Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister for Tertiary Education
17 February 2006
Media Statement
Promised review of funding for medical and dental study underway
Funding arrangements for medical and dentistry students will be reviewed to ensure this country continues to produce the
highest quality graduates Minister for Tertiary Education Michael Cullen announced today.
“More than 1700 students are enrolled in medicine and dentistry. That's a significant investment in a vital area that
deserves our full support.
"We promised to review funding arrangements as a priority during the election campaign and we are now delivering," said
Dr Cullen.
"This country needs more skilled health care professionals. New Zealand is fortunate that the universities that provide
tertiary education for future doctors and dentists – the University of Otago and the University of Auckland – provide
the highest quality teaching and learning environment.
"It's vital for the health and well being of this country for that to continue," said Dr Cullen. "This government is
strongly committed to investing in our human capital as part of our plans to transform the economy. That's why we
introduced interest free student loans."
The review aims to ensure there is sufficient funding to maximise opportunities for training.
"In the end we want the institutions to be in a position to retain skilled staff and for students to have access to the
highest quality learning," said Dr Cullen.
The review will build on initiatives announced in Budget 2005. The Trainee Intern grant available to domestic sixth year
medical students was increased from $16,756 to $26,756 from this year. This initiative is benefiting approximately 285
students this year and received a four-year allocation of more than $8 million.
The review will be carried out by officials from the Tertiary Education Commission and Ministry of Education who are
expected to report back to the Minister later this year to ensure any changes can be in place for the next academic
year.
ENDS