Tertiary education is learning after secondary school. It is also known as higher or vocational education.
You can choose from many study and training options, such as apprenticeships and other work-based training, academic study or short courses known as micro-credentials.
You can learn at home, on campus or in the workplace.
Tertiary education providers include universities, Te Pūkenga, wānanga, private and government training establishments.
On this page
Planning to study or train
When planning study or training it's good to remember that you'll make new career decisions throughout your life.
What you choose now doesn't have to be forever. It's okay to change your mind, your plans and your choice of career as you change as a person.
Adults of all ages, in all areas of work, continue to study or train to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
How to choose a tertiary qualification or credential
Step 1
Broaden your thinking
Don't just choose a path based on your best school subjects. Think about other areas your skills and knowledge might lead to. Investigate the jobs beyond your own experience, and your friend's and family's experience.
Step 2
Think about career paths
Explore different options, especially careers in demand. Look for careers that best match your skills and interests.
Plan your career on careers.govt.nzStep 3
Research the job market
Research how valuable your qualification or micro-credential will be in the job market when you complete your course.
Look at job vacancies, talk to employers who are likely to employ you and ask others who have completed the course how their job hunting went.
Step 4
Match options to a career
Make sure you choose the right qualification or micro-credential for your career path, or choose a broader option, such as a Bachelor of Science degree.
Find qualifications for careers on careers.govt.nzStep 5
Check where you can study or train
Tertiary courses range from transition programmes (upper secondary school to work), practical and academic courses, through to postgraduate study and research. You can achieve trade, technical and business qualifications and micro-credentials on the job through workplace learning. Pick the style of learning that's right for you.
Search online for providers and locations.
Step 6
Research the providers
Make sure the provider is right for you. Compare providers and ask questions. How well do they support students? How many successfully complete their micro-credentials and programmes leading to qualifications? How many progress to higher level study? How many get jobs after they complete their courses?
Step 7
Fit study into your life
Plan how study and training will fit into your life. Think through all the changes you might need to make in your life. Do you want to move to another town? Would you miss your friends and whānau? How will you keep up a sport or hobby you love? Do you want a big loan? Could you manage study or training as well as part-time or casual work? Are you prepared for a different style of leaning and living?
Study costs on careers.govt.nzStep 8
Visit the provider
Meet the tutors and look at the facilities if you can. Talk to people who are already in the course or job you are thinking about. Get a feel for the community that will be a big part of your life. Is it right for you?
Where to get qualified on careers.govt.nzStep 9
Check for recognition of prior learning
Some providers may allow you to use previous study and experience as credits towards your qualification or micro-credential. Check with the provider.
Recognition of learning for creditStep 10
Consider everything about the course
Compare all aspects of the course. How long is it? What are the full costs of fees, books and materials, and the ongoing costs of accommodation, living and travelling to and from the campus? What learning support is there? Can you transfer your credits to another programme if you decide to change?
Step 11
Work out the costs
Think about how you will cover the costs of your study or training. Options may be scholarships, Fees Free, student loans and allowances.
Visit the StudyLink or Fees Free website to look at funding options for your study or training.
Next steps
Once you've chosen your education or training pathway, make sure, when you enrol or sign up, that you get full details you need.
You'll need to know:
- final dates for enrolling and other important dates
- costs and how refunds work if you withdraw
- information about learning resources, student support services and complaints.
Registered and accredited providers can give you all this information.