Study ATC
Military Prep at NZSE
ATC Military Prep supports learners to develop the discipline, confidence and capability needed to re-engage with education, and progress into a career within the New Zealand uniformed services, including the NZ Defence Force, police, corrections, and security.
ATC Military Prep delivers military-style training and hands-on short programmes that prepare learners for pathways into the New Zealand Defence Force, police, security, emergency services and further study. Since 1991, we’ve helped students find direction, push past barriers, and step forward into service-focused careers with purpose.
Our programmes are structured to build discipline and accountability. Through physical training, drills, teamwork and leadership development, ATC learners build mental toughness and self-belief — skills that translate directly into specialist service roles and life beyond training.
Experiences like our annual Terminator Challenge mirror the intensity of real-world military environments, testing both physical and mental strength. The result is confident and motivated graduates — young people who re-engage with education, contribute positively to their whānau and communities, and move forward ready to serve in uniformed services across New Zealand.
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Why choose ATC Military Prep with NZSE?
Hands-on learning
NZSE places strong emphasis on applied learning, with practical training embedded throughout our programmes — from military-style drills and discipline training to immersive camps that challenge learners physically and mentally.
Industry-connected tutors
Learn from tutors with active industry connections, embedded through guest sessions, applied projects, and employment opportunities
Wrap-around student support
From day one to graduation, our student support team provides personalised support — including pastoral care, academic support, and financial guidance.
Gain work experience
NZSE prepares learners for employment by embedding real-world scenarios into our programmes — including live event security experience that allow students to apply their learnt theory.
Intimate class sizes
We intentionally keep class sizes small, enabling personalised support and one-on-one guidance from tutors.
Give back to your community
Giving back is central to ATC Military Prep. Through charitable and community events, learners develop a strong sense of service while positively contributing to their communities.
Industry Collaboration
Through guest speakers, Q&A sessions and shared learning experiences, learners can engage directly with service members of the NZDF, police, security, and emergency services to gain first-hand insight into roles, expectations and career pathways.
Our Academic Partners
NZSE College partners with leading universities — AUT and Massey University — to give students the opportunity to cross-credit their studies and progress seamlessly toward their chosen pathway.
AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
NZSE College’s first university pathway was established over 15 years ago with AUT to expand access to higher education for aspiring IT professionals. Since that initial agreement, the partnership has evolved to encompass a wider range of NZSE’s programmes — creating clear and trusted progression routes for NZSE graduates into AUT’s bachelor and master degrees.
MASSEY UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND
Celebrating more than 11 years of academic collaboration, NZSE College and Massey University have long partnered to create pathways for students from NZSE’s programmes into Massey degrees. In 2025, the partnership reached an exciting new milestone with an agreement to deliver the Massey University Diploma in Business Studies at NZSE’s Auckland City campus — enabling students to benefit from the combined expertise of both institutions.
Explore your study options
Certificates
PROGRAMME
INTAKES
DURATION
AVAILABLE FOR
February / April / July
Domestic Learners
February / April / July / August
Domestic Learners
March
Domestic Learners
Tūrama Scholarship Programme
Tūrama means illumination — and at NZSE, we aim to light the way to your bright future. The Tūrama Scholarship Programme removes barriers to education and creates equitable opportunities for those underrepresented in their sector of choice, helping more learners pursue their ambitions and thrive in their career.
Industry Roles
I have really enjoyed the connections I have made here and the physical training sessions we do in the afternoons. I decided to join ATC because I realised there are places out there that can help me prepare for the places I want to go — my goal is to be a Navy officer. The reason I want to serve in the NZDF relates back to my culture because I live by the quote ‘To be Māori is to give and not expect anything in return’ – and that is what I want to do, give and serve for my community.
Hine-Ahiri Harry-Pita
New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1)