The application period is 1 May to 30 September 2025.

Note: we will update this page in late April 2025 to include the application template and outline the application submission due dates for each month.

Targeted funds

As in 2024, we are taking a targeted approach to additional funding for the following funds:

• Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund
• Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ7-10) Fund.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will contact tertiary education organisations (TEOs) that we consider meet the following criteria:

• demand from learners in 2025 within targeted priority areas
• history of strong Education Performance Indicators (EPIs)
• strong focus on improving educational outcomes for all learners.

We will also consider other factors, such as:

• availability of funding for 2025 and outyears  
• External Evaluation and Review ratings
• the Fund’s intent
• 2025 April Single Data Return supported by the March interim forecasts, including whether returns were submitted on time
• 2024 and 2025 AFRs, data and TEO engagement
• advice received from Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)
• relevant supporting evidence from the TEOs and their stakeholders
• delivery over 105%
• financial viability and whether a repayment plan is or has recently been established.

Funds not open for additional funding 

The following funds are subject to specific constraints, which mean we will not be targeting additional funding and TEOs cannot apply for additional funding:

• Adult and Community Education (ACE) in Communities and ACE in Schools
• TEO-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ1-2) Fund.

Should money become available for these funds, through under-delivery or returned funding, we will notify you of our intended approach to additional funding.

Funds open for additional funding

The following funds are not subject to the targeted approach and TEOs can apply for additional funding:

• Youth Guarantee (YG) Levels 1 and 2. We may consider Level 3 under exceptional circumstances
• Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• ACE in Tertiary Education Institutions (TEIs)
• English Language Teaching Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund
• Refugee English Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund.