Polytechnic Options

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics

New Zealand has 20 Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics offering a wide range of academic, vocational and professional courses. As well as three- and four-year degrees, polytechnics also offer short full-time and part-time courses. These courses are scheduled throughout the year and are often job-focused.

Colleges of Education

Colleges of Education, are ‘teacher training colleges’. A recent trend has seen a number of these merge with universities in their respective areas. A number of polytechnics and private training establishments also run teaching courses, but not a comprehensive range of teacher training programmes.

Industry Training Organisations

Industry Training Organisations are bodies that represent particular industry sectors. Industry Training Organisations develop and maintain national unit (skill) standards and qualifications for their sector. They also facilitate on-the-job training and contract training providers to offer off-the-job training and courses.

Private Training Establishments

There are several thousand private training establishments and they offer a wide range of course although most tend to specialise in particular subjects. Many are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and a small number offer degrees.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics vary, depending on the course. Some have no pre-requisites, for others students may need to have completed several years at secondary school or an appropriate entry level course.

More information

For more details about tertiary education in New Zealand see: