Overview: Each year, over 300,000 New Zealanders enroll in tertiary education institutions including universities, polytechs, and wānanga. Most domestic students receive government subsidies on their fees. Additionally, many students use Studylink, a service offering interest-free loans or student allowances. This year, universities faced funding deficits, leading to staff and student cuts. In response, the government announced an extra $128m for university funding.
University Funding & Research:
- The National Party wants a new medical school and increased spots for trainee doctors in Otago and Auckland.
- The Opportunities Party suggests making it easier for individuals with relevant degrees to study medicine.
- Labour plans to offer 50% more spots in dental schools, aiming to provide free dental healthcare starting in 2026. They also plan to fund more training spots for nurses and doctors.
- Regarding research, Labour aims to restructure the research sector and launch research centres for climate change, technology, and pandemics. New Zealand First wants funding focused on the productive sector. The Opportunities Party will introduce tax incentives for research and will concentrate on cancer research in Christchurch. The National Party is keen on construction sector research.
- The Green Party and Te Pāti Māori aim to revise the funding model and invest more in kaupapa Māori institutions. Both want to enhance student voices in tertiary governance. Act proposes giving each child $25,000 for primary and tertiary education. The New Conservatives plan to decrease university funding.
Student Support:
- Act Party intends to remove the first-year fees-free policy, but The Green Party wants to expand it. National will retain this policy.
- Te Pāti Māori advocates for a universal student allowance. The Green Party proposes a new student income guarantee policy, and changes to the loan system, making it more favourable for students.
- The Green Party and Te Pāti Māori support free public transport for all students. The Greens also want changes to student accommodation, while National plans a bonding scheme for NZ-trained midwives and nurses.
- Labour, National, The New Conservatives, Te Pāti Māori, and The Greens all have plans supporting non-university education and trade pathways. Act Party believes Workforce Development Councils are too expensive and plans to shut them down.
