Capable NZ - Otago Polytechnic Competitors

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch – the second largest city in New Zealand – Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) provides students with world-class opportunities for education, exploration, and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city and in close proximity to our beautiful beaches and mountains. At UC, we pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of education and facilitating creative and innovative research for the benefit of local and global communities. People come first. Our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga guide what we do and how we do things. They challenge and inspire us to empower others and be the best we can in our work, studies, and interactions with each other. Our academic leaders are encouraged to be courageous, forward-thinking, and generous with their knowledge. They explore their fields of expertise with integrity and vigour, encourage conversations, and share their learnings with the intent of creating better outcomes for everyone. Our international networks provide opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations, and student exchanges. UC, established in 1873 as Canterbury College, was the second institution in New Zealand to offer tertiary education. Originally the first constituent college of the University of New Zealand, it became an independent university in 1961. In his inaugural address, the first Chancellor, Henry John Tancred, emphasised the importance of accessible education for all, regardless of social class. Today, UC still stands for the encouragement of talent without barriers and an accessible education for all.

Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University is a specialist university focused on the land-based sectors. Our purpose is to facilitate excellent research and education to grow the knowledge of our students and help shape a world that benefits from a greater understanding of the relationship between land, food and ecosystems. Our University’s campus, situated at the heart of the Lincoln research precinct, is complemented by a network of university-owned farms and research centres. We are enriched by our connections to the land-based sectors in New Zealand and globally and by the interactions of those who choose to study and work here. We are committed to fostering a culturally inclusive environment that embodies our values, enhancing excellence, promoting high performance and productivity, and promoting wellbeing in all we do. For further information about Lincoln University go to www.lincoln.ac.nz

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is the place for students who want to get ahead in life, with flexible, industry-focused learning that removes the usual barriers to studying. We have campuses in Invercargill, Queenstown, Gore, and online. We also have the Telford campus, which has been a major part of New Zealand’s farming history. SIT offers over 250 programmes in 34 subject areas. As a government-accredited tertiary provider, we offer programmes at every level, from certificates through to Masters. SIT’s Zero Fees Scheme has been helping students to graduate without massive debt since 2001. Under the scheme, students are only required to pay material costs and not tuition fees, which means many graduates start their careers without a student loan. In the early 2000s, SIT launched SIT2LRN, the most accessible and flexible tertiary qualification in New Zealand. SIT2LRN distance education gives students the ability to gain internationally recognised NZQA-accredited qualifications. From Certificates to Bachelor's degrees, Post-Graduate and Master's qualifications, SIT2LRN’s programmes are delivered online and completed by correspondence at your pace, wherever you are in the world. The Zero Fees scheme still applies for most distance learning courses, so you get SIT’s full package, even if you’re studying at home. Renowned for their work within the community, SIT gives students the ability to begin networking with possible employers during their studies. Many courses offer direct work placement and internships within the community, allowing students to get practical industry training during their studies.