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
Our team
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
