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Call us on 0800 222 733What 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.
How can I earn a qualification?
- Explore different study options to find the best one for you
If you want to work toward a degree or qualification, it makes sense to choose a study or training programme that suits your personality and your commitments.
You can choose how much time you want to commit to your study (full-time or part-time study) and what type of study you want to do (ie practical training or academic learning).
For example, university may not appeal to you because you don't like sitting in a classroom, and you want to do something more hands-on. So industry training - where you can earn money as you work towards qualifications - may be a better option for you.
Read more about the study and training options available to work out which one suits you best.
What is workplace training?
Training on the job can be a good alternative to tertiary study. You can earn money and pick up skills. In many cases you can also work toward a national certificate, or gain credits as part of the NZ Qualifications Framework.
There are two main ways to do on-the-job training:
Modern Apprenticeships
Aimed at people between 16 and 21 years old.
Include the support of a Modern Apprenticeship co-ordinator, who checks your progress on a regular basis.
Are only available in 32 industries.
If you don't qualify for a Modern Apprenticeship, you may still be able to do industry training.
Workplace training
- Usually open to people of all ages.
- Has no assigned person who checks your progress on a regular basis, so you need to be motivated to achieve.
- Can be done in all industries that are covered by an industry training organisation (ITO).
What are my tertiary study options?
You have a lot of flexibility in how you earn your tertiary degree. You may want to work while your learning, or you may live far away from any education providers, in which case distance learning is a great option.
Full-time study
Full-time study means that most of your time is spent attending a tertiary institution.
This is the best study option if you:
- want to finish your qualification in the fastest time possible
- have thought about the impact on your current lifestyle and you are still happy to make the commitment.
Part-time study
Part-time study allows you to study and continue doing other things such as:
- looking after your family
- playing sport
- working full time.
If you choose this option, your qualification will take longer to earn than if you study full time.
You may also find it harder to complete your degree or qualification. A 2009 Ministry of Education study found that part-time students were less likely than full-time students to complete their degree or qualification.
For example, 72% of full-time students studying toward a Bachelor's degree completed their degree, compared with only 51% of part-time students studying for the same qualification.
Distance learning
With distance learning or extramural studies you can live anywhere in the world and still gain a New Zealand qualification. Many providers offer distance learning.
Distance learning may be the right choice for you if:
- you prefer to study from home
- you are an independent learner and self-motivated
- the course offered is ideal but moving is not an option.
E-learning is a form of distance learning that is Internet-based. Tertiary providers will advertise on their websites if they offer e-learning.
Summer school
Summer school courses give you the opportunity to:
- gain background knowledge or prepare yourself for further study
- become familiar with the demands of tertiary study, such as a heavy workload
- retake a course or resit an exam if you did not pass it the first time
- shorten the length of time your qualification will take.
- Which learning environment suits you best?
What types of tertiary education provider are there?
There are many tertiary education providers in New Zealand. Some may be more suited to your needs than others, because they vary by:
- types of qualifications offered
- cost
- the focus of the study or training - academic vs more practical training
- options for study (such as part-time study, or distance learning).
However, the information below is quite general. If you're interested in a particular subject area or type of programme, it pays to check with the tertiary education providers you're considering, to see what they offer.
Universities
University courses have an academic focus and concentrate on theoretical rather than hands-on learning.
General vs specific degrees
The most common university programme is the degree. Degrees can be general, such as a Bachelor of Arts, or focused on a specific vocation, such as the Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
A general degree is a good option if are interested in a certain area, but don't have a specific job or favourite subject area in mind. As you work through your degree you can try out a range of subjects, then decide on a subject area to specialise in. General degrees give you a wide range of skills in research, information gathering and problem solving.
Degrees in specific subjects provide these skills and may also lead to work in a specific job or industry.
You can study full or part time and can work toward qualifications such as:
- degrees
- diplomas
- certificates
- postgraduate programmes of study.
Polytechs or institutes of technology
Polytechs or institutes of technology offer courses with a practical focus. These can range in length from one day to four years and often aim to connect you as a student with the industry and teach you relevant skills and knowledge.
They offer:
- national certificates
- national diplomas
- degrees
- postgraduate diplomas.
Wānanga
Wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) are open to all New Zealanders. Courses havea practical focus within a supportive Māori kaupapa (foundation) and a strong tikanga (culture, protocol) Māori environment.
Wānanga offer:
- degrees
- diplomas
- certificates.
Private training establishments (PTEs)
New Zealand has a large number of private training establishments (PTEs) that offer a wide range of NZQA-accredited tertiary courses and qualifications, often in specialist fields.
Some PTEs offer courses with no fees, but you would need to check this with the individual provider.
Courses or training to help you into work or further study
Youth Guarantee programme
The Youth Guarantee programme provides free courses for 16 to 17 year olds who have left school, and want to move into jobs or tertiary study.
Bridging and foundation courses
Bridging or foundation courses can help you learn skills and knowledge needed for study, and help you meet the minimum entry requirements for a degree course.
Bridging courses are useful if you:
- need to earn more qualifications to get into the course you want to do
- want to see if you can cope with the study or training
- want to try out study or training before you make a financial commitment.