What are your options?

Decide whether practical or academic work is right 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.

Decide whether you want to commit to full-time or part-time study, and what type of study you want to do.

For example, academic learning may not appeal to you because you don't like sitting in a classroom, and you want to do something practical. If so, on-the-job training may be a better option for you.

Here are the study and training options available so you can work out which one suits you best.

Training on the job can be a good alternative to tertiary study. You can earn money while training and gaining skills. You will often also work toward a national certificate or gain credits as part of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. 

There are two main ways to do on-the-job training:

New Zealand Apprenticeships

• Open to people of all ages.
• Includes the support of an apprenticeship co-ordinator, who checks your progress on a regular basis.

If you don't qualify for a New Zealand Apprenticeship, you may still be able to do industry training.

• Find out more about New Zealand Apprenticeships

Workplace training

• Usually open to people of all ages.
• Has no person assigned to check your progress on a regular basis, so you need to be self-motivated.
• Can be done in all industries that are covered by an industry training organisation (ITO).

• Workplace training - read more about what's involved
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority website - accredited industry training organisations and what qualifications they cover

You have flexibility in how you can earn your degree. You may want to work while you're learning, or you may prefer distance learning because you do not live near any education providers.

Full-time study

Full-time study is your best study option if you:

• want to complete your qualification sooner
• have thought about the impact on your lifestyle and you are still happy to make the commitment.

Part-time study

Part-time study allows you more time to do things such as:

• look after your family
• play sport
• work full time.

If you choose this option, your qualification will take longer to earn than if you study full time.

However, you may also find it harder to complete your degree or qualification. A 2011 Ministry of Education report shows that part-time students are less likely to complete their degree or qualification than full-time students. 

• Education Counts website - information on tertiary education completion rates for full-time and part-time study

Distance learning

Distance learning lets you gain a qualification remotely without being in regular face-to-face contact with a teacher in the classroom. 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 and self-motivated learner
• the course you choose requires you to move but that 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.

• Massey University website - Am I ready for distance learning?

Summer school

Summer school courses give you the opportunity to:

• study a subject for interest or prepare yourself for further study
• become familiar with the demands of tertiary study, such as a heavy workload
• retake a course between academic years
• complete your degree sooner.

There are many different tertiary education providers to choose from

New Zealand has many tertiary education providers. Where you choose to study may depend on:

• the types of qualifications offered
• the cost
• the focus of the study or training (academic or practical training)
• the study options (full-time or part-time study, or distance learning).

The following information is quite general. If you're interested in a particular subject area or type of programme, check with the tertiary education providers to see what they offer.

• Look up tertiary education providers by region, or search courses

Universities

University courses traditionally concentrate on theoretical learning, but many now include work placements and internships.

General vs specific degrees

Degrees can be general, such as a Bachelor of Arts, or specific to a vocation, such as a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. A general degree is a good option if you are interested in a subject, but don't have a specific vocation in mind. A general degree allows you to study a range of subjects, then decide on one to major in.

General degrees give you a wide range of skills in research, information gathering and problem solving.

Degrees in specific subjects also provide these skills but are also directed towards work in a specific job or industry.

In addition to a degree, you could study to gain:

• diplomas
• certificates
• postgraduate qualifications.

Many courses offer part-time as well as full-time options.

• No Major Drama website - browse university subjects and find out what degree could be right for you

Polytechnics and institutes of technology

Polytechnics and institutes of technology offer practical courses. Courses range in length from one day to four years and often aim to connect students with the related industry.

They offer:

• certificates 
• diplomas
• degrees
• postgraduate diplomas.

Wānanga

Wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) are open to all New Zealanders. Courses have a 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 many private training establishments (PTEs) offering a wide range of NZQA-accredited tertiary courses and qualifications, often in specialist fields.

Some PTEs offer courses with no fees, but you should check this with the individual provider.

Youth Guarantee programme

The Youth Guarantee scheme lets you study free of charge towards NCEA Level 1-3, work towards a national certificate in a trade or service and get work experience.

• Students need to:

  • be 16 to 19 years old
  • study for two years full time in a Level 1-3 course.

Talk to your school's career advisor, dean or guidance counsellor or contact a Youth Guarantee academy.

• Youth Guarantee website - get more information on the Youth Guarantee scheme
• Youth Guarantee website - find a Youth Guarantee academy near you

Bridging and foundation courses

Bridging and foundation courses can help you gain the skills and knowledge needed for further study. 

Bridging courses are useful if you:

• don’t meet the entry requirements for a course you want to do
• want to see if you can cope with tertiary study
• want to try study or training before you make a financial commitment.

• Bridging and foundation courses - learn more about what these involve

• I'm at school and need ideas - education and training information for secondary students
• Compare Study Options tool - compare earning and employment information for different study areas and levels
• Fees-free website – check your eligibility for fees-free tertiary study and industry training
• StudySpy website - search for and compare every tertiary course in New Zealand