increased by 23% in universities since 2014. 1
Related news
- “What would it take to achieve parity?” (29 January 2019).
- "New evidence of personal and social benefits of university education for Māori and Pacific peoples", Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand (5 July 2017).
- “Universities concerned over persistent UE disparity for Māori and Pasifika” (13 April 2017).
- “Online toolkit initiative could see more Māori and Pasifika go to University” (31 March 2016).
Resources
- “Success for Pasifika in Tertiary Education: Highlights from Ako Aotearoa-supported research.”
- “An analysis of recent Pasifika education research literature to inform and improve outcomes for Pasifika learners”, Ministry of Education, 2013.
Want to know more?
[1] Education Counts, Tertiary Statistics, Tertiary Participation, provider-based enrolments and provider-based equivalent full-time students, Ministry of Education, 2021 data (updated April 2024).