Thinking of study, but not sure what to do?

Why do you want to do tertiary study?

Think about why you are interested in doing tertiary study. Is it the only way to get into the career you’re interested in? Make sure you’ve explored all your options first. If you’ve got a particular career in mind, check our jobs database to find out what ways there are to enter the job. You may have several options.

• Jobs database - look up jobs that interest you and find out about entry requirements

If you like the idea of doing tertiary study, chances are that it's not just the qualification that appeals. 

Are you interested because you:

• want to experience student life
• enjoy the academic challenge
• want to gain a broad range of knowledge and specialise later on eg. Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Communication or Bachelor of Arts

These are all valid considerations, but make sure you have done your homework around costs. That way you can decide if you think all the things you'll gain from studying are worth the price.

• What are the costs? - learn more about all the costs involved in tertiary study
  

Is tertiary study your choice?

Are you considering tertiary study because you think it's expected of you? Are your parents or others pressuring you into study?

If either of these things is the case, you need to remember that this is your decision. Tertiary study isn’t the only way to get a qualification. Modern Apprenticeships and industry training are great ways to get a qualification while earning money at the same time.

If you’re pursuing a particular job, see if there’s an industry training organisation that covers that area of work. If you’ve not decided on a job, you can look through our list of industry organisations, and pick out those that most interest you. Then get in touch with the industry training organisation or employers, to see where there might be an apprenticeship opportunity.

• What are your study and training options?
• Modern Apprenticeships - learn more about apprenticeships and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme
• Industry training - find out what industry training involves
• Workplace and industry training organisation (ITO) contacts - get contact details for the different ITOs in New Zealand

How will tertiary study fit in with your life?

Tertiary study may take up a lot of your time, and involve moving towns or changing your lifestyle. Are you prepared to make these changes?

Ask yourself:

• What changes or compromises will you have to make  in your life if you choose to study? Think about the activities that you enjoy doing now – will you still have access to these activities? Or the time and money?
  
• What is your current financial situation, and how much of a financial commitment are you prepared to make toward your study?
• Are you comfortable with moving away from home if you have to? Do you have the money you'll need to do this?
  
  
• Read about study support for Māori students
• Read about study support for Pasifika students
  

Definitely want to study, but can’t pick just one course?

You may have found several courses that appeal to you. Obviously you can’t do them all at once, but just because you choose one, you’re not ruling the others out. Which one can you do, which one can you do later?

Remember, most people have several careers in a lifetime. The decision you make now is not for life.

If you're still unsure about which course to choose, find out what else you should consider:

• Choosing a course - what you need to think about when deciding on tertiary study
• Going into tertiary study or training action plan (PDF - 161KB) (Word - 228KB)