Why do International Students choose UCOL?
1. Over 100 years of excellence in education
Established in 1892 to meet the skills required by New Zealand businesses, UCOL has provided over 100 years of excellence in education. Our diverse portfolio of programmes varies from postgraduate qualifications to degrees, diplomas, and certificates. It covers a wide range of research areas that have the potential to impact our communities positively and beyond.
International graduates have rated UCOL highly on many factors, including welcoming and friendly attitudes towards international students, feeling part of a student community, expert lecturers, quality programme content, work experience while studying, and many more (2019 International Student Barometer survey, Education New Zealand).
“In my opinion, if you want to study in New Zealand, UCOL is the best option to enhance your academic skills.”
— Nikhil Rana (India), Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management
2. Easy access & located in central New Zealand
UCOL has campuses in the central New Zealand locations of Manawatū, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua. International students choose to study at our
Palmerston North and
Whanganui campuses, where we offer a full range of rewarding degree, postgraduate and English language study options.
“It is the best polytechnic. In a beautiful city and in the heart of the city. All the facilities are available here.”
— Harvinder Singh Rangi (India), Graduate Diploma in Project Management.
3. Wide range of study options
UCOL is a modern institute of technology and polytechnic with a specialty in Applied Engineering and Trades, Health and Sciences, and Humanities and Business. The
UCOL programmes are employer-centred and ever-evolving to meet the economic and social needs of our communities.
“Lots of courses and well qualified staff”
— Sumit Verma (India), Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management
4. Strong industry connections
We
partner with local businesses to provide work experience for many of our students studying diplomas, degrees and postgraduate programmes to help an organisation meet their staffing needs, solve a problem or advance a project.
5. Award-winning staff
The UCOL staff are passionate and dedicated to helping students succeed so they can make a difference wherever they work in the world.
“Lecturers are really helpful and environment is peaceful”
— Ashish Devkota (India), Graduate Diploma in Project Management
6. Putting students first
The UCOL environments have been designed to enhance student learning, supported by a relationships-based teaching approach that provides successful classroom experiences and imparts valuable life skills.
“My tutors helped me believe in myself and achieve my goals”
— Sonja Bartolic (New Zealand), Cookery
7. All round student experience
The UCOL student experience goes far beyond the classrooms at UCOL. Our
International Student Support Staff will help make your journey at UCOL unforgettable.
“I also made really good friends there who are now like family here in New Zealand”
— Ankita Sigdel (Nepal), National Diploma in Science
See how UCOL celebrates its different cultures at our annual Flavour of Cultures event.
8. A safe, welcoming & cost-effective place to live
New Zealand is the second most peaceful nation on earth in the
2022 Global Peace Index. In Palmerston North, international students are warmly welcomed.
Free buses for UCOL students in Manawatū and Whanganui and affordable accommodation at all our campuses make UCOL a cost-effective place to study. To find out how the cost of living in New Zealand compares with your country, see
New Zealand Now.
“Friendly Lecturers and environment”
— Nithin Krishna (India), Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology
9. High-tech facilities
Students are immersed in a practical learning environment with innovative technology and specialised equipment that often surpass industry standards, including the Regional Trades and Technology Centre.
“Friendly Lecturers and environment”
— Nithin Krishna (India), Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology
10. Successful alumni across the globe
The UCOL growing
network of alumni fosters collaboration and exchange with UCOL graduates around the world.
11. Study in NZ for a world-class education
Choose New Zealand for a world-class education with globally recognised qualifications and real-world skills to prepare you for the future. According to the global report
The Worldwide Educating for the Future Index Report 2019 New Zealand is ranked 3rd out of 35 economies for instilling future skills.
(Image courtesy of studyinnewzealand.govt.nz)
12. International Accreditation
The quality of UCOL's programmes of study and dedication to the pastoral care of its international students are highly regarded beyond New Zealand's shores.
Find out about our international accreditations.