Government sets student funding limit

An enrolment boom at Maori universities has prompted the Government to set a new limit on the funding it gives tertiary institutions.

The Treasury predicts that additional enrolments at Maori universities, or wananga, could cost taxpayers an extra $110 million in 2004-2005 and $121 million the following year, on top of funding already tagged for student education.

From next year, the Government will provide funding to cover enrolment increases of up to 15 per cent on the previous year, or an extra 1000 equivalent full-time students, whichever is greater.