Study Education at NZSE

Education at NZSE combines meaningful learning with real-world experience, preparing graduates to step confidently into education roles that make a genuine difference for Aotearoa New Zealand’s youth.

From early childhood through to youth work, our programmes combine extensive practical experience with culturally grounded learning. Learners are supported to create mana-enhancing, child-centred learning environments where tamariki and rangatahi can discover their strengths and participate with confidence.

Flexible online, blended, and in-person learning options make it possible to study alongside work and life commitments. Graduates leave NZSE ready to pursue rewarding careers in education, positively influencing the lives of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

At NZSE, we ensure that learners gain hands-on experience through practical learning in licensed early childhood education settings. Supported by registered ECE supervisors, these placements allow learners to apply their knowledge in real environments and learn alongside experienced kaiako.

TE KURA MĀTAURANGA
KŌHUNGAHUNGA

Choose your Qualification:

Why choose Education with NZSE?

Work placements

Organised by NZSE, our work placements help students build practical insight and strong professional networks in the New Zealand education sector.

Industry-connected tutors

Learn from tutors with active industry connections, embedded through guest lectures, 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.

Flexible study options

To support diverse learner needs, NZSE offers programmes across multiple delivery modes: on campus, blended, and distance online.

Intimate class sizes

We intentionally keep class sizes small, enabling personalised support and one-on-one guidance from tutors.

Strong employment outcomes

Education graduates are in high-demand across New Zealand, with NZSE programmes preparing learners for clear pathways in youth-work and education roles.

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 / March / June / August

18 weeks including holidays

Domestic Learners 

March / July

18 weeks including holidays

Domestic Learners 

TBC

36 weeks (including breaks)

Domestic Learners 

PROGRAMME

INTAKES

DURATION

AVAILABLE FOR

February / April / June

32 weeks + 2 weeks study break

Domestic and International Learners 

NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) NZSE

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.

NZSE is a member of the New Zealand Home-Base Childcare Association

You may be eligible to study our Education programmes for free under our Study Free options. Contact our friendly course advisors to see if you qualify or to find out if any other options apply to you.

Industry Roles

Early Childhood Educator
Home-based Educator
Kindergarten Worker
Playgroup Coordinator
Teacher Aide
Youth Worker
Youth Programme Coordinator
Support Worker

NZSE is made up of very passionate people. My tutor never once made me feel stressed or like I’d asked a silly question. She was supportive and knowledgeable. I’m very thankful for her and her way of teaching.

Jasmine Norling

NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4).

Talk to us about your study options

Thinking about studying at NZSE? Book a time with us to discuss your study options.

Enquire Now

NZSE provides a student-centered approach to your learning and full support to your life as a student. Request information here:

Download Prospectus 2026

Please fill in the form below to receive NZSE 2026 prospectus