University and polytechnic enrolments rise sharply RNZ 03 April 2021 RNZ. Meanwhile, universities’ domestic student numbers are up 9% on the same time last year, a figure equivalent to about 9,000 full-time students. The increases mean some institutions will exceed the government funding they agreed with the Tertiary Education Commission and will have to ask for more money. Education Minister Chris Hipkins told RNZ the government was pleased with the growth and was confident it could cope with it.