This article is part of a series covering off some key questions and areas of interest for parents and whānau. For more information, see the Resources for parents and whānau section.
Will the programme support your career goals?
Even if you know what career you want to move into after leaving school, the choices of what and where to study can be confusing. It’s even harder if you aren’t sure what career could be right for you.
Helpful advice is available from your school or kura teachers and career advisers, and from tertiary provider career hubs or student services. You could also talk with local employers and people who are already working in a job or industry you think would be interesting.
Visit the careers.govt.nz website for career inspiration and information about study and training.
Do you know the entry requirements?
Tertiary providers set requirements for enrolling in their courses, and you may need to have achieved a certain level of NCEA or have credits from particular standards.
University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university straight from school, but universities can add extra requirements for some courses.
You should talk to potential tertiary providers about the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in, and what options are available if you are not able to meet them. Many providers have some flexibility around requirements. They may allow provisional enrolment (entry to the course, provided you meet certain requirements) or offer short courses to make sure you will be ready to do the programme.
Is the provider registered and accredited with NZQA?
Registration with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) means a private training establishment (PTE) is providing a sound and stable learning environment.
Te Pūkenga, universities, wānanga and government training establishments are established by Government, so do not need to be registered with NZQA. All providers, except for universities, are quality assured by NZQA.
Check your provider is registered with NZQA and also make sure they are accredited to run the programme you are enrolling in. This means NZQA is monitoring how that programme is run, as well as quality assuring the provider’s work overall.
Do you ‘know the Code’?
To offer programmes listed on the NZQCF, tertiary providers must have signed up for the Code of Practice (the Code). This protects you while you study, requiring tertiary providers to:
• help build an environment that is safe, supportive and respectful
• provide opportunities for you to connect with other students
• give you the opportunity to have your say in decisions about the services that are available.