18308 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Universities

18308 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Universities: If a university has met their annual enrolment target for 2025 in semester one, will they still be able to enrol students for the semester two, if not, why not?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: Corrected reply: Yes, as autonomous institutions, universities set their own enrolment targets and manage enrolments based on their individual priorities and considerations such as the institution’s capacity to deliver. Universities receive an annual funding allocation from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) based on the number of equivalent full-time students (EFTS) they expect to deliver in the calendar year. I am advised that the TEC works closely with universities to monitor enrolments and funding allocations at all stages of the investment cycle, based on forecast, indicative and actual enrolments. I am advised by the TEC that there is a flexible funding mechanism in place which allows universities to enrol, and be funded for, students that would take them up to 102% of their funding allocation. Should they exceed 102% they are not assured of more tuition subsidy funding for additional learners. They are also required to get permission from the TEC if they expect to exceed 105% of their funding allocation.