Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
Data on the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes, the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita, and the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita are not available from UIS for Niue.
Tuition-free status
Public tertiary education in Niue is not tuition-free by national law or policy. Niue’s legislation and policy framework guarantee free education only at the primary and secondary levels.
Governance
Niue does not have a fully independent public university system. Post-secondary opportunities are predominantly offered through an extension centre of the University of the South Pacific, through regional universities operating on the island such as St Clements University Higher Education School, and through scholarships to overseas institutions, predominantly in New Zealand.
The Department of Education manages education sector planning and partnerships with external tertiary institutions. The Ministry of Education grants licenses for tertiary education schools in Niue. The approval is on the premise of the “acceptable universal criteria” for a higher school of education. However, these criteria were not found in the official regulations.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Given its size and the absence of a fully independent public university system, there are no subnational funding mechanisms to transfer resources from the central government to local governments for public higher education in Niue.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
No information was found on public financial support for private or regional institutions operating in Niue. The 2025/6 State Budget does not appear to allocate any funds to financing higher education.
Allocation and equity
Niue does not fund or operate national public higher education institutions.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Niue does not fund or operate national public higher education institutions.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Niue does not operate its own scholarship programme. Niuean citizens are eligible for several scholarships to study overseas, particularly in New Zealand.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No information was found on public financial support for student transportation.
Accommodation
No information was found on public financial support for student accommodation.
Textbooks
No information was found on public financial support for student textbook purchases.
