Information for secondary students and school leavers
Is tertiary study for you?
Reasons for doing tertiary study
Tertiary study may be for you if:
- you want to get a job that requires tertiary study e.g. a psychologist, an engineer or a forensic scientist
- you want to experience student life
- you enjoy the academic challenge
- you want to gain a broad range of knowledge and specialise later on e.g. Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Arts
- your friends have decided on it and you want to be with them
- you have done your homework around costs and you still feel OK about how much you will need to spend.
- Get the best value for money with your education
Things to consider
You are about to buy an education. Like anything you buy, you want to get the best value for money. Ask yourself a few questions before making a decision. This will help you to find the best option.
- What do you want to achieve with your study?
- Is studying the only way to achieve your goal?
- How does study fit into your life?
- What changes or compromises will you have to make to your life if you choose to study?
- Have you asked around for advice to help you make a good decision?
- What is your current financial situation and how much of a financial commitment are you prepared to make toward your study?
- Will you have money to move away from home?
Not sure what to do?
Making a decision about what to do once you leave school may not be easy. This is because there are many things to consider, for example what area of work you are interested in and which path will lead you there.
Remember, your goal is to decide on the type of course, training or job you want to get into after school. You don’t have to have your whole life mapped out just yet!
"I was soon given interesting tasks to do which I enjoyed, and eventually went to polytechnic to study for a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering."
Steve Abley, Roading Engineer
"Teachers' College was great. I made a lot of friends and met colleagues who I still socialise with. It is quite theory-based but I found it easier to learn on the job when we did practicums."
Ben Lau, Music Teacher
