Study Tertiary
Pathways at NZSE
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with education, strengthen your literacy and numeracy, or take the first step towards a meaningful career, NZSE’s Tertiary Pathways programmes are designed to help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Tertiary Pathways supports learners to build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, language, and employability skills — opening doors to higher-level study or employment in fast-growing industries in New Zealand and abroad. With a focus on practical skills and confidence-building, learners gain the tools they need to progress into their next stage of study or work.
For those seeking greater structure, challenge, and direction, ATC Military Prep offers hands-on, military-style training that develops discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership. These programmes provide clear pathways into uniformed and service-focused careers with the New Zealand Defence Force, Police, Fire and Emergency, Security, and other specialist roles.
Choose your Qualification:
Why choose Tertiary Pathways with NZSE?
Hands-on learning
NZSE places strong emphasis on applied learning, with practical training embedded throughout our programmes — from barista and hospitality training in our campus kitchen to planning and delivering your own charity event.
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
NZSE’s Tertiary Pathway programmes prepare learners for roles in high-demand sectors such as hospitality, events, retail, and technology.
Our Academic Partners
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 (Tertiary Pathways )
PROGRAMME
INTAKES
DURATION
AVAILABLE FOR
Domestic Learners
Domestic Learners
February
Domestic Learners
March
Domestic and International Learners
TBC
Domestic and International Learners
August
Domestic and International Learners
Certificates (ATC Military Prep)
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
Due to the fact that I’m wanting to own a bar or a café when I get older, NZSE has given me a wider insight into hospitality. There’s more to it than just catering and bartending. What took me by surprise was the fact that everything wasn’t theory, and that’s really good for people who struggle with that side of learning.
Moshardanette O’Hara Campbell
NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)