Institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand
Studying at the New Zealand Institute of Skills and
Technology (NZIST) will give you the skills and
experience to work anywhere in the world.
Gain skills to prepare you for the future
We’re strengthening our vocational education and training system to make it more supportive, flexible and relevant to workplaces.
Our 16 state-owned Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are being unified into a single national institution, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST).
It’s a new way of learning to give you the skills to achieve your goals in life.
What could you gain from vocational training in New Zealand?
The world is changing fast - and New Zealand can help you get ready for it.
- New Zealand was ranked the top English-speaking country at preparing students for the future by The Economist Intelligence Unit in 2019.
- Our state-owned ITPs offer courses at all levels of study, from foundation certificates to undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programmes and master’s degrees.
- You'll gain real-world capabilities as well as qualifications that are recognised and respected around the world.
If you’re training for a new career or gaining extra skills for your current job, you need to know your education will make you more employable.
- Employers help to create our courses and programmes, to ensure you have the right skills for the right jobs.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience and learn relevant, practical skills that are in global demand by your industry.
- You can be confident you’re putting your time and energy into learning the things that will really matter to your future employers.
In New Zealand, learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom.
- You may be learning at work, on campus or online – or a mix of all three. Our flexible ways of learning give you more freedom to choose how and where you learn.
- Your studies may include internships, work placements and industry projects, to give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to the workplace.
- You’ll gain work experience, network within your industry and be ready for the workplace as soon as you graduate.
No matter who you are or what stage of life you’re in, you’ll be given the education and pastoral support you need to thrive.
You’ll be supported to grow and achieve, and you’ll be part of a community of learners who share your goals.
While you’re studying in New Zealand, you’ll experience manaakitanga – a Māori word meaning hospitality and kindness.
Manaakitanga is one of New Zealand’s most important values, and it’s why you’ll receive a warm welcome here.
Work while you study and after your study
While studying
If you're a student with a student visa enrolled in a full-time programme, you may be able to work*:
20 hours per week during the year
Full time during scheduled breaks
After study
You may be able to apply for a post-study work visa which will allow you to work for up to three years in New Zealand after you graduate, depending on what you study and where you study.**
Work for up to three years after you graduate depending on what and where you study
Get the skills New Zealand needs
If you gain the skills and qualifications New Zealand needs, you may be able to stay here for longer – or even live here permanently. You may be able to apply for a further work visa or residence visa if your job is on our skills shortages list.
Here are some areas where New Zealand has skills shortages:*
Information Technology
New Zealand’s innovative tech sector needs all kinds of workers, including software engineers and developers, project managers and business analysts.
Engineering
New Zealand needs more of almost every type of engineer, including chemical, civil, electrical, industrial and environmental engineers.
Agriculture & Forestry
Workers are needed in many agricultural areas, including as supervisors and managers. We also need workers in agricultural-related sciences.
Healthcare
New Zealand has many overseas-trained healthcare workers and needs many more, including doctors, nurses, psychologists and midwives.
Take the next step
Explore your options
If you know where you want to study, you can contact your chosen education institution directly to ask for more information.
Talk to an agent
If you want to contact an education agent, choose an ENZ Recognised Agency. They have a track record of enrolling students in New Zealand.
Still picking your study options?
1 Choose a programme of study and an institution
Planning your budget?
2 Search for scholarships to help pay your expenses
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