Which places offer which qualifications

Places that offer study or training programmes to complete qualifications beyond secondary school are known as tertiary education providers.

The qualifications range from Level 1 certificates to Level 10 postgraduate degrees.

Here's what is offered by each type of provider. Check with the providers for more detailed information.

Te Pūkenga

• Industry training
• New Zealand Apprenticeships
• Certificates and diplomas at Levels 1 to 6
• Degrees at Level 7
• Postgraduate qualifications at Levels 8 to 10

 Private training establishments (PTEs)

• Industry training
• New Zealand Apprenticeships
• Certificates and diplomas at Levels 1 to 6
• Degrees at Level 7
• Postgraduate qualifications at Levels 8 to 10

Wānanga

• Certificates and diplomas at Levels 1 to 6
• Degrees at Level 7
• Postgraduate qualifications at Levels 8 to 10

 Universities

• Certificates and diplomas at Levels 5 to 6
• Degrees at Level 7
• Postgraduate qualifications at Levels 8 to 10

Find out more about qualifications and providers

• Qualifications and their levels 
• NZQA website - understanding New Zealand qualifications
• Find out more about each type of tertiary education provider
• Thinkingaboutuni website - guide to New Zealand universities for secondary students

The qualification you want might be offered by several tertiary education providers.

Different types of providers will teach the programme in different ways.

Look for a programme that’s taught in a way you’ll like, at a place that feels right to you. 

If you want to do a specific job, check the entry requirements before you start studying, as they can vary. For example:

• teachers study for a qualification before they start work
• animal care attendants learn on the job
• electricians do an apprenticeship involving on-the-job learning and courses
  
  
• Job profiles - search for entry requirements for over 400 jobs

Use our courses database to find out about qualifications you're interested in. The database contains:

• all tertiary qualifications approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), including New Zealand Certificates available through apprenticeships
• a summary of what each qualification covers
• all the education providers that offer each qualification, and their contact details
• what graduates earn, and their employment rate.

• Courses database - search for qualifications and providers

Check Te Pūkenga's information about apprenticeships and trainees.

• Te Pūkenga website - become an apprentice or trainee

Most education providers offer foundation courses, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5 certificates. They are useful if you:

• need to learn, or refresh, study skills
• need to catch up on subjects, or get University Entrance (UE) before you can enrol for your intended qualification
• want to see what tertiary study’s like, and whether you can cope with it, before you have to pay full course fees.

Some education providers also offer short courses to help you prepare for academic study. These don’t count towards your qualification.

Visit the website of the place you want to study to find out what they offer.

• NZQA website - information about tertiary education in New Zealand
• How to apply for study, apprenticeships and training
• Micro-credentials
• Study and training if you need learning support