IELTS and polytechnic courses open doors to endless career opportunities
Are you interested in using your IELTS score to learn a new profession? Perhaps you want to study without the stress of university. A polytechnic course is a fantastic hands-on option for people looking to jump straight into a rewarding career. They’re focused on practical skills so students are ready to enter the workplace from the moment they graduate.
While universities offer degrees and postgraduate courses, polytechnics offer a wider variety of Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and in some cases postgraduate degrees as well.
Alongside a broader range of levels, polytechnics also provide their students with a hands-on learning experience by including practical training in their courses. This is in part because polytechnics have a strong “learning by doing” culture.
There are 16 different polytechnic institutions in New Zealand, and each offer a range of different courses across many different industries.
Want to learn more? Here are New Zealand’s top 5 industries, examples of polytechnic courses and career paths, and their standard IELTS entry requirements.
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1. Travel, tourism, and hospitality
Travel, tourism, and hospitality are one of New Zealand’s biggest economic sectors. As the country begins recovering from the pandemic, more and more hospitality staff are needed to meet the new demand.
Because hospitality is such a broad sector, there are many different ways to enter the industry. Not only that, but customer service experience is a highly-valued skill that will help advance your career no matter which path you choose.
IELTS requirements
A minimum IELTS score of band 6.0* with no score lower than band 5.5 *Contact the course provider directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Career opportunities
executive chef
resort manager
travel agent
hotel general manager
sommelier
event coordinator
concierge
flight attendant
tour guide
cruise consultant
Explore travel, tourism, and hospitality courses
2. Creative arts and design
If art is your passion, New Zealand is a wonderful place to live and work. From Wellington’s impressive murals, to the Hundertwasser Arts Center in Whangarei, there is no end to inspiration and creativity available.
Be part of the next wave of film-makers or game developers, unleash your imagination as a fashion designer, or build your career in the music industry. You can work with businesses to help boost their brands, or government organisations to create art in public spaces, or even people who are looking to create unique art pieces for their homes.
IELTS requirements
A minimum IELTS score of band 5.5* with no score lower than band 5.0 *Contact the course provider directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Career opportunities
animator
writing
graphic design
film making
architecture
fashion design
photography
crafting
make-up artistry
video game developing
Explore creative art and design courses
3. Business and administrative studies
For students looking to enter the business world, business and administrative VET courses are an excellent starting point. New Zealand polytechnic courses span the range of business professions, from Human Resources to Marketing, from Accounting to Project Management.
Whether you want to work in a fast-paced startup, or an established company, a polytechnic course with good industry opportunities is a brilliant way to build experience and begin networking.
IELTS requirements
A minimum IELTS score of band 6.5* with no score lower than band 6.0 *Contact the course provider directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Career opportunities
financial advisor
bank manager
bookkeeper
project manager
marketing manager
statistician
stockbroker
economist
sales manager
human resources professional
Explore business and administrative courses
4. Health and medicine
Health and medicine is one of the few sectors that will always have job opportunities. No matter what is happening in other industries, good, skilled health professionals are always in high demand.
Becoming a nurse, for example, will make it easier to gain permanent residency in New Zealand. Nursing is one of the occupations on the New Zealand Government’s Green List for fast-tracking applications.
IELTS requirements
A minimum IELTS score of band 6.5* with no score lower than band 6.5 *Contact the course provider directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Career opportunities
midwife
exercise physiologist
doctor
medical researcher
dentist
pharmacist
psychologist
medical scientist
speech pathologist
occupational therapist
Explore health and medicine courses
5. Construction
As New Zealand looks to the future, construction and infrastructure become more and more important. The construction industry is one that is growing fast, and highly skilled people are in high demand.
Taking a construction course in New Zealand will help you make a difference in the country. You’ll be able to use your education and experience to help create a better, more sustainable future through housing, urban development, and infrastructure projects
IELTS requirements
A minimum IELTS score of band 6.5* with no score lower than band 6.5 *Contact the course provider directly to confirm the IELTS requirements for the course you’re interested in.
Career opportunities
roofer
construction engineer
architect
glazier
foreman
bricklayer
industrial mechanic
technician
plumber
solar installer
Explore construction courses
Polytechnic courses can get you working in New Zealand
University isn’t the right path for everyone. While some people love the traditional higher-education space, others work better by spending more time learning by experience in a practical setting. If you are one of these people, there may be a polytechnic course that matches your interests.
Practice makes perfect
Preparing early for your test is essential. It allows you to get familiar with the test format and understand how you will be marked and scored.
Access our practice materials and get prepared with our wide range of mock tests. Additionally, don't forget to access your study plan and get IELTS tips from our IELTS Experts during our Masterclasses.
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