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The first part of this section looks at access and opportunity for Māori and Pasifika students in terms of participation rates in level 1 to 3 certificates and bachelors degrees in 2003 and completion rates after five years (i.e. to 2003) for those who enrolled in 1998.

Māori successful at certificate level but under-represented at degree level

Māori participation rates at certificate level have continued to increase and are higher than any other ethnic group. Māori students also achieve higher completion rates at certificate level.

However, at degree level, Māori still have lower participation rates than non-Māori, in spite of overall growth in numbers in recent years. Five-year completion rates for Māori at degree level are also lower than for non-Māori.

At masters level, Māori participation rates and five-year completion rates are also notably lower than non-Māori.

Comparison of participation rates and five-year completion rates for Māori, Pasifika and all formal domestic students 2003

Notes:

1. Rates are represented on an index for comparison, where the rate for all students is set at 100.
2. Participation rates are age-standardised for 2003.
3. Completion rates are five-year completion rates for those starting a qualification in 1999, that is, the proportion of those who started in 1999 who had completed a qualification by the end of 2003.

Pasifika students under-represented, with low completion rates at degree and postgraduate level

Pasifika participation rates remain the lowest of all ethnic groups at degree and masters levels. They also have the lowest completion rates of any ethnic group at degree level.

At certificate level, Pasifika participation rates are lower than those of all students but higher than those of European/Pākehā. It is important to note that the rate for all students is affected by the high participation rates of Māori students. Pasifika completion rates at certificate level are similar to those of all students.

Proportion of students with disabilities still steady

The proportion of students in formal tertiary education with a reported disability¹ remained similar to 2002, at 5 percent.

Percentage of formal domestic students with a disability 1998–2003

Increasing numbers of first-time students aged over 25

In 2003, an estimated 55,500 students aged over 25 years started tertiary education for the first time. The majority (45,000) enrolled in level 1 to 3 certificates. The largest number were in polytechnics (32,000), followed by wānanga (13,000).

Formal domestic students aged 25 and over in tertiary education for the first time by qualification level 1997–2003

¹ These numbers are based on students who self-reported having a disability to their provider as part of the enrolment process. The recommended question for providers is: “Do you live with the effects of significant injury, long-term illness, or disability?” However, the actual questions used may vary among providers. (↑)

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• Table of Contents

• The State of Play

• Cross Strategy Indicators

• Raise foundation skills

• Skills for our knowledge society

• Strengthen research and knowledge creation

• Te rautaki mātauranga Māori

• Pacific people’s development and success

• Capability and quality

• Technical and Data Definitions