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Continuing increase in participation in tertiary education

The rate of participation in formal tertiary education¹ increased from 12 percent in 2002 to 13 percent in 2003. This represented an 11 percent increase in the total number of formal students enrolled in tertiary education.

Formal domestic students and participation rates 1994–2003

Note: Participation rates have been adjusted to account for the changing age structure of the population over time.

Main growth still at certificate level

The main increase in enrolments over the last year has been at certificate level, as it has been in the previous three years. The strongest growth was in level 4 certificates. There was continued steady growth in students at degree level and above.

Formal domestic students by qualification level 1997–2003

Continued growth in industry training

The number of people participating in industry training has continued to increase with just under 90,000 trainees participating at December 2003 and 127,000 over the full year of 2003.

Trainees in industry training 1995–2003

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

¹ Proportion of the population aged 15 years and over engaged in formal tertiary education, adjusted for changes in the age structure of the population over time. (↑)

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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