Institute of Tech/ Polytechnic enrolments at all-time high

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnic enrolments at all-time high

Student enrolments at many of the country’s institutes of technology and polytechnics are at an all-time high, and providers are urging students to enrol early and to seek advice about other options if they don’t make their preferred course.

Applications at some Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are up 10% from the same time last year and with NCEA results released this week, providers are expecting another surge in applications, said James Buwalda, spokesperson for the New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (NZ ITP).

“With the economy still in recovery mode, caps on tertiary enrolments, and more students keen to gain vocational skills with good employment outcomes, there’s growing competition for available places at our providers,” Dr Buwalda said. “The Government has funded 455 more student places at ITPs for 2011, but increased demand is surpassing that so unfortunately people are still going to be turned down.”

The country’s 18 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics provide education to nearly 200,000 people including many part-time and adult learners (70,000 full-time equivalents) in all parts of New Zealand. The NZ ITP represents 12 of those providers.

ITPs are reporting demand for 2011 enrolments is strong across almost all courses, but especially so in Nursing, Early Childcare, Engineering and ICT programmes.

Dr Buwalda said those who have missed out on their preferred course of study should consider other options.

“Ask your ITP for advice – can you do the same course in another region or in the second semester, or what can you do to work towards enrolment at a later date?

“For those thinking about studying at an ITP next year, seek advice on what standard you’ll need to meet this year in order to improve your chances of enrolling in this increasingly competitive area.”

UCOL chief executive Paul McElroy said applications were up nearly 10% from last year. Demand for places was strong across almost the entire range of programmes, but especially in Nursing, Engineering and ICT programmes.

“While we have 180 less Government-funded places available in 2011, UCOL presently still has places available in most programmes,” Mr McElroy said.

“Places are filling up more quickly than last year, and if the current level of interest continues, then we may have to limit the number of places available in Semester 2 start programmes.”

“Anyone thinking of applying for 2011 study needs to apply now to avoid disappointment,” Mr McElroy said.

Whitireia Polytechnic is also experiencing significant enrolment pressure for 2011 programmes, said CEO Don Campbell.

“We’re ahead of last year’s enrolments at the same stage by 10% and last year was a record year. We had to curtail domestic enrolments in 2010 from July on to meet the TEC imposed cap. A planned summer school was pulled for the same reason,” Mr Campbell said.

“Our Bachelors of Nursing, Paramedic and Early Childhood degree programmes have been full with unprecedented waitlists since November last year.”

“Places on some programmes which usually fill later in January and early February are still available. Programmes with mid-year intakes still have some places available as well. The message is clear however, these places will go quickly so enrolments do need to be received as soon as possible –there is strong competition for remaining places on these programmes.”

“For those who have missed out on a place to study in 2011, look to semester two and to improving your application to study. It is also worth checking you are enrolling on the right programme for you, and assistance is available to make sure that it is,” he said.

ENDS

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