Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) New Zealand

Te Pūkenga, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, is one of the largest vocational, technical, and job-oriented education providers in New Zealand. Te Pūkenga constitutes 16 institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) which are merged to become one single organisation. Te Pūkenga offers work-based learning that is also sustainable and provides regionally accessible vocational education. Te Pūkenga is also responsible for apprenticeship training and industry training for most of the Industry Training Organisations. The 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) New Zealand are mentioned below-

  • Ara Institute of Canterbury
  • Eastern Institute of Technology
  • Manukau Institute of Technology
  • Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
  • NorthTec
  • Otago Polytechnic
  • Southern Institute of Technology
  • Tai Poutini Polytechnic
  • The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
  • Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
  • Unitec Institute of Technology
  • Universal College of Learning
  • Waikato Institute of Technology
  • Wellington Institute of Technology
  • Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
  • Whitireia New Zealand

What are polytechnics in New Zealand?

Polytechnics are the institutes that offer specialization in technical education and a particular stream of study. The institutes often focus on imparting practical knowledge in computer science, IT, civil engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering, and aerospace. Most of these are diploma and certificate programs that can be completed in a short period of time. Some of the polytechnics also offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs that focus on the practical aspects of the subject or a particular field. In addition to this, polytechnics have a smaller class size, focus on skills, help you get employed, and have no focus on research.

Expert counsellors have gathered information about the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand for international students. There are a number of programs that are offered by these institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand. West Highlander, the best immigration consultant in Chandigarh, has been helping international students for more than 17 years and will continue to do so. Our professional team will assist Indian students who want to study in New Zealand with the New Zealand study visa process.

Our expert team will guide you from the initial step of selecting a program that suits you best and will be there for you in the whole process of New Zealand study visa process.

 Perks of Te Pūkenga-

Te Pūkenga will give you national and regional reach in order to become a long-term skills training partner for industries and firms and will help learners move between educational offerings and workplace locations as they need to. The education system at Te Pūkenga intends to improve the well-being of people living there and support a growing economy that works for everyone. The program will help put learners at the centre. Te Pūkenga aims to provide quality and excellent education that will help employers, learners, and communities gain knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

The 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) New Zealand are mentioned below-

Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury, often called Ara in New Zealand, is an institute of technology in Canterbury. Ara Institute of Canterbury is the product of the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and Aoraki Polytechnic Institute.  Ara Institute of Technology specialises in applied tertiary training. The institute is a government-funded institute that offers tertiary-level education.

The program will help you get equipped with knowledge and skills that will be achieved by providing relevant courses and you will be taught by inspirational mentors in real-life learning environments.

The curriculum at Ara Institute of Canterbury will help you get industry-relevant knowledge, experiences, and skills that will be needed to excel in jobs. The course contents at the Ara Institute of Canterbury will help you meet regional and industrial needs. The institute offers workplace training opportunities, apprenticeships, partnerships, and internships. When you complete your education at the Ara Institute of Canterbury, you will be able to adapt and contribute to a fast-changing world. The institute offers more than 150 qualifications, including diplomas, certificates, bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas, and masters programs such as cookery, hair and beauty, hospitality, engineering, architecture, sports, broadcasting, and art and design.

To get admission to the programs at different levels, you need to be proficient in the English language. The IELTS and TOEFL requirements for different levels of programs are given below- 

Levels IELTS score TOEFL score
5 5.5 46
6, 7 6.0 60
8, 9 6.5 79

You can also customize some group plans at Ara Institute of Canterbury. There are a number of programs that are offered at this institute. Some of them are given below-

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees (Approx.)
Construction Management 7 1 Year $25,000
Quality Surveying 7 1 Year $25,000
Architectural Studies 7 3 Years $25,000 p.a.
Construction 6 2 Years $25,000 p.a.
Master of Creative Practice 9 1.5 Years $26,000 p.a.
Digital Media and Design 4 6 months $12,500
Accounting 7 3 Years $25,000 p.a.
Information Comm. Technologies 7 1 Year $25,000
Cybersecurity 6 1 Year $25,000
Engineering 6 2 Years $28,000 p.a.
Cookery 4,5 2 Years $25,000 p.a.
Beauty Therapy 5 1 Year $25,000
Nursing 7 1 Year $28,000
Midwifery 7 3 Years $37,000 p.a.
Music 7 3 Years $25,000 p.a.
Applied Science 6 1 Year $25,000 p.a.
Health Practice 8 1 Year $27,500

Eastern Institute of Technology

Eastern Institute of Technology is another institute of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) in New Zealand that offers a diverse range of programs for international students. The institute offers more than 150 qualifications, from certificate to diploma and graduate to undergraduate study. The institute has one of the best architecture among the universities in New Zealand. The institute will help you gain knowledge and skills that will help you get ahead if you want to excel in a chosen career or change the direction of your life.

The program will help you gain practical experience in order to make you ready for the working world.

Eastern Institute of Technology is one of the top two polytechnics and institutes of technology in New Zealand. The classes at the Eastern Institute of Technology are comparatively small. You will get all the required support from lecturers and faculty when you take admission to this program.

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees
Culinary 5 2 years $25,000 p.a.
Mechanical Engineering 6 2 years $30,000 p.a.
Diploma Early Childhood Education 5 1 year $25,000
Sports, Recreation, exercise science 5 1 year $25,000

Manukau Institute of Technology

Manukau Institute of Technology is one of the largest providers of professional, vocational, and technical training in New Zealand. The university offers qualifications from certificate to degree levels and provides students with the practical experience they need. The main motto of Manukau Institute of Technology is to get them jobs. The institute is one of the top-ranked institutes in New Zealand and offers a number of programs to international students. Some of them are mentioned below-

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees
PG Diploma in Health science 8 1 Year $29,000
Bachelor Viticulture/Wine Science 7 3 Years $25,000
Bachelor of Computing Systems 7 3 Years $25,000 p.a.
Graduate Diploma in Business 7 1 Year $25,000
NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise 5 1 Year $25,000
NZ Diploma in Environmental Management 6 1 Year $25,000
Bachelor of Business Studies 7 3 Years $25,000 p.a.

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is one of the top tertiary technical institutes in New Zealand. The institute is a government-owned institute that provides high-quality tertiary education to international students. The staff at the NMIT is skilled enough to provide you with high-quality tertiary education, real-world skills, and recognised information.

Name of programs Level Duration Fees
Bachelor of Social Work 7 4 years $20,000 p. a.
Bachelor of Commerce 7 3 years $25,000 p. a.
Bachelor of Nursing 7 3 years $28,000 p. a.
New Zealand Diploma in Arts Design 6 40 weeks $25,000
New Zealand Diploma in Animation 6 40 weeks $24,000
New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design 5 1 year $25,000

NorthTec

NorthTec is one of the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand. The institute has been delivering education for people for over 40 years. The institute was started in 1978 as Northland Community College and has now become one of New Zealand’s top tertiary institutes. A number of programs are offered by NorthTec to international students are listed below:

Name of Program Level Duration Fees
New Zealand Diploma in Construction- Quality Surveying 6 2 years $25,000 p.a.
New Zealand Diploma in architectural Technology 6 2 years $25,000 p.a.
Bachelor of Nursing 7 3 years $28,000 p.a.
New Zealand Diploma in Tourism and Travel 6 1 year

Otago Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic is another institute that offers high-quality education. The institute welcomes more than 8000 subjects from all around the world to various campuses that are mentioned below-

  • Dunedin
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland

The institute offers a high number of qualifications, from certificates to diplomas and postgraduate programs. The institute offers programs and education that are rich in quality and career focused. A number of programs are offered to international students. Some of them are mentioned below-

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees
New Zealand Diploma in Construction 6 2 years $50,000
Bachelor of Construction 7 3 years $75,000
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering 6 2 years $60,000
Bachelor of Engineering Technology 7 3 years $90,000
Bachelor of Applied Management 7 3 years $75,000
Bachelor of Information Technology 7 3 years $75,000

Southern Institute of Technology

Southern Institute of Technology is another excellent public tertiary education institute that offers training across a wide range of subjects and qualifications. The institute tends to fulfil its purpose of providing learning opportunities for students that are challenging and industry-focused. The program will equip you with the essentials that are required to apply high-level skills in various business, industry, and professional settings. Some of the programs that are offered by this institute are mentioned below-

Name of program Level Duration Fees
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management 8 1 year $29,000
Graduate Diploma in Accounting 7 1 year $26,000
Graduate Diploma in Construction 7 1 year $26,000/year
Bachelor of Architectural Technology 7 3 years $26,000/year
Bachelor of Hotel Management 7 3 years $26,000/year
Bachelor of Nursing 7 3 years $29,000/year

Tai Poutini Polytechnic

Tai Poutini Polytechnic is another best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand that offers a number of programs to international students. The program will help you gain invaluable skills from study to industry, making you capable, confident, and work-ready. The institute is known for its excellence in education. The institute will help you get your hands on learning, which will promote your personal growth.

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is another institute of technology and polytechnic that provides tertiary education and arranges training activities for certain industry training organisations. Toi Ohomai is ranked first globally in social activities, counselling support, pre-arrival and information, orientation satisfaction, and welcoming. The university offers a number of programs from certificate to diploma, bachelors to masters, for international students. Some of them are given below-

Name of Program Levels Duration Fees
Master of Teaching Early Childhood Education 9 1.5 years $48,000
Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Business Endorsement) 8 1 year $32,500
Bachelor of Creative Industries 7 3 years $25,000 per year
Master of Management 9 2 years $30,000-50,000 per year
New Zealand Diploma in Supply Chain Management 6 2 years $25,000 per year
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Professional Studies (Mentoring and Leadership) 8 1 year $32,000

Toi Ohomai is a tertiary education institute that has campuses in Rotorua, Tauranga, and other regions of the Bay of Plenty. The institute is one of the best institutes of technology and polytechnics and is recognized globally.

Unitec Institute of Technology

Unitec Institute of Technology is a part of Te Pūkenga which is a New Zealand network of polytechnics, industry training organisations, and institutes of technology. The institute offers a number of work-oriented programs and short courses that will help you get employed in a number of fields. Unitec is one of the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand. Some of the programs that are offered for international students are mentioned below-

Name of Institutes Level Duration
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) 6 2 years
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice 8 1 Year
New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Construction Management) 6 2 Years
Bachelor of Computing Systems 7 3 Years
Master of Architecture 9 2 Years
New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology 6 1 Year

Universal College of Learning

Universal College of Learning is one of the best tertiary education institutes that offers a diverse range of programs in a number of fields. It is one of the largest tertiary institutes of skills and technology in New Zealand. The programs that are offered at this institute will give students the skills that are required by different specialities such as Health and Sciences, Humanities and Business, and Applied Engineering and Trades. The program is designed to enhance student learning, which is supported by a relationship-based teaching process. Some of the programs that are offered for international students are given below-

Name of Institutes Level Duration Fees
New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology 6 2 years $25,000 per year
New Zealand diploma in Construction 6 2 years $25,000 per year

Waikato Institute of Technology

Waikato Institute of Technology is one of the best tertiary education institutes in New Zealand and is also known as Wintec. The Institute of Technology offers more than 130 degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Their practical learning environment is the biggest perk of studying at Waikato Institute of Technology. A diverse range of programs are offered by Waikato Institute of Technology for international students; some of them are given below-

Name of Programs Level Duration
New Zealand Diploma in Veterinary Nursing 6 1 year
Bachelor of Applied Management 7 3 years
Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management 7 1 year
Graduate diploma in  Operations and Product Management 7 1 year
Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education 7 2 years
New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology 6 2 years

Wellington Institute of Technology

Wellington Institute of Technology is also known as WelTec, focuses on learning together and transforming lives. The institute offers a number of programs in a diverse range of fields for international students. Some of them are mentioned below-

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees
Bachelor Applied Business Management 7 3 years $25,000 p.a.
Postgraduate Diploma in Management 8 1 year $27,000
Bachelor of nursing 7 3 years $28,000 p.a.
Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing 8 1 year $28,000

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is also known as WITT and is one of the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand. A diverse range of programs are offered in a number of fields at the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, some of them are mentioned below-

Name of Programs Level Duration Fees
Bachelor of Applied Management 7 3 years $20,000 for each trimester
New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology 6 2 years $22,000 for each trimester
New Zealand Diploma in Construction 6 2 years $22,000 per year
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Highways) 7 1 year $25,000 for each trimester
New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design 6 1 year $23,000 for each trimester

Frequently asked questions

Which polytechnic is best in New Zealand?

There are a number of Polytechnic in New Zealand and mostly are the best polytechnic institutes in the world. These polytechnic institute offers a number of programs to the international students. Some of the best polytechnic programs are mentioned in the article that is mentioned above. All of them are the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand. According to the program you want to choose, you can apply to the best institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand.

How many polytechnic institutes are there in New Zealand?

Te Pūkenga contains 16 world class polytechnic institutes in New Zealand. All of these polytechnics institutes in New Zealand provide tertiary education to the international students. To know more about the polytechnic institutes in New Zealand you need to read the article Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics that is mentioned above.

What is polytechnics in New Zealand?

Polytechnics are the institutes that offer specialization in technical education and a particular stream of study. The institutes often focus on imparting practical knowledge in computer science, IT, civil, electronics, mechanical, and aerospace. Most of these are diploma and certificate programs and can be completed in a short period of time. Some of the polytechnics also offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs that also focuses on the practical aspects of the subject or a particular field.

What is the difference between university and polytechnics in New Zealand?

Polytechnics have smaller class size, focuses on skills and helps you getting employed, and have no focus on research in comparison with universities. For more information regarding the difference between university and polytechnic, read.