Study and training options

What are your options?

You can earn a qualification in several different ways, and from many different types of education provider. Learn more about your options.

What qualifications are available?

Find out what qualifications are available, and how these fit in the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. You can also learn more about the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, or NCEA, New Zealand's main national qualification for secondary school students.

Thinking of study, but not sure what to do?

You may be leaning toward tertiary study, but before investing your time and money, you need to work through all your considerations to make sure it’s what you really want to do.

NCEA and getting into training and jobs

Find out how many NCEA credits you'll need to do an apprenticeship, get a job or join the defence forces.

Study and training opportunities once you are working

Even if you're working full time, that doesn't mean your learning has to end. New training opportunities open up regularly in the workplace. Your employer may want you to learn new skills or you may decide to specialise in a field that requires more training. You could also train in a completely different area.

Adults considering training or retraining

Are you considering making a career change that involves either training or retraining? You are not alone! Many people change their careers at least six times in their lives. Find out about your options, and what you should consider before making a decision.

Bridging and foundation courses

If you are thinking about doing a polytechnic or university course but don’t have enough NCEA credits, you might want to consider doing a bridging or foundation course.

Related links

• What is workplace training?
• Choosing a tertiary course
• NCEA and getting into tertiary study
• Choosing school subjects
• Helping young people with subject, study or training decisions