Consultation Opened on 2027 Tertiary Funding Determinations and New TREF Determination (New Zealand, June 2026)
New Zealand opened consultation on proposed variations to tertiary funding determinations for 2027 and on a new determination for the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund. Funding determinations are ministerial instructions to the Tertiary Education Commission and operate as secondary legislation.
New Zealand opened consultation on proposed variations to tertiary funding determinations for 2027 and on a new determination for the Tertiary Research Excellence Fund. Funding determinations are ministerial instructions to the Tertiary Education Commission and operate as secondary legislation.
What Changed?
The Ministry of Education began consultation on proposed changes to six existing tertiary funding determinations and a new TREF funding determination.
Old System vs New System
Tertiary funding was governed by existing funding determinations, including the Performance-Based Research Fund determination.
The government is considering variations to 2027 determinations and a new TREF determination that will support the replacement of PBRF from 2029.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may be affected indirectly if funding conditions change how providers plan courses, support services, and research activity.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents of tertiary students may need to monitor whether funding changes affect course availability, provider priorities, or institutional planning.
School / Institution Impact
Schools advising students on tertiary pathways should monitor any funding changes that affect tertiary course availability or provider behaviour.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Tertiary educators may be affected by revised funding conditions and institutional planning decisions for 2027 and beyond.
Key Dates
- Consultation opened: 2026-06-22
- consultation closes: 2026-07-17
- possible effective date for 2027 variations: 2027-01-01
- TREF replacement of PBRF: 2029-01-01
What To Do
- Tertiary providers and sector stakeholders should review the proposed determinations and submit feedback before 17 July 2026.
What To Watch Next
Final determinations and any variations issued after consultation should be monitored.
Global Context
Funding determinations shape how public tertiary funding is allocated, making them central to the operation of New Zealand's post-school education system.
Source Record
Source type: Public notice
Source name: New Zealand Ministry of Education