Information for parents, family and whanau

What types of tertiary education providers are there?

There are many tertiary education providers in New Zealand. It’s important for your child to choose one that best suits their needs.

Tertiary provider database - search for an education provider

Universities

University courses generally have an academic focus. Course content is mainly theoretical.

Universities offer degrees, diplomas, certificates and postgraduate programmes of study. The most common university programme is the degree. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes at least three years to complete.

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 your child knows the area that they are interested in. Then they can try out a range of subjects and work out which subject area they want to specialise in. General degrees give 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.

Polytechs or institutes of technology

Polytechs or institutes of technology offer courses ranging in length from one day to four years, including national certificates, national diplomas, degrees and postgraduate diplomas.

Polytechs or institutes of technology usually offer courses with practical experience. They often aim to connect students with the industry and teach relevant skills and knowledge.

: I wonder if wānanga is the right education provider for my daughter?

Wānanga

Wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) offer degree, diploma and certificate courses to all New Zealanders. If your child prefers courses with a practical focus within a supportive Māori kaupapa (foundation) and a strong tikanga (culture, protocol) Māori environment, this is a great option.

Private training establishments (PTEs)

New Zealand has a large number of PTEs that offer a wide range of NZQA-accredited tertiary courses and qualifications, often in specialist fields. You may find that a PTE is offering the particular training that your child is after. Some PTEs offer courses with no fees, but you or your child will need to check this with the individual provider.

Colleges of education

If your child is interested in studying childcare, early childhood teaching, primary teaching, secondary teaching, kura kaupapa or the administration of education, colleges or schools of education may be for them. Teaching diplomas and degrees usually take three to four years to complete.