Unitec Reports Rise in Domestic Students

Unitec Reports Rise in Domestic Students

Part-time study growing

July 31 – Unitec Institute of Technology has reported a 5% rise in domestic enrolments for 2018 – an increase of 480 students.

Interim Chief Executive Merran Davis attributed the growth to a number of factors, including investment in people, programmes, new facilities, and improvements to the enrolment system which were rolled out this year.

During 2017 Unitec opened a new student centre and library, and launched the country’s most advanced trades training facility to support the demands of a booming construction industry.

Ms Davis said it was also possible the new fees-free policy was having a delayed impact with new domestic students (who would be eligible for fees-free) up 11.6% in semester 2, which began last week.

“It is great to see an increase in New Zealanders seeking to study and gain qualifications. Gaining skills and credentials has a huge impact on people’s lives, opening doors to new career options and increasing their earning potential.”

She said the increased student number was hugely positive, but also reflected a shift to more part-time study and did not mean an equivalent jump in EFTS (equivalent full-time students).

“Part-time study has been a growing trend for the past couple of years which we believe reflects the strong job market and high cost of living. People are less willing and less able to take time off work for study and are looking for ways to combine the two.”

Ms Davis said the downside for tertiary institutes was that part-time study did not generate the same revenue per student and impacted the EFTS figure.

“This shows the need for continuous evolution in how we deliver tertiary education. We need to make education accessible to everyone, but also have a sustainable model for our institutions.”

© Scoop Media