Characteristics of universities
A definition by act of parliament


Parliament of New Zealand

Education Amendment Act 1990  
Provisions Relating to Tertiary Education and Training 
36: Establishment and disestablishment of tertiary institutions 

"That universities have all the following characteristics and
other tertiary institutions have one or more of those
characteristics:

(i) They are primarily concerned with more advanced
learning, the principal aim being to develop intellectual
independence:

(ii) Their research and teaching are closely interdependent
and most of their teaching is done by people who are active in
advancing knowledge:

(iii) They meet international standards of research and
teaching:

(iv) They are a repository of knowledge and expertise:

(v) They accept a role as critic and conscience of society;"


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