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)
As of 2024, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education for both sexes is 12.49%, and the initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is 9.76. As of 2023, the initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita is 10.08.
Tuition-free status
The Cook Islands does not have a legislative guarantee of free tertiary education; however, under the government’s Fees Free Extension (introduced as part of the Economic Recovery Roadmap), tuition fees for Cook Islands residents enrolled in approved tertiary or vocational courses are reduced to zero. Students remain responsible for additional costs such as books, stationery, and service fees. The program is universal for all residents, including those on work permits, contingent on maintaining 70% attendance and course completion.
Governance
The Ministry of Education is the main governmental body responsible for tertiary education financing, policy formulation, and oversight. It operates under the 2012 Education Act, which regulates all education levels, including tertiary institutions.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The Cook Islands has no formal subnational governments, and all education financing - including tertiary sector funding - is administered centrally. Fiscal transfers are therefore centralised, with direct budget allocations from the central government to institutions like the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI)and the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus.
Equity is pursued through targeted programmes rather than intergovernmental fiscal transfers. The 2016 Equity, Access and Participation Policy requires all educational institutions to be accessible regardless of gender, disability, location, or income, mandating targeted programmes for underrepresented groups
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
There is no direct budget line for funding private universities; however, under the 2012 Education Act, the Minister of Education may provide grants to private tertiary education providers and impose conditions on grants.
Allocation and equity
The Ministry of Education allocates annual subsidies to tertiary education through direct institutional grants governed by the national budget. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, total education funding amounts to approximately NZD 23.8 million, of which NZD 1.385 million is allocated specifically to tertiary education. This allocation includes NZD 1,040,000 for Tertiary Training Institutions, NZD 205,000 as a University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus contribution, and NZD 69,950 for the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT).
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
Admission to higher education is designed to be accessible to all Cook Islanders regardless of gender, disability, geographic location, income, or ethnic background, per the 2016 Equity, Access and Participation Policy. Financial support is provided through targeted scholarships and grants, and no eligible student should be prevented from admission due to inability to pay.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
Te Reinga Akataunga’anga Scholarship Programme, managed by the Ministry of Education, provides scholarships for Cook Islanders to study locally or abroad, including tuition support and living allowances. Eligible groups include all Cook Island citizens and permanent residents, with a focus on academic merit.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
No dedicated, government-funded transportation subsidy exists specifically for tertiary students.
Accommodation
There is no formal, universal government accommodation grant for tertiary students studying in-country. Some students may access limited assistance via international or returning student grants under the Te Reinga Akataunga’anga Scholarship Programme, which occasionally provides one-time establishment grants for Cook Islanders returning from overseas study.
Textbooks
Textbook support is not universal, but is occasionally included with domestic study grants under the Te Reinga Akataunga’anga Scholarship Programme options for part-time in-country study.
