Unitec has confirmed up to 300 jobs could go over the next three years.

Chief Executive Rick Ede says around 60 could go in the next six to nine months as they begin a restructuring process.

"It is very difficult to forecast exactly because it's all driven by our student enrolment numbers."

"If our numbers grow the job loss numbers will be smaller."

The tertiary institute plans to sell some of its student services to private company Concentrix - which will take over the vacant roles.

He met with staff today to inform them of the $250 million.

The tertiary institute plans to sell part of its services to private company Concentrix, which will take over the vacant roles.

But Mr Ede said they're definitely not privatising the Unitec.

"Simply using a service provider to provide services, as we do in other areas supporting our students."

"Privatisation is completely the wrong word to use here."