Government announces final design for Tertiary Research Excellence Fund
Government announces final design for Tertiary Research Excellence Fund
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final design for the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF).
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final design for the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund (TREF).
The TREF will replace the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF) from 2029 and allocate $315 million each year.
The fund will reduce compliance costs and introduce new metrics that place a stronger focus on the real-world impact of research, including commercialisation and economic benefits, while building a strong future research workforce.
The TREF will support tertiary education sector research capability, and reward and encourage high-quality, impactful research. It will also support universities to play their role in the science, innovation and technology system.
We will work closely with eligible providers to confirm operational details and support a smooth transition ahead of implementation in 2029. Meanwhile, PBRF funding will continue to the end of 2028.
Further information about the TREF will be provided as it becomes available.
More information
If you have any questions about the TREF, please contact your Relationship Manager or our Customer Contact Team on 0800 601 301 or email TREF.Help@tec.govt.nz.
Read the Minister for Tertiary Education’s media release on the Beehive website.