Find a course
With programmes that offer both theory and lots of hands-on learning, our graduates are work-ready and highly employable. As well as certificates and diplomas, we also have degree and postgraduate qualifications.
Surround yourself with like-minded people, in a course you love. No matter the course you choose, from Engineering to Art, Diplomas to Degrees, there’s no chance you’ll be overlooked in our small, focused classes. Our average teacher to-student ratio is 1:16 – meaning you’ll be given plenty of academic guidance and help.
Choosing what to study
Deciding what to study can seem overwhelming. A good starting point is thinking about what you want to get from your study and what you like doing. Maybe you’ll be leaving school soon and want to get into a particular career so need to do some specific training. Maybe you’re already working but want a change.
Whatever your reason, it’s great that you’re thinking about studying, as it opens up lots of opportunities and gives you heaps of academic and life skills. And don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to study yet. We have loads of people that can help you with that decision.
Get in touch with our Liaison team.
What should I study at school?
It can be hard to choose which subjects to study at school but it helps if you think about what job you might want – then you’re prepared for any further study.
Otago Secondary-Tertiary College (OSTC)
OSTC is our Trades Academy for Year 11–13 students. Your study will count towards NCEA and you’ll spend one day a week at the Polytechnic. Study options include Automotive, Beauty Therapy, Cookery, Hairdressing and a Police Pathway.
Youth Guarantee Scheme (YGS)
Gain practical skills, get access to our learner support services, learn a Level 2 or 3 certificate… all for free (conditions apply). Study options include Animal Care, Computing and Foundation Skills.
All our programmes
If you know what you want to study, make sure you check the entry requirements so you’re prepared. If you don’t know what to study, flick through our Programme Guide, or get in touch with one of our friendly Liaison Advisors and they can help you.
Bridging and Foundation
Perfect if you don’t meet the entry requirements for a programme or want to get a feel for what tertiary study is like. There are plenty of subjects offered, and some will even give you work-ready skills for entry-level roles.
Learn online
Study fully online with your own learning advisor. Study options include Accounting, Business, Computing, Marketing and Sales, and Project Management.
Graduate Certificated and Diplomas
Stand out from the pack and add an industry-focused graduate qualification to your CV. These are a great option to complement your existing degree. We offer these programmes across a range of study areas including Accounting, Applied Management, Design, Information Technology, Professional Practice, Social Services and Visual Arts.
Postgraduate
We offer a flexible and personalised approach to postgraduate study. You’ll undertake practice-based research that is relevant to you, fits your circumstances and meets your goals. Study options include Applied Management, Art, Design, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Professional Practice, Sport, Exercise and Health.
Work-based learning
If you have work experience but no qualification to match, Capable NZ supports you to gain a NZQA qualification in record time. We measure your existing capability and give you academic credit for what you already know. Better yet, our work-based learning model means you won’t have to take time off from work while you gain your qualification.
Learn online
Online study is the perfect way to fit your learning around you. Whether you have family, work or lifestyle commitments, online learning gives you the freedom to gain a qualification in your own time from anywhere in New Zealand.
All our programmes
We have a range of subjects to choose form if you're looking for something new. Flick through our Programme Guide to discover a new subject or get in touch with one of our friendly Liaison Advisors and they can help you choose what area best suits you.
Bridging and Foundation
The perfect option if you want to get a feel for what tertiary study is like, or if you need to gain a few skills before you jump straight into a new area. There are plenty of subjects offered, and some will even give you work-ready skills for entry-level roles.
Learn online
We offer several fully-online programmes, delivered in partnership with eCampus NZ who offer a range of online certificates and diplomas.
Our online learning platforms let you talk to your facilitator and your virtual classmates and access all your course material from wherever you are.
Retraining
You can now study for free* in high-demand industries as New Zealand recovers from Covid-19. Study options include Engineering and Information Technology.
Work-based learning
If you've got work experience but no qualification to match we can measure your existing capability and give you academic credit for what you already know.
Short courses
From mastering cherry growing, to dry stone walling, short courses are a great way to give yourself a career boost, explore a new hobby, or to spend time with friends learning something new together. Options include Computing, Design, Dry Stone Walling, Engineering, English, Equine, Health, Horticulture, Hospitality and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Night classes
Our popular art night classes run every term and are held in our well-equipped studios and workshops. Options include Ceramics, Drawing Skills, Jewellery, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Screenprinting and Sculpture.
Take a tour
Take a guided tour of our Dunedin campus, tailored to include specific study areas and facilities you’re interested in.
Make an enquiry
Explore our campuses
With our main campus in Dunedin, our boutique campus in Central Otago, our international campus in Auckland and our huge range of online options.
