Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
2 days ago
Enrolments at EIT have reached their highest level since the institute’s 2011 merger with Tairāwhiti, with early 2026 figures tracking ahead of the same time last year.
So far this year, 4,637 learners have enrolled, around two percent ahead of the same time in 2025 and at 61 percent of the institute’s Equivalent Full-Time Student (EFTS) target.
Enrolments at EIT have reached their highest level since the institute’s 2011 merger with Tairāwhiti,.
This follows a record 2025, when EIT enrolled 11,038 learners across the year, representing 5,125 EFTS.
EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen says the continued growth reflects renewed confidence in the institute and strong demand from industry for skilled graduates.
“We are seeing more learners choosing EIT as we re-establish ourselves, and that is closely linked to the needs of our regional industries. Our focus is on ensuring learners are gaining the skills and experience that employers are looking for, and that those pathways remain strong.”
EIT’s 2025 EFTS total reached 5,125, made up of 3,585 domestic EFTS, 675 international onshore EFTS, and 866 EFTS from other revenue sources, reflecting a diverse learner base across multiple delivery modes and funding streams.
Lucy says the result marks a significant achievement given the ongoing impacts of Covid 19, severe weather events, and sustained disruption across the tertiary education sector and the wider regions EIT serves.
International education continues to play an important role at EIT. In 2025, international students made up about 16 percent of the onshore student body, with 675 international EFTS representing just over 1,000 students from 38 countries.
Lucy says this diversity contributes to the learning environment and the wider social and economic vitality of the region.
Māori participation at EIT remains a key strength, continuing to sit well above regional population demographics and the national sector average.
However, EIT acknowledges the significant impact of major regional events between 2021 and 2023, including Covid 19, the 2023 cyclone, and a series of less visible but highly disruptive weather events in Tairāwhiti.
These events led to a decline in priority learner engagement, including a drop in Māori learner participation during that period.
“It is therefore particularly encouraging to see participation rates increase in 2025, moving back toward pre disruption levels and signalling renewed learner confidence and engagement across EIT’s communities.”
Higher-level qualifications remain a core part of EIT’s academic portfolio. In 2025, Level 7 (degree level) programmes account for 26 percent of total enrolments, up from 24 percent in 2024.
“This growth highlights sustained demand for degree study and reinforces EIT’s role in supporting advanced skills development and workforce readiness across the region.”
Lucy says the continued growth reflects both the resilience of learners and staff and the institute’s continued commitment to accessible, high quality education.
“As communities recover from recent challenges, EIT remains focused on supporting learner success, strengthening regional pathways, and contributing to long term social and economic recovery.
