Universities flag $10 billion spend on buildings

The University of Auckland spent $1.5b in the decade to 2020 on capital projects. (Image: University of Auckland)

Wed, 22 May 2024

The tertiary education sector is facing unprecedented financial challenges, yet over the coming decade universities are forecasting a $10 billion spend on buildings.Universities typically fund infrastructure from their operating surpluses, debt and – if they’re lucky – philanthropic donations. But with the sector contending with unprecedented deficits, brought on by rising costs and the after-effects of covid-19, universities have had to prune their capital aspirations and rein in costs, largely in the form of staff cuts.Durin...

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