Government releases new Tertiary Education Strategy for 2025–2030
Government releases new Tertiary Education Strategy for 2025–2030
The Government has set new priorities for the tertiary education system to drive economic growth, innovation, and better outcomes for students and trainees. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will give effect to these priorities through its investment approach.
The Government has set new priorities for the tertiary education system to drive economic growth, innovation, and better outcomes for students and trainees. The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will give effect to these priorities through its investment approach.
The Government has published the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) 2025–2030, setting priorities for the tertiary education system over the next five years. The strategy supports the Government’s Going for Growth plan and focuses on preparing students and trainees for work, building skills that strengthen the economy, supporting research that fuels innovation, and growing international education.
The TES outlines five priorities:
- Achievement – Ensure students and trainees gain skills that lead to good careers and economic security, with strong pathways between school, tertiary education and work.
- Economic impact and innovation – Deliver relevant, adaptable skills and research that drive productivity, innovation and commercialisation.
- Access and participation – Enable people from all backgrounds and regions to access education and training throughout their lives.
- Integration and collaboration – Strengthen partnerships between providers, employers, iwi, research institutions and communities to align education with regional and national development.
- International education – Grow international student numbers and strengthen global connections to support economic growth and enrich New Zealand’s education system.
Giving effect to the TES
TEC will give effect to the new strategy by aligning our investment priorities with its goals. In early March 2026, we will release Plan Guidance and Investment Plan templates, alongside the New Zealand Gazette notice. These documents set out our expectations and funding priorities for tertiary education provision from 2027, and explain how your Plans need to reflect the TES.
Providers who are seeking 2027 funding will need to show in their Plans how they will deliver these priorities. This includes demonstrating alignment with labour market needs, improving outcomes for disadvantaged students and trainees, and strengthening research and industry partnerships.
Read the Government’s full announcement on the Beehive website.
Download the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) 2025–2030 – Ministry of Education.