The application period is 1 May to 30 September 2026. Please note that additional funding will only be allocated after July 2026.

Note: We will update this page in late April 2026 to include the application template and outline the application submission due dates for each month. 

Targeted funds

As in 2025, we are taking a targeted approach to additional funding for the following funds:

• Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund, and
• Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ7-10) Fund.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will contact tertiary education organisations (TEOs) that we consider meet the following criteria: 

• demand from learners in 2026 within targeted priority areas
• history of strong Education Performance Indicators (EPIs), and
• strong focus on improving educational outcomes for all learners.

We will also consider other factors, such as: 

• availability of funding for 2026 and out years
• External Evaluation and Review ratings
• the fund’s intent
• 2026 April Single Data Return supported by the March interim forecasts, including whether returns were submitted on time
• 2025 and 2026 Additional Funding Requests
• enrolment data
• TEO engagement
• advice received from Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), noting this will be taken forward by Industry Skills Boards
• relevant supporting evidence from the TEOs and their stakeholders
• financial viability and whether a repayment plan is or has recently been established.

Funds not open for additional funding

The following funds are subject to specific constraints which mean we will not be targeting additional funding and TEOs cannot apply for additional funding:

• Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Communities and ACE in Schools
• TEO-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ1-2) Fund
• Youth Guarantee (YG).

Should money become available for these funds, through under-delivery or returned funding, we will notify you of our intended approach to additional funding.

Funds open for additional funding

The following funds are not subject to the targeted approach and TEOs can apply for additional funding:

• Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• ACE in Tertiary Education Institutions (TEIs)
• English Language Teaching Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• Refugee English Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund.

Application forms and the application submission due dates for each month will be available on our website from late April 2026. The additional funding application period will open on 1 May and close on 30 September 2026. Please note that additional funding will only be allocated after July 2026. We may close funds that are open for additional funding applications as we invest during this period.