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The Government is being accused of bias for partly paying for a course for polytechnic students but not for students who take it at a private trainer.
Auckland-based TAFE College developed the three-week real estate course but was denied a student subsidy by the Tertiary Education Commission.
National's Tertiary Education spokesman Dr Paul Hutchison said yesterday Unitec in Mt Albert was among several polytechnics that bought the course from TAFE and got a $1300 per student subsidy for it.
Dr Hutchison said it was an outrageous example of the disadvantages private trainers faced and it stifled student choice.
TAFE College director Ross Vernall said it managed to run the course, which it developed about seven years ago, despite the "unfair" disparity.
"We are happily running the course and we don't need a subsidy," he said. "So why should they subsidise other people. It only puts pressure on us."
Unitec chief executive Dr John Webster said the funding issue was a matter between the Tertiary Education Commission and the private provider.
He said private providers could apply for funding.
Dr Webster said a "significant number" offered courses in direct competition with universities and polytechnics.
Susan Shipley, director of policy for the commission, said: "Government does have different funding policies for private and public institutions and PTEs have never been eligible for government subsidies for short courses.
"Government has moved to limit the amount available for funding short courses in public institutions as well."
The commission said the per student government subsidy for the course was around $800 per student, not $1300 as stated.
