The Benefits of Private Tertiary Education

The assertion that private ownership and/or commercial activities are incompatible with quality tertiary education is misguided.

There is a wide range of ownership structures in the PTE sector including charitable trusts, community trusts, not-for-profit organisations and charities. Even in commercial operations it is important to remember that PTEs are first and foremost educational providers. Some look to make a modest profit but running a PTE is not an easy way to make money.

People run PTEs and work in PTEs because of what they achieve for learners, the community and employers. This involves working efficiently, in a similar way to universities and polytechnics that have to ensure their books stay in the black and they meet the requirement to run a surplus.

The diversity of our tertiary education sector is a strength. We believe it is important that Government supports student choice and educational success, wherever it occurs. Private providers have a strong record of building close relationships with communities and with industry. Not only is this the best way to raise educational performance, but PTEs have to remain connected and relevant because, unlike public providers, we can fail. The Government will not bail us out of any predicament. Relationships are critical for PTEs and they have every incentive to perform.