Unitec announces $8.43 million surplus

Unitec announces $8.43 million surplus and high student success rate

New Zealand’s largest provider of vocational and applied professional education, Unitec Institute of Technology, has announced a $8.43 million surplus for 2009 as well as having a course success rate of 79 percent, amongst the highest of any tertiary provider in New Zealand.

Chief Executive, Dr Rick Ede, says this is a significant turnaround after a number of years of financial deficits.

“With our focus on being an excellent business and the increase in student numbers caused by the global recession we have been able to achieve efficiencies while maintaining an excellent service for our students.”

“We are dedicated to providing students with excellent career-focused education and committed to providing New Zealand with the graduates it needs to grow and develop.” says Dr Ede.

“This surplus will allow us to continue to improve campus facilities for students and enhance their learning experience as well as provide new development opportunities for staff. In particular, during 2010 and 2011, we will be investing in building our capabilities in blending online with face-to-face learning.

Unitec educates more than 23,000 students, of which 13 percent are from overseas, in a range of programmes from certificates and diplomas through to degrees and doctorates, across a wide range of professional and vocational areas.

“At the heart of everything we do are our students and the needs of our community. As a result of our success, we are now in a better position to provide the quality education the community expects us to deliver, continue to enhance the student experience, and lead the tertiary sector in innovation in teaching and learning.

“Our graduate destinations survey already shows that 83 percent of our graduates in employment are in jobs relating to their qualification. Our programmes are designed to provide graduates with the skills they need to hit the ground running and create the highly productive talent that businesses need to succeed.”

ENDS