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Tertiary Education Institutions

New Zealand universities and polytechnics

Institutions

9

Universities

8

Total Students

~300,000

TEC Funding (2024)

-

About University Governance

New Zealand universities are Crown entities governed by university councils. Each council includes:

  • Chancellor: Chair of the university council (elected by council members)
  • Vice-Chancellor: Chief executive of the university (appointed by council)
  • Council members: Mix of ministerial appointees, elected staff/students, and alumni

Universities receive operational funding from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) based on student enrolments.

Cross-Sector Connections

University council members are linked to the shared people database. See where council members also serve as NZX directors, charity board members, or hold other public sector appointments.