Fee Maxima Tip the Playing Field

Fee Maxima Tip the Playing Field

"Private tertiary establishments (PTEs) are concerned about the fee maxima arrangements announced today. Fee maxima will reduce the resources that we can use to support our students' learning. Public institutions will be able to put more resources into supporting their students because of their extra funding from the Government", said Dave Guerin, executive director of the Career Colleges' Association.

"We do not support the Government's tertiary education price freeze, especially when our income is already frozen at about 10% below that of public institutions. This will mean that PTEs will have to change their delivery style and reduce student resources. Our students have not called for lower fees and are happy with the package that we offer them."

"Since the fee maxima appear to be a done deal, though, we hope to work with the Government on some win/win approaches to implementation. The government's willingness to give PTEs a year to adjust to the new policy is constructive, for instance. We have raised some implementation ideas with Steve Maharey and we are confident that he is willing to engage on the issues. We hope that we can work with the Government over the next six months to ensure an effective implementation of the new policy."

PTEs receive lower government funding than public institutions, which are also eligible for various grants for Maori and Pasifika students, as well as students with disabilities. Public institutions also get base grants and access to competitive funds that add up to about 10% more funding per student than PTEs.

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