New Zealand Education (part 3)
Tertiary Education Choices in New Zealand
New Zealand has a growing number of tertiary choices, from university to polytechnic to on-the-job industry training.
Universities
There are eight universities. All offer general undergraduate and graduate degrees and diplomas in arts, sciences and commerce, as well as specialist degrees in particular disciplines.Undergraduate degrees such as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BSc (Bachelor of Science) usually take three years to complete. Vocational or professional training may take longer.
Each university publishes an annual calendar detailing the terms, entry requirements, fees and courses scheduled for the academic year. This information is also available on each university website.
Below is a list of the eight universities, and their specialist subjects:
University of Auckland
Architecture, public planning, engineering, medicine, optometry, fine arts and law.
Auckland University of Technology
Health studies, tourism, engineering, communications and hotel management.
University of Waikato
Law and Maori studies.
Massey University
Agriculture & horticulture, aviation studies, business studies, design, food technology, social sciences and veterinary science. Massey is the only New Zealand university that offers extramural courses (distance learning) in a wide range of subjects.
Victoria University
Architecture, criminology, design, public administration, social work and law.
University of Canterbury
Engineering, forestry, fine arts and journalism.
Lincoln University
Agriculture & horticulture, and natural resource management.
University of Otago
Dentistry, law, medical laboratory science, medicine, pharmacy, physical education, physiotherapy, surveying and theology.
Polytechnics
There are 20 polytechnics and institutes of technology offering a wide range of academic, vocational and professional courses. As well as three and four-year degrees, polytechnics also offer short full-time and part-time courses throughout the year. Each polytechnic publishes an annual prospectus, which details courses, fees and entry requirements.
Industry Training Organisations
There are 41 Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) around the country, established by particular industries or groups of industries. Industry training may be a useful way of gaining New Zealand experience by upskilling in your chosen trade.