New Zealand has a wide range of tertiary education options. There are education providers in each of the main centres and many satellite campuses in smaller areas. The New Zealand tertiary sector covers private training establishments (PTEs), institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), wānanga, universities and workplace training. These offer a range of educational options, often in flexible ways such as distance learning, to meet the needs of adult learners. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approves all qualifications for these institutions, apart from universities.
careers.govt.nz has some great information if you are considering changing your career or further study or training.
education.govt.nz also has a host of information regarding scholarships, financial help and employment outcomes.
Choose the type of institution that’s best for your career path:
-
Universities offer higher degree-level education. Programmes are research-led and generally academic rather than vocational. In the 2020 QS World University Rankings, seven of New Zealand’s universities were in the top 100 in at least one subject.
-
ITPs and a few larger PTEs offer vocational degree-level education.
-
PTEs tend to offer specific vocational programmes, mainly at certificate and diploma level.
Training or re-training as an adult
If you decide to move into another career or improve your current career prospects, going into training can be a good idea. However, you need to consider costs and other factors to see if that is the best decision for you.
You may also be able to get recognition of learning for credit, a system of recognising skills and knowledge you have gained from previous tertiary studies or through life or work experience. This can help you complete a course or qualification more quickly.
Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology is our local polytech with campuses throughout the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato. At Toi Ohomai you can choose from more than 150 study options from certificate to postgraduate level.