Government paid students of failed training school $9030

International students who were at a collapsed private training school received $9030 on average from the Government, MPs heard yesterday.

Private computer trainer Carich closed campuses across the country last year, leaving 2000 students and 400 teachers out in the cold.

Education officials yesterday gave the education and science select committee a private briefing, listing Carich payouts totalling $750,000.

A further $620,000 was spent bailing out 220 Modern Age Institute of Learning students - an average of about $2820 each, MPs were told. About 500 Modern Age students were placed with alternative providers.

Act MP Deborah Coddington revealed the costs borne by the Government when questioning submitters on the Education (Export Education Levy) Amendment Bill.

When Independent Tertiary Institutions chief executive Dave Guerin said in his submission he did not know how much was paid out, Ms Coddington told him the figures.

Business New Zealand and education providers opposed the bill, saying it punished efficient providers for the failings of others.

- NZPA