Polytechnics and universities are both tertiary institutes that offer educational programs to students. Most of these programs are higher study programs that offer education programs in the areas of arts, law, commerce, science, and business. But both polytechnics and universities are different.
Polytechnics are the type of educational institute that offer specialization in technical education. These are the institutes of tertiary education that specializes in a particular stream of study. Polytechnics usually focus on imparting practical knowledge in various fields like civil, electrical, mechanical, electronics, computer science, communication, and aerospace. Most of these are diploma and certificate programs. These programs can often be completed in a short period of time.
On the other hand, universities offer courses that combine both theoretical and practical aspects of subjects. The courses that are offered by universities take 2–5 years to complete. They take a long time to complete in comparison to Polytechnics. Courses in all fields are offered at universities. Polytechnics institutes offer training based and job-oriented programs while universities focus on research. Another major difference between polytechnics and universities is that the class size in universities is often larger than polytechnics institutes.
| Type | Polytechnic Institutes | Universities |
| Class Size | Small | Large |
| Main Focus | Job + Skills | Job + Knowledge |
| Academic Focus | Balance between Theoretical + Practical | More theoretical and research based |
| Research Focus | No | High |
Expert counsellors have gathered information about polytechnics vs universities in New Zealand. Our professional team has gathered the information about Polytechnics Vs Universities in New Zealand from reliable resources in order to give you all the information that will be needed by you in order to have a sound knowledge of Polytechnics Vs Universities in New Zealand.
List of Polytechnics in New Zealand-
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
- Waikato Institute of Technology
- Southern Institute of Technology
- Otago Polytechnic
- Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
- Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Waikato Institute of Technology is one of the largest institutes of polytechnics and technology. The institute is one of the best polytechnic institutes that provides vocational, professional, and high-quality education in the Waikato region. Today, more than 1700 students from more than 15 countries are studying at Waikato Institute of Technology. Waikato Institute of Technology is one of the best vocational tertiary educational providers. Waikato Institute of Technology is one of the largest institute of Technology and Polytechnics.
A diverse range of programs from diploma to masters programs are available at Waikato Institute of Technology. The university is one of the best universities that offers practical learning practices, and most of the tutors are practicing industry professionals. Wintec has campuses in Hamilton, Rotokauri, and Hamilton Gardens Campus.
Waikato Institute of Technology’s international team will make your stay at the institute comfortable. Following are some of the programs that are offered at Waikato Institute of Technology-
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management (Level-7)
- Graduate Diploma of Information Technology in Education (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education Teacher) (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Nursing (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Counselling (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Midwifery (Level-7)
- Master of Nursing Science (Level-9)
- Master of Professional Practice (Level-7)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Information Technology
Southern Institute of Technology– The institute provides tertiary-level education. The institute focuses on providing you with the knowledge, skills, and experience for a wide range of qualifications and subjects. A number of programs in hospitality, commerce, management, business, trades, technology, agriculture, nursing, and education.
Some of the programs that are mentioned at the Southern Institute of Technology are mentioned below-
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Graduate Diplomas in Professional Accounting
- New Zealand Diploma in Leadership and Management Strand
Otago Polytechnic– It is a public New Zealand tertiary institute that offers educational excellence and promotes personal growth and support for international students. The institute will equip you with the skills that will help you go directly from study to industry. The institute will help you to be confident, capable, and work-ready.
The institute offers more than 180 qualifications and courses. The institute offers programs that are either technical or creative.
Some of the programs that are offered by Otago Polytechnic are given below-
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Management (Level-8)
- Bachelor of Visual Arts (Level-8)
- Master of Applied Management (Level-9)
- Master of Architecture (Level-9)
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level-6) (Construction Management) or (Quality Surveying)
- Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying)
Western Institute of Technology (WITT)- WIIT is one of the best institutes of skills and technology. The institute provides you with access to flexible and career-focused learning. A number of degrees and diploma programs are offered by the Western Institute of Technology for international students.
The experienced industry tutors will provide you with all the practical knowledge that involves industry projects, placements, and internships. The institute will make you work-ready graduates that will help them contribute to the needs of businesses and the community. The institute will provide you with institute-based learning that will help you develop the skills that are required to excel in this field.
Some of the programs that are offered for international students are given below-
- New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level-6)
- New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level-6)
- New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level-6)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level-7)
- Graduate Diplomas in Engineering (Highways) (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Nursing (Level-7)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level-7)
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology– Toi Ohomai is a part of Te Pūkenga- New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Toi Ohomai will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga in the same qualification and will continue to learn in the same way, in the same place, with the same people. The institute offers a number of graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and a bachelors degree. Some of the fields in which graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and bachelors degree are available at the Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology which are-
- Accounting
- Horticulture
- Forestry
- Teaching
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Hospitality
- Business Management
The institute offers a number of opportunities to the learners who want to get a good start on their career or take a big step on their learning journey. The institutes focus on providing you with quality education. A diverse range of programs in various areas of study like business, engineering, construction, mining, food and hospitality, horticulture, business, tourism, and management are offered at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
List of Universities in New Zealand-
- Lincoln University
- The University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- University of Canterbury
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Waikato
- Massey University
Lincoln University- Lincoln University is another great university that provides excellent research and education that will grow the knowledge of the students that will help shape the world that will benefit from a great understanding of the relationship between food, land, and ecosystems. There are a number of programs that are offered by Lincoln University for international students. Some of them are mentioned below-
- Bachelor of Agriculture and Food Marketing
- Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing
- Bachelor of Commerce (Sustainability)
- Master of Landscape Architecture (Research- and Taught based)
- Bachelor of Science (Brewing and Fermentation)
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
These above-mentioned programs are designed in such a way that they will equip you with all the knowledge and skills that are required in order to excel in a particular field.
The University of Auckland- The University of Auckland is one of the best universities in New Zealand and offers a number of programs in various fields like law, arts, business, engineering, education, health sciences, and many more. The programs that are offered at different universities will help you gain the skills and knowledge that will help you contribute to and influence economics, both local and global. Some of the programs that are offered to international students at the University of Auckland-
- Bachelor of Global Studies
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Master of Literature
- Bachelors of Laws (Honours)
University of Canterbury- University of Canterbury is another best university in New Zealand that offers a learning experience that will help you get an education that goes far behind the classroom. The curriculum of the various programs is designed in such a way that it will prepare you for real-world experience. A number of programs in various fields are offered; some of them are given below-
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)
- Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- Master of Business
- Master of Business
Victoria University of Wellington- It is a public university that offers specialized programs in New Zealand for international students. A number of programs at Victoria University of Wellington are offered to international students. Some of them are mentioned below-
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelors of Arts with Honours
- Doctor of Nursing
- Master of Agricultural Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Agricultural Science
- Masters of Agricultural Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Science
University of Waikato is another great university that offers world-class education to international students. The university will help you offer a rewarding university experience while you pursue strong international links to advance knowledge. The University of Waikato offers a number of programs that are offered to international students; some of them are given below-
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Engineering with Honours
- Master of Applied Psychology
- Master of Cyber Security
- Master of Professional Accounting
English Language Requirements-
As Indian students whose first language is not English, they need to submit proof that they are proficient in the English language. For this, you need to submit proof in English that you are really good at understanding the language that is being used there. Generally, an IELTS score of 5.5 overall is required to get admission to the diploma programs there. To get admission to undergraduate programs, you need to score an overall score of 6 bands with no less than 5.5 bands in each module. Lastly, for the program, you need to score an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6 in each module.