University Advisory Group established and PBRF Quality Evaluation 2026 cancelled | Tertiary Education Commission (tec.govt.nz)
The Government has today announced the establishment of the University Advisory Group (UAG) which will consider the effectiveness of the current university system in supporting excellence in teaching and research. This work also includes looking at the Performance-Based Research Fund (PBRF), ways to best achieve equity for all learners, including Māori, Pacific, and disadvantaged learners, and the role of international education.
Because of this, the Minister has decided that PBRF Quality Evaluation 2026 will not take place and the TEC will stop all work related to it. The UAG will consider policy settings including funding mechanisms, incentives, and allocation strategies for research and teaching (in particular the PBRF), with a focus on the university sector but recognising the relevance to the wider higher education sector.
While the PBRF Quality Evaluation 2026 will now not take place, the TEC would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Moderation Team, panel co-chairs and members, the Sector Reference Group, and other sector stakeholders who have supported recent consultation and operational design work.
