The number of Equivalent Full-Time Students (EFTS) studying in Tauranga at Waikato University is 17 per cent up on the same time last year.

By March 26, the university had 608 domestic EFTS in Tauranga.

The University of Waikato has already achieved its target for Tauranga.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford says the increase is due to strong growth in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the introduction of a new Science programme in Tauranga.

The new programmes are part of the University of Waikato's response to demand from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic students keen to progress to degree-level study.

For many years the university and polytechnic have worked together in a tertiary partnership that provides educational and research solutions for the Bay of Plenty's needs.

Whakatane-based Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi joined the partnership in 2010.