About UCOL

UCOL has a history of over 130 years, starting in 1892. Today, it boasts 5,000+ students and 400 staff across four main campuses. UCOL has a proud and well-earned reputation for supporting our community’s learning.

Our programmes help students develop in-demand skills. Many of our lecturers have been or are practitioners, and our partnerships with industry mean most students get hands-on work experience.

UCOL’s specialties include Applied Engineering and Trades, Health and Sciences, and Humanities, Early Childhood Education and Business. Our teaching environments have been designed to enhance student learning and are supported by a relationship-based teaching approach.

With a focus on ākonga at the centre, the experience and success of our learners are at the heart of everything we do.

UCOL Palmerston North campus featuring students in The Atrium

UCOL Manawatū

UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North is nestled in the heart of the city, close to cafes, bus stops and The Square.

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UCOL Whanganui

UCOL Whanganui blends heritage buildings with industry equipped learning facilities.

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UCOL Wairarapa

UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton has park-like grounds in the heart of the town.

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UCOL Horowhenua

UCOL Horowhenua in Levin is located on State Highway 1, close to CBD shopping and Te Takere.

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Our Staff

Learn more about the UCOL people – our leaders, our resident experts and fellows, our award winners.

Some people gathered around a computer in an atrium

Have Your Say

UCOL students and staff, and the public have an opportunity to shape UCOL. Find out about our recent surveys and projects, and have your say.

Information for Employers

UCOL has close relationships with many local businesses and organisations, who support us by providing learning opportunities for students and donating scholarships.

A lecturer and a student wearing ear muffs

Our Partnerships

The UCOL close relationships with local schools, iwi, employers, community groups, our students and industries greatly enrich our teaching programmes and the overall UCOL experience. Connect with us about your projects/events and enquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Clinical Exercise Physiology students assess a client

UCOL Research

Many UCOL staff are active researchers who are uncovering new ways of thinking and doing that have the potential to positively impact our communities and beyond.

Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging students on campus

Vision, Mission and Values

The UCOL strategic direction addresses government priorities and provides an inspiring vision and mission for UCOL as a whole.