The union for the tertiary sector says it's a big let down to learn Unitec is going ahead with up to 300 job cuts over the next three years.

Unitec has confirmed 87 people will lose their jobs in April next year, then 200 to 300 jobs will disappear due to the institute's organisational structure changes.

Tertiary education union president Sandra Grey said it's disappointing Unitec making the cuts, despite huge opposition from staff.

"All of the 110 submissions that were made were completely ignored in the final run it seems. Unitec just went ahead with the initial proposal and completely run roughshod over the views of staff and the views of those who submitted."

He said the decision has still yet to be put in place and there are still many more discussions to be had.

"We're going to be out protesting next Friday at Unitec. We need the public behind us, we need to make sure public institutions remain publicly owned, that they remain committed to good quality education, not just cutting corners."