Study with confidence in your future

The government’s making changes to the vocational education sector in New Zealand — but NMIT’s world-class study experience is here to stay. Our students can expect the same high-quality, career-focussed education that NMIT is known for, now and into the future.

What’s changing?

The government is making changes to the vocational education sector in New Zealand, which will affect NMIT. The specific details are still being finalised, but the government’s new direction appears to align well with NMIT’s focus on building strong partnerships with local industry and sector groups, and providing students with real-world education. You can read more about NMIT’s position on the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) here.

What’s staying the same?

The most important thing for you to know is that nothing is changing for current NMIT students, or new students in 2020/2021. Our students will be able to complete their chosen courses as normal, including multi-year programs, and will graduate with an NMIT qualification. Students can expect the same high-quality study experience and service that NMIT is known for. We will continue to focus on preparing work-ready graduates, building strong relationships with industry, and working with employers and the government to address skills shortages. Until the government finalises its plans, it will be business and study as usual at NMIT.

That means the same:

• Internationally-recognised courses and degree programmes
• Experienced and dedicated tutors
• Hands-on, practical education that readies students for the real world
• Small class sizes and opportunities for one-to-one learning
• Flexible learning options, including part-time, distance, and online
• Access to on-the-job training with local businesses
• Short courses and micro-credentials for students wanting to upskill quickly
• Opportunities to observe and participate in cutting-edge research
• Highest course completion rate in the country
• Unbeatable location in the Top of the South Island.

What does this mean for students?

You’ll be pleased to know that the reforms won’t change anything for current and new NMIT students. Current students will be able to complete their course of study and graduate with an NMIT qualification. New students in 2019 and 2020/2021 will also be able to complete their chosen courses, including multi-year programmes. You don’t have to wait to upskill or get qualified. If you’re thinking about studying at NMIT in 2020/2021, you should apply as normal.

What does this mean for NMIT?

The government’s changes align with the strategic direction NMIT has been pursuing. This puts us in a strong position. We know that the government wants to create a strong, unified, sustainable vocational education system that is fit for the future of work and delivers the skills that learners, employers and communities need to thrive. NMIT has a history of working closely with sectors in our region and is well on the way to being the type of education provider that the government envisions for New Zealand’s future. For more than 110 years, NMIT has been providing tertiary education in the Top of the South. That’s not going to change. While the road ahead has some uncertainties, NMIT will step up to the challenge and work to make the transition both smooth and successful for our staff, students, and Aotearoa.

RoVE – Reform Of Vocational Education

What is ROVE

ROVE is a Government initiative, announced in 2019, to bring key changes to our tertiary vocational sector with the intent of creating a sustainable vocational education system that delivers the skills that learners, employers and communities need to thrive.

What are the specifics of ROVE?

Government has announced that ROVE must:

• Deliver to the unique needs of all learners, including those who have been traditionally under-served, such as Māori, Pacific peoples, and disabled learners, particularly as Māori and Pacific peoples will form a growing part of the working-age population in the future
• Be relevant to the changing needs of employers
• Be collaborative, innovative and sustainable for all regions of New Zealand
• Uphold and enhance Māori Crown partnerships.

What are the key changes?

While final decisions have been made about reform proposals the Government is continuing to engage with industry, education providers, community and whānau throughout the design process. NMIT is involved in this consultation which includes:

• Setting up the new Institute of Skills and Technology;
• Ensuring the transition to the new system is carefully managed and funded.

When will the change occur?

The new Institute comes into being on 1 April 2020, but a transformation of this size will take several years to complete and will be managed carefully.

Will I notice a difference?

As a student you will not notice any significant change to the way NMIT operates.

TEC – Mythbusting

This article published by the Tertiary Education Commission provides some quick-fire Q&As to crack common misconceptions about RoVE, and bust some of the myths on the radar to help keep the facts straight and ensure you’re up to date with the latest info.

Myth Busting(external link), published 18 December 2019