We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience of our website. If you keep browsing, we'll assume that's OK. See our privacy policy here.

We think you're in United States, so we've set your language to International English.
You can change this at any time.
My StudyNZ My StudyNZ

Study to become work ready

Studying at New Zealand’s institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) will give you the skills, qualifications and experience you need to work anywhere in the world.

Contact an education expert now

What puts New Zealand institutes of technology and polytechnics ahead

What are they and what they do

New Zealand’s ITPs are recognised as world class educators

There are 16 ITPs throughout New Zealand, with over 157,000 students gaining qualifications in all kinds of industries.
ITPs provide high-quality qualifications and training focused on practical skills and hands-on experience.
ITPs teach in facilities that mirror real-world situations and workplaces.

Work ready graduates

Applied learning

All ITP qualifications, from certificate to post-graduate level, are focused on specific job outcomes. It’s all about helping you further your career, and be more employable.

Learning on the job

ITP programmes can include internships, work placements and industry projects. It’s another way to help you gain experience and become job-ready.

The world is your workplace

New Zealand ITP qualifications are recognised internationally, giving you the widest possible job market.

Quality public institutions that are publicly funded

The highest standards

New Zealand’s ITPs and universities are public institutions. To get funding and support they have to meet standards of excellence from the government.

Courses shaped by industry

The courses at ITPs are informed by industry and employers to ensure their relevance. This also helps your employability when you graduate.

The best possible staff

The lecturers at ITPs have relevant industry experience and ITP qualifications are held in high regard by employers around the world.

Tailored learning and flexible pathways

Every level of study catered to

ITPs offer courses for all levels of study, from foundation certificates to undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programmes and masters degrees.

Very flexible learning

The study options at ITPs are flexible and include on-campus, distance or online study.

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

* To check whether you're able to work while studying, visit Immigration New Zealand.

** Find out more about post-study work visas at Immigration New Zealand.

Get the skills New Zealand needs

There are lots of different industries that really need skilled people. If you’d like to stay in New Zealand long-term, you can increase your chance of getting a work visa if you have experience or qualifications in these areas.

These industries need skilled people*:

Information Technology

New Zealand is at the forefront of the information and computing industries. There are vacancies for skilled people in many different fields.

Engineering

In a country with very diverse industries like New Zealand, many areas of engineering have a shortage of people.

Agriculture & Forestry

These are both huge industries in New Zealand and there are openings in many sectors for people with the right skills.

Health & Social services

New Zealand’s social services and health industries are both very strong. They provide many areas in which you could find work.

* Demand for skills may change. Learn more about key industries and current skill shortages.

Get in touch with your New Zealand education expert now! They are here to help you.

Get help choosing the right course and institution

Whether you know what you want to study, or you’re just starting out, our experts can help you find what’s right for you.

Application paperwork

There are important documents you’ll need to submit to study and live in New Zealand. Our experts will walk you through the whole process.

Talk to an expert now

The best way to get started is to contact one of our experts. They’ll know exactly how to help you create a great future.

Next steps

Institution representative

If you'd like to handle things yourself and know what or where you’d like to study, a representative from an institution can give you all the information you need.

Contact an institution directly

Show me more