Study and train at private training establishments

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Study and train at a PTE for all types of tertiary training

What's on this page?

Aotearoa New Zealand has more than 400 private training establishments – often called PTEs.

They offer all sorts of tertiary study and training, including industry training, professional qualifications, degrees and postgraduate study. 

What you can study at a PTE

Just a few of the subjects you can learn at a PTE:

  • aviation
  • computing
  • design
  • deep sea fishing
  • electrical engineering
  • hairdressing
  • health and wellbeing
  • hospitality
  • kōhanga reo teacher training
  • literacy and numeracy
  • management
  • massage
  • performing arts
  • te reo Māori
  • theology.

Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ) is the largest body representing PTEs. 

 

 

Types of study and training

At a PTE, you can do:

  • industry training
  • certificates and diplomas at Levels 1 to 6
  • New Zealand Apprenticeships
  • degrees at Level 7
  • postgraduate qualifications at Levels 7 to 10.

Many PTEs offer short programmes with several start dates in a year, so you can pick up study or training when it suits you.

Where you can do a PTE programme

More than 400 PTEs offer programmes at over 1,000 sites.

You’ll have more local options if you live in or near a big town or city.

Many PTEs specialise in practical courses you need to do in person – but other programmes are available online no matter where you live. 

What you need to get into a PTE programme

Entry requirements depend on the programme you want to do.

Level 1 to 3 certificates might not have any requirements. For programmes at Level 4 and higher, you might need specific NCEA subjects or achievement standards at a certain level.

Find out what you need by looking up your programme on the PTE’s website.

What is a private training establishment?

Private training establishments (PTEs) are places where you can get skills and qualifications to do a wide range of mahi.

They’re not publicly owned like universities or Te Pūkenga subsidiaries – instead, they can be run as a business, a trust or a not-for-profit organisation.

PTEs can be funded by the Government if they meet certain requirements and provide quality education.

PTEs are independent, so each PTE may look and feel very different to others. Some PTEs follow kaupapa Māori or Pacific customary practices.

Updated 3 Oct 2023