It's thought New Zealand is lagging behind international trends in university education. 

Ministry of Education data shows 39% of adults aged 25 to 64 hold a bachelor’s degree or above in 2024 – up from 17% 20 years ago. 

Universities NZ Chief Executive Chris Whelan told Mike Hosking compared with 65% in Canada and 54% in the UK and Australia, we’re trailing. 

He says the New Zealand economy hasn't developed perhaps as quickly as others, but almost two-thirds of jobs now require at least two years of post-school training.  

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