Chris Whelan: University NZ CEO on the declining enrolments in North Island universities - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Enrolments are well down in all the North Island's five universities.

They say it's about the tight job market and fewer school leavers having University Entrance qualifications.

University NZ CEO Chris Whelan says some students are finding the South Island more appealing.

"In cities like Auckland and Wellington, cost of living is getting very high and student allowances are not really keeping up."

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