Timing for the 2027 investment round
Timing for the 2027 investment round
In early March 2026, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will release guidance to tertiary providers on Investment Plans from 2027.
In early March 2026, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will release guidance to tertiary providers on Investment Plans from 2027.
The New Zealand Gazette notice, Plan Guidance and Investment Plan templates will all be available in early March 2026. These documents contain important information about our expectations and funding priorities for tertiary education provision from 2027 and how your Plans need to reflect this. Plans will be due by 3 July 2026.
New Tertiary Education Strategy
The guidance will include requirements for delivering on the priorities in the new Tertiary Education Strategy (due to be published before the end of the year) and integrating Learner Success Plan and Disability Action Plan updates into Investment Plans.
Vocational education and training changes
New polytechnics and private training establishments (PTEs) for work-based learning will stand up during 2026 and 2027 as the new vocational education and training (VET) system is implemented. In these particular cases, TEC will work directly with the providers and funding arrangements can be made outside of the normal investment round timing.
2027 investment round indicative timeline
To help you prepare for the next funding round, here is an indicative timeline of the major milestones.
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| TEC publishes a notice in the New Zealand Gazette setting out requirements for Plan content, timetable, assessment and Plan summaries | Early March 2026 |
| TEC releases Plan Guidance and Strategic Intent template; Plan engagement begins | Early March 2026 |
| Government announces Budget 2026 | May 2026 |
| TEC provides indicative allocations | From 2 June 2026 |
| TEC releases other Plan-related templates | From 8 June 2026 |
| TEC releases Supplementary Plan Guidance to reflect any policy or Budget changes | June 2026 |
| Providers submit proposed Plans | By 3 July 2026 |
| TEC reviews proposed Plans and has further discussion with providers as needed | July–October 2026 |
| Notify providers of decisions in writing | From November 2026 |
| First payment made against Plans; Plan delivery begins | January 2027 |
If you have any questions, please contact your Relationship Manager, or call our Customer Contact Team on 0800 601 301, or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz.