PROJECTS

Appraisal of Lower Level Tertiary Programs and Courses, New Zealand

The problem

Government funding for some courses at Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s government-owned remote-learning tertiary education institution, was under threat. Students were dropping out of lower level courses, with retention as low as 32 percent at the time of our work.

How we helped

Castalia undertook research to determine the value generated by lower level courses, for students and for the country. We considered the economic and social benefits of lower level courses at current completion levels, compared to those for degree studies. We found that lower level courses—by providing basic skills to people with minimal educational attainment—generate a return on Government investment at a ratio of 3.5-4.0:1, compared to 2.0-2.5:1 for degree studies.

Impact

Open Polytechnic used our findings to negotiate the subsidy regime with the Government. The Government acknowledged the value of lower level courses and retained funding for the lower courses.

The client

Open Polytechnic

Our team

Alex Sundakov

Alex Sundakov

Executive Director
David Ehrhardt

David Ehrhardt

Chief Executive

How can we help you?

How can we help you?