How to apply for study or training, Me pēhea te tono mō ngā akoranga, te whakangungu rānei
Updated 07 Apr 2026
Ready to sign up to study or training? Tino pai! There are a few steps you need to go through – just take them one at a time, you’ll get there.
What you need to get into tertiary studyNgā mea me whai koe kia uru ai ki ngā akoranga mātauranga matua,
Tertiary study programmes have different entry requirements depending on the subject and qualification level. Education providers sometimes have different entry requirements for the same qualification.
Tertiary qualifications can start at Level 1, 2 or 3. You can apply to study for them at a polytechnic, wānanga, university, private training establishment or training provider.
If you want to get a degree, you might need to have University Entrance (UE) by the time you start studying. Your record of achievement will say if you have University Entrance.
You can apply for entry before you have your final results or University Entrance.
School-leaver qualificationsNgā tohu mō ērā e wehe ana i te kura,
If you did NCEA at school, your University Entrance is made up of:
- NCEA Level 3
- 3 approved NCEA subjects at Level 3 with 14 credits in each
- 20 co-requisite literacy and numeracy credits.
Other school-leaver qualifications are also accepted for University Entrance like Cambridge Assessment International Examinations and International Baccalaureate.
Additional entry requirementsNgā whakaritenga uru tāpiri,
Some programmes have extra requirements you need to meet. For example, you might need to have specific NCEA subjects or achievement standards, or a minimum number of credits.
Depending on the programme you choose, you might need to provide a portfolio, know te reo Māori, do an audition, provide references or have an interview. If your programme will bring you into contact with children you may need to pass a police check.
Find out if you have additional entry requirements by looking up the programme you want to do on the education provider’s website.
Wānanga requirementsNgā whakaritenga whare wānanga,
To enrol at a wānanga, you have to meet the definition of a domestic student. If you’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you’re a domestic student.
Definition of a domestic student in New Zealand – Ministry of Education
Getting in without University EntranceTe whakauru me te kore whai Urunga ki te Whare Wānanga,
If you’re 20 years of age or older, you may be able to apply for special admission.
If you left school at Year 12, you may be able to apply for University Entrance based on your Year 12 results.
Visit the education provider’s website to check entry requirements.
Other school-leaver qualifications – Universities New Zealand
How to enrol in a study programmeMe pēhea te whakauru ki tētahi hōtaka ako,
Start by checking when you need to enrol by. The dates vary between programmes of study and education providers.
It’s good to start your application several months before you need to enrol, so you have time to sort out the paperwork. If you miss a deadline, call the education provider to ask if you still can apply.
Next, find out what you’ll need to complete the enrolment process.
As well as filling in an application form on paper or online, you’ll probably need:
- an email address
- your national student number
- information about your qualifications, like your record of achievement
- certified copies of an identity document, like a birth certificate or passport.
How to get certified copies of documentsMe pēhea te tiki tārua whakamana o ngā tuhinga,
You’ll probably need certified copies of identity documents for your application. A certified copy of a document has been checked and signed by someone trustworthy to say it’s genuine.
The education provider’s website will say who can certify your documents. It could be someone like a:
- teacher
- kaumātua
- minister of religion
- police officer
- registered medical professional
- solicitor
- Justice of the Peace (JP).
Certifiers don’t charge you any money. You just photocopy your documents, then take the originals and photocopies to the certifying person.
Find a Justice of the Peace – Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Associations
If you need helpKi te hiahia āwhina koe,
Every education provider has people ready to help you plan your study programme and get enrolled. They’re called names like student liaison officer, enrolment officer, Māori student support officer or Pacific student support officer. Look up their contact details on the education provider’s website and give them a call or email them. They’ll be happy to help.
How to apply for trainingMe pēhea te tono mō te whakangungu,
In some jobs you start your training after you’re employed. Your training is done on the job by your employer and a training provider. This kind of training applies to a wide range jobs in sectors like hospitality, construction and infrastructure.
Some employers advertise traineeships on job seeker websites so you’ll know what training they offer. You can also ask about training at your job interview or check with your manager if you’re already employed.
How to apply for apprenticeshipsMe pēhea te tono mō te piatanga,
To get a New Zealand Apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old and have a job in your chosen industry.
You can search for a job using SEEK, Trade Me Jobs and industry-specific recruitment websites.
Once you’ve got a job where it’s possible to do an apprenticeship, the next step is to enrol as an apprentice. Your employer can help you find a tertiary education provider offering apprenticeships in your area.