Study and train at polytechnics, Ako me te whakangungu i ngā kuratini
Updated 28 Nov 2025
Polytechnics provide vocational education and training across Aotearoa – the kind of learning that takes you out of the classroom and gives you skills for the world of mahi.
What you can do through polytechnicsNgā mea ka taea e koe i ngā kuratini,
There are polytechnics across the motu delivering vocational education and training. The types of programmes you can choose from are:
- Apprenticeships or traineeships – learn on the job, get qualified and earn money as you work.
- Learn while you work – if you want to get ahead in your job, you can get qualifications as part of your normal mahi.
- Distance or online learning – study from anywhere using posted or online coursework.
- Learn on campus – learn alongside others in classrooms or workshops.
- A mixture of these options to suit your circumstances.
What you get from polytechnic programmesNgā hua ka taea i ngā hōtaka kuratini,
Vocational education and training gives you skills that can lead to an exciting career.
Whether you're looking for your first job or retraining, there are programmes to get you started in all sorts of industries. You can get qualifications for everything from building to aged care, and from viticulture to mechanical engineering.
You’ll finish your programme with a set of work-ready skills and feel confident you can use them for mahi straight away.
Qualifications you can getNgā tohu ka āhei te whiwhi,
Programmes offered through polytechnics can lead to:
- New Zealand Certificates at Levels 1 to 6
- New Zealand Diplomas at Levels 5 to 7
- Bachelor’s degrees at Level 7
- Graduate and postgraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees at Levels 7 to 10.
- New Zealand Apprenticeships lead to Level 3 and Level 4 New Zealand Certificates.
Where you can do a programmeNgā wāhi e taea ai tētahi hōtaka te whai,
Polytechnics offer programmes across Aotearoa. You’ll have more local on-campus options if you live near a big town or city – but many programmes will be available online no matter where you live.
If you want to do an apprenticeship, remember that you’ll need to find a job first. That might mean it’s easier to find a building apprenticeship in Auckland, or a viticulture apprenticeship in Marlborough.
Northtec (Northland)
Unitec (Auckland)
Manukau Institute of Technology (Auckland)
Wintec (Hamilton)
Toi Ohomai (Bay of Plenty)
Eastern Institute of Technology (Hawkes Bay)
Western Institute of Technology (Taranaki)
UCOL (Manawatu)
Weltec/Whitirea (Wellington)
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (Nelson)
Tai Poutini (West Coast)
Ara (Canterbury)
Otago Polytechnic (Otago)
SIT (Southland)
What you need to get into a programmeNgā mea me whai koe kia uru ai ki tētahi hōtaka,
Entry requirements depend on the programme you want to do. Level 1 to 3 certificates might not have any requirements. For programmes at Level 4 and higher, you might need specific NCEA subjects or achievement standards at a certain level.
Find out what you need by looking up a programme on a polytechnic's website.
How to get helpMe pēhea te tiki āwhina,
There’s a lot to get used to when you start vocational education and training. Don’t worry too much – each polytechnic has advisers ready to help you.
You can ask about anything, like which programme you should choose, costs, equipment and how to find an apprenticeship.
Many polytechnics also have support services and networks to make life easier while you’re a student. Check their websites to see what’s on offer like libraries, help with learning, Māori and Pacific peoples support, and financial support.
If you have questions or worries about learning material or coursework, you can ask your tutor or support services for advice.