Whether you’re starting study, returning to education, or looking to change careers, it’s normal to have questions about how the enrolment process works. Our Enrolments Team answers thousands of queries every year, so we’ve asked our Senior Enrolment Advisor, Renee Weijers, what the top 5 questions ākonga (students) are asking and some tips to know before starting your study with us.
1. What level or pathway is right for me?
The short answer is there’s no “one‑size‑fits‑all”. At Whitireia and WelTec, you can study at certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate level, and there are clear pathways between these options depending on where you’re starting and where you want to head. A great place to explore what we offer and where it could take you is our Find Your Future page, where current students and graduates share what studying with us is like and how it’s shaped where they are now. If you have a specific question about which programme is right for you, get in touch. Our kaimahi (Team Member) are here to help guide you and answer any questions you may have.
2. How much time do I need to set aside for study, and can I work while I’m studying?
This really depends on the programme you choose, whether you study full‑time or part‑time, and what else is happening in your life. Things like work, whānau commitments, or travel can take up a lot of time that you may need for study while some programmes are more structured and others offer more flexibility. It really depends on your situation.
Many students do work while studying, but we always recommend chatting with an Enrolment Advisor about this before your programme starts. We can help you think through your study timetable, workload, and commitments so you’re setting yourself up for a balance that’s realistic and sustainable.
3. What support is available for students?
For general support enquiries or assistance, contacting our Learning Support Services is a great place to start. They can work with you one‑on‑one, in small groups, or online, depending on what works best for you. If you’re unsure where to start, the Learning Support team or a campus Kaiāwhina can help send you in the right direction.
For ākonga Māori, the Tautoko mā ngā ākonga Māori Support Team is available across our campuses. They provide academic guidance, advocacy, culturally grounded spaces, and wellbeing support, using a for Māori, by Māori approach that supports both learning and hauora (health and wellbeing).
Similarly, our Pacific Student Support Team provides culturally responsive pastoral care, community connections, and one‑on‑one assistance for our Pacific ākonga. These teams work closely with students to help them navigate study, build confidence, and stay connected throughout their programme.
Students with learning needs or disabilities can also access our Disability Support Services, which includes learning assistance, accessibility support, and wellbeing services. This team aims to help students succeed academically while recognising that everyone’s learning journey looks different.
4. Will I mostly be inside a classroom?
Not always, although some parts of your study will take place in a classroom, many of our programmes are designed to be hands‑on and industry focused, so you’ll also spend time learning in spaces that reflect real working environments.
Depending on what you study, this could include working in purpose‑built training areas like our on-campus salons and barbershops, fully equipped commercial kitchens, or our simulation environments for health and emergency response programmes. We even have dedicated spaces for each of our trades programmes that are designed to give you hands-on experience. So, depending on the course or programme you choose, there are plenty of opportunities to continue your learning outside of the classroom.
5. What are my options for funding my study?
In addition to the Fees Free scheme offered by Inland Revenue, we also offer a range of scholarships that can support students across different programmes, study levels, and backgrounds. Our scholarships can help reduce the overall cost of study and, in some cases, even cover the full cost of a student's programme. The easiest way to explore these options is to talk with an Enrolments Advisor or connect with one of our support teams who can help you understand what you may be eligible for and how to apply.
For most domestic students, financial support may also include student loans or allowances through StudyLink. Both of which can help you cover course fees and living costs while you study. Applying through StudyLink however, is a separate process but we’re happy to help you with your applications, budgeting advice and finding a job. Just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.
Whitireia and WelTec also offers a Student Hardship fund, designed to provide short-term support for students. Each application is completely confidential, and we may be able to help you with limited access to food or travel vouchers.
Get in touch
If you still have questions about study, pathways, or the enrolment process, Renee and the Advising Team are happy to help you explore your options, guide you through your next steps and provide you with more personalised advice.
