Funding and payments – EWLN

Tuku pūtea me ngā utunga – EWLN

Last updated 28 January 2026
Last updated 28 January 2026

This page provides information about how Employer-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (EWLN) Fund funding is set, funding allocation, funding rate, funding calculation, payment and funding recovery.

Funding mechanism 

The responsible Minister(s) issue the Literacy and Numeracy funding mechanism. It sets out the purpose of the fund and gives authority to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to administer the funding. 

Funding mechanisms and delegations

Funding is agreed off-Plan via an application process. If the application is approved in part it goes through a right of review process, if it is approved in full a funding agreement will be issued.

An employer that receives WLN Employer-led funding is required to: 

Payments

Payment is made in four instalments, based on employer completion of milestones. The milestones are outlined the funding agreement. 

Funding rates

For information on EWLN funding rates, see the funding mechanism.

Funding mechanisms and delegations

Funding wash-up

We are required to recover funding where the results of an audit, reporting or statistical return show an employer does not meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the funded programme. For more information on repayment of funding, see the funding conditions for the relevant year.

Funding conditions by year

Use of funding

If you receive support through EWLN, you must use the funding responsibly, solely for the purposes of the activities contracted, and in a manner consistent with the appropriate use of public funds.

Workplace Literacy and Numeracy funding cannot be used for:

  • capital items, such as computers and software
  • employee wages
  • relief employee wages covering employees released for literacy and numeracy support  
    course enrolments or exam fees
  • major development of learning tools and materials
  • administration costs not directly related to the programme
  • unreasonable resource development/preparation time
  • employee professional development that does not specifically focus on gaining fundamental literacy and numeracy skills in the workplace, including for the purposes of delivering literacy or numeracy training (for example, train the trainer programmes).