Study for a degree to become a qualified social worker
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 4 years (34 teaching weeks per year)
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
Bachelor of Applied Social Work (Level 7)Programme code: MN3471 -
Credits
480 -
Locations
MIT Ōtara
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Domestic fees
$6,800 (approx.) per year
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International fees
NZD$25,000 (approx.) per year
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
Do you want to make a real difference in your community?
Become a social worker and learn the skills to support and empower people, their family and whanau, to enable positive change.
You will work with all kinds of people to help them overcome challenges and improve their individual and family wellbeing.
Our experienced lecturers will guide you in how to work with people from different nationalities including Māori, New Zealand/European, Pasifika and new immigrants. You will also work with people of all ages, abilities and diverse backgrounds.
This social work degree is a recognised programme by the Social Work Registration Board. In your fourth year of study, you will be eligible to register and work as a social worker in Aotearoa New Zealand.
To find out more about what practicum entails for both our learners and placement providers, click here.
If you are Māori or Pasifika, find out how you could be supported on your MIT journey with Te Ara Oranga.
Please note: Although the Government vaccine mandate for health and disability workers ended on 11:59pm 26 September 2022, some employers can still require workers to be vaccinated due to their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. Placement is a compulsory component of MIT’s healthcare programmes. To go on placement in this sector, students will need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination to MIT. Students that hold a medical exemption that prevents them from being vaccinated are permitted to work in the healthcare sector, but will have limited placement opportunities in that sector. Students that are not vaccinated, or that do not wish to share their vaccination status with MIT, may not be able to go on placement in the healthcare sector. If you hold a medical exemption, or if you are unable or unwilling to provide proof of vaccination to MIT, your placement opportunities will accordingly be limited and MIT cannot guarantee availability with placement providers. If this applies to you, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.
Entry requirements
General admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme:
a) A New Zealand Police Check (using the NZ Police and Vetting Consent to Disclosure of Information form) that demonstrates applicant has no criminal record and thus meets the requirements to be registered with the SWRB and to work with at risk and vulnerable people as required by the Vulnerable Children Act (2014).
b) Be 18 years of age or over at the commencement of the programme; OR, applicants below the age of 18, will be considered for admission (by the Programme Committee) where the applicant is:
(i) employed, in a paid or voluntary capacity in a social service context and able to provide a current, written recommendation from their employer, or voluntary service provider demonstrating their suitability for the programme; or
(ii) Due to reach the minimum 18 age requirement within one month of the commencement date of the programme.
c) Complete all required admission administration documentation.
d) Provide two satisfactory references.
e) Demonstrate suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study at an interview. The following interview criteria will apply:
(i) At the time of interview applicants will be required to undertake a comprehension and written exercise to help determine the level of academic support they would require prior to and during the programme, if they were offered a place.
(ii) Interviews may be conducted in person, by phone, Skype, or by electronic means as outlined in the Vulnerable Children Act (2014).
(iii) During the interview the panel will gather evidence of the applicant’s suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study based on criteria that include the following:
- The applicant provides appropriate and well considered reasons for making their application to study this social work programme that are deemed to be acceptable by the interview panel
- The applicant’s personal experience (including wellness) will enhance rather than inhibit their ability to complete the programme
- The applicant demonstrates readiness and understanding of the demands of vocational social work study at degree level study
- The applicant demonstrates openness and readiness to accept change
- The applicant demonstrates willingness and ability to align with social work ethics and values
- The applicant understands the support, both personal and academic, which may be required to undertake a vocational degree level programme and that this support may be provided in flexible learning mode.
f) Once the applicant has completed an interview, the final decision on whether a place is offered to an applicant is based on achievement demonstrated in:
(i) Evidence gathered during the interview of the applicant’s suitability to complete vocational social work degree level study
(ii) Evidence contained in the admission administration documentation
Academic admission requirements
Applicants must successfully meet one of the following criteria to gain admission into the programme:
(a) University Entrance (UE) OR at least 42 NCEA credits at level 3, including a minimum of 14 credits in each of two approved subjects, plus a minimum of 14 credits taken from no more than two additional domains or approved subjects; AND, a minimum of 8 credits at level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori of which 4 credits must be in reading and 4 credits in writing. NOTE: Where standards count for either reading or writing, an individual applicant may not count credits in both places
OR
(b) Have successfully completed NZC in Study and Career Preparation (Education & Social Sciences) Level 3 or equivalent
OR
(c) The BASW Programme Committee may consider a candidate for entry onto the programme where the candidate has failed to meet the academic requirements listed above. For such consideration to occur the candidate must have been through the interview and selection process demonstrating a level of maturity or life experience deemed to provide the applicant with reasonable prospects of success at degree level. All such applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and on the applicants own merit.
English language entry requirements
International students must meet NZQA’s current English language entry requirements for degree level study AND the specified requirements for this degree where they exceed NZQA’s requirements. Programme specific rules for this degree also require:
(a) Applicants to the programme who do not have English, Māori or New Zealand sign as their first language; OR who did not undertake their secondary schooling in English must be able to demonstrate they have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5; or TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher with a writing score of 22; or equivalent. Students may enter the programme with an IELTS score of 6.5 in all bands but will be required to meet SWRB requirements when applying for registration on completion of the programme.
(b) Applicants who do not meet the IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent requirement are able to re-apply for future intakes to the programme once this English language requirement has been met.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
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Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below 18 courses (480 credits):
Year one - Ko Wai Au? (The self)
Tangata tūturu - the self (20 credits)
To develop student understanding of the concept of culture, its influence on self and factors impacting one’s behaviours, attitude and relationship with others.
Te ira tangata – human growth and development (20 credits)
To enable students to understand tangata whenua and tauiwi worldviews of human development and their relevance to social work.
Te whai mahara ki te ako - academic and practical skills (20 credits)
To enable students to demonstrate academic methods and skills required to successfully study at degree level.
Te Ao Māori (Tuatahi) – Māori worldviews (20 credits)
To develop student knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori to aid in the development of a personal cross-cultural framework for social work practice.
Nga mea whakaritenga te tahi ki te tahi - self and engagement with others (20 credits)
To enable students to position themselves in relation to difference and diversity and apply the use of culturally appropriate communication, when working in collaboration with others.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi (20 credits)
To enable students to understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its significance to their development into a cross-cultural social work practitioner.
Year two - Te Hapori Whānui (The community)
Te hapori whānau (Tuatahi) – social work theory and skills (one) (20 credits)
To enable students to think critically and apply social work practice theories as they relate to the self and others.
Te mātauranga hinengaro – mental health and wellbeing (20 credits)
To enable students to understand the importance of diverse psychologies and wellbeing of self and others.
Kaupapa hapori me te ture – social policy and legislation (20 credits)
To enable students to develop understanding of social policy and legislation relevant to social work practice within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te hapori whānau whānui (Tuarua) – social work theory and skills community practice (two) (20 credits)
To enable students to evaluate and apply social work practice theories and models to the wider community.
Rereketanga o nga mahi I waenganui te iwi - working with diverse communities (20 credits)
To enable students to apply social work theory and skills to work respectfully and inclusively with diversity and difference in practice.
Tuhituhia nga āhuatanga rereke - writing for different contexts (20 credits)
To enable students to demonstrate and apply writing skills in different social work contexts.
Year three - Te Ngaio (The professional)
Mana whakahaere I nga mahi whakatika - speciality fields of practice (30 credits)
To increase students’ knowledge of speciality fields of practice in social work.
Te ariā me ngā pūkenga – social work theory and skills (three) (30 credits)
To enable students to think critically and apply theoretical frameworks and skillsets in social work practice.
Nga mahi tikanga pumau - social work assessments (10 credits)
To enable students to understand different types of assessment in social work practice.
Te mahi pūkenga (Tuatahi) – social work placement (one) (50 credits)
To enable students to integrate and apply social work theory whilst developing beginning social work skills, within a social service organisation.
Year four - Te Mātanga (The practitioner)
Te mahere rangahau – active research (60 credits)
To enable students to develop and implement a research project aiming to improve professional social work practice.
Te mahi whakaharatau (Tuarua) – social work placement (two) (60 credits)
To engage, integrate and critique the role of a social worker within diverse organisation.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Social work in community, statutory agencies and schools. For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
“The social work degree programme is suitable for people who have a passion to help people. It doesn't really matter what your background is, it doesn’t matter what experiences you have had. It’s about whether you are committed to helping your community and families. Your experience and your backgrounds – they do not define your future. As long as you are committed, and you have the passion then the degree is for you.
In social work, we focus on people, and we focus on relationships. So, we often have events and activities, and we mix year one, year two, year three and year four, in together.
As a social worker, we have to be prepared that the day will be busy. Often, we can't really go with what we planned for, and we have to be very adaptable, and accept changes.
After our students finish the degree, they can work in any government agency, hospitals, schools, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or pursue further studies.
Study social work at MIT.”
Melanie Wong
MIT senior lecturer
"It’s very practical at MIT and that’s what I love about it. Learning is very engaging because we’re always very involved, it was very hands-on. What’s being taught to you is exactly what you need when you go out into the world when you get that job.
From the beginning, you’re in a position to get to know a lot of interesting people and form relationships with not only the students but with the lecturers.
I wanted to actually do something, not just be in an office. Now I can do something good for the community, helping people make the most of their lives. Helping them help themselves I love that.
My advice is don’t be afraid, just do it."
Liam Dades
MIT graduate
"I chose social work as kids in my family were placed in my care by Oranga Tamariki so that encouraged me to step up, make a change to someone else’s life. My learning at MIT is absolutely fantastic, it’s giving me tools to go out and find the job. In my student journey, I’ve enjoyed everything, assessment after assessment.
I enjoy being together with other students, also the learning support centre helps us so much, especially when it comes to assessments. I get help and any kind of support that I need from MIT.
My advice to someone considering social work is if you want to do it, just go for it. It’s very challenging but those challenges make you want to keep on going. For me, I don’t want it to end, I want to keep on going. I really enjoy it. I would like to say I have enjoyed every single thing on my journey at MIT."
Ana Tovo Mafilao
MIT student
"I’ve always had the heart to make a difference in the community. I am a returning learner, which was a challenge I overcame before I started studying this degree. Having to be back in student life, and having no money, but it’s like, if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it.
I quite enjoy the fact that MIT has an online study education option and the opportunity to come on campus. Everyone is really down to earth. The lecturers really want to get to know you and help you out on your journey at MIT. What I enjoyed in my student journey is the fact that it’s closer to home for me and the environment. It’s a very diverse institute."
Peter Lafo
MIT student
"I want to make my family proud of me because I’ll be the first one to get a degree in my family. I chose this subject because in my culture I saw children being abused.
I had my own children, so I wanted to help my own, especially in my community. I’ve been the class rep for year 3 and I’m the first Island student to be class rep for our class.
Being with different cultures has made me proud of my culture. When I see MIT, it’s not only one culture but different cultures – but we’re all like one family."
Miliano Peti
MIT student
"I chose social work because I want to contribute to my community. I would really like to help families out of struggling situations that they may be in.
At MIT everything they teach us is really hands-on. We learn how to apply the theory and the practice within a real-life environment when we go out and do community work. It’s also a friendly environment. They treat everybody as equal, you’re not judged in any way. They just really, really make you feel like you’re somebody.
My advice is to go for it. You don’t want to get to an age when you’re looking back thinking I should have just done it when I was younger. Just go ahead and do it. You’re never too old. You won’t regret it, you’ll enjoy studying at MIT. We’re studying with diverse people from different ethnic backgrounds. They have quite a diverse culture here at MIT. You meet people from all different backgrounds. You’re able to develop different perspectives and I think that’s really important when you go out into the real world."
Lisa Ratahi
MIT student
“I enjoyed every moment at MIT being able to work with different cultures.
It's a huge learning experience. I encourage others to join MIT, they not only help you with your study but also help you to find a job after.”
Meliame Opeti Fifita
MIT graduate
"I chose social work because I want to give back within our community and help the youth, the children, the tamariki. What I have enjoyed most about being at MIT is the environment. I didn’t have any confidence but coming to MIT brought me out of my comfort zone. My dream job would be working with children in a hospital."
Marie Hilikehetute
MIT student
"I chose social work because I want to see positive changes within our communities and our Pasifika youth. What I enjoy most is MIT is local. We literally only live a couple of roads down.
MIT’s hands-on learning has improved my overall growth and development as a person because I learn better hands-on, I don't learn from a book. The environment itself has a huge impact on our learning, just seeing it every day is what motivates us to actually do better for ourselves and our family."
Sheridan Tohiniu
MIT student
"The uniqueness of MIT is being diverse, it is not just one culture, we learn from other people, and we learn from ourselves. What I enjoyed most was finding and creating good friendships. I love how the teachers are as well.
Being a teen Mum, you don't know what you want to do, and sometimes being a benefit statistic hurts. For me, the goal was to have a career and not a job. I came into social work to get that career. I'm in my dream job now because of social work. I am working at an education centre, working with young mums and helping with their social needs like getting them houses, getting them on the benefit if they need a benefit, and helping where I can.
Don’t think about it. Just do it. Honestly, you won't regret it."
Davinia Waite
MIT student
"I've always wanted to work in the areas of social justice, diversity and human rights.
I highly recommend Manukau Institute of Technology to anyone who wants to begin their social work journey. You will experience social work theory, proficiency and skills, and you get the opportunity to go out into placement.
My lecturers are open, honest and transparent, and they have helped and motivated me to complete my degree. We are like one big family.
Everything about MIT is unique; the people, the friendliness, the helpfulness, I can't say enough about the Institute. They've bent over backwards to help me, and I've watched them help other students too. I highly recommend you come and study here.
Come and do the social work degree, you won't regret it. This will actually be the kind of job where you will love getting up in the morning to come to work."
Melanie Peakman
MIT student
“Before studying the Bachelor of Applied Social Work, I was working full-time as a chef after completing my level 5 diploma in cookery at MIT.
I chose social work at MIT to help others to help themselves and to further my skills in dealing with relationships and learning more about Te Ao Māori. When I started the degree, my heart was for at-risk youth and now it's to see and build thriving communities.
MIT is very diverse and has a lot of respect for other cultures. We all came from different backgrounds, learning the same thing to help us understand each other better.
It’s also unique through the fact that the lecturers are very supportive, and we had that relationship throughout the 4 years of study. Also, the level of connection between the kaiako and the tauira made the studies a lot easier knowing that they were there to help.
Covid-19 was the biggest challenge I had to face during my time of study. Being isolated and away from people face-to-face was a hard bullet to bite. Support and constant communication from lecturers and always being updated on any matters that were important, especially during the pandemic, helped me to succeed.
No one in my family has a bachelor's degree, so being the first to complete one is a massive achievement. My qualification has helped me to get recognised and registered so that I can carry on with my mahi as a social worker.
My advice to anyone wanting to study social work at MIT is ‘he waka eke noa’ – we are all in this canoe together. Those you start with, are those you finish with. But no matter the journey people will fall off the waka. You must embrace their decisions and support them as they take on a new journey whilst you carry on your own journey.”
Bonny Alaia
MIT graduate
"I found my experience with MIT very easy. The hours are so flexible, and it's helpful for us mothers with children. When they're sick, we can study from home. The lecturers are so helpful and support us to catch up with our assessments.
My favourite part of MIT is the tangata whenua. All the different people come together as a family at MIT, allowing us to still have that importance of our identity. They encourage us in learning about the tangata whenua and the history of this land. It’s important that we understand the history of the people in this land.
My advice for people is to come and study at MIT. It's closer to home. Easy to find parking, and the bus stop is just around the corner. MIT people are very lovely, lecturers and students are all very supportive."
Tapaita Matekuolava
MIT graduate
"I'm working as a service manager for child and family services in Barnardos. My role is to provide supervision and clinical support for our practitioners here in South Auckland.
We also take on board student placements, particularly for MIT. We're based in the south so our focus is being able to support our practices, who want to be able to work for our South Auckland families. Every semester we take two students.
MIT is probably one of the most diverse places to study, the commitment by cultural practices and diversity is important. What makes MIT special is the freedom that the students have to be able to locate themselves in their practice, and share that with everyone else.
Demand for practitioners is ever increasing. When I graduated from MIT, I was able to gain employment straight away."
AK Seri
MIT graduate
"My social worker put me on the straight and narrow, which kind of gave me options not to choose the life that I thought I wanted. I'm a school dropout. I came here and got the school cert, which I didn't get in school. It's not that I wasn't good enough, it’s just that school didn't fit. So, I came to a place that fit me. I’ve been through MIT three times. So that says a lot for this place and my journey in life. I’m still here, and I’m nearly finished.
What I enjoy most about studying at MIT is the tutors, the support our tutors actually gave us, and the camaraderie in terms of our class, our brotherhood, our sisterhood. That's the biggest thing. You go on your own journey and you have your own goals, but you need the support. And that support usually starts with your class."
Scott Matapakia
MIT student
"There is a huge demand for social workers, and in the time that I have been at MIT, MIT social workers are in the greatest demand. They bring diversity, personal experience, and the practical skills that are fine-tuned while learning to become social workers at MIT. It is then applied when they go out into the field.
In the first two years of study, the students learn social work theory, and in the final two years, students start applying theory into practice while out on placement. I believe anyone who has a passion for people in their community can do this qualification. Even if you have no social work experience, knowledge from your surroundings will be an advantage in this space.
What I love about MIT, are the diverse cultures here. We all have one thing in common and that is to provide support to our communities. We are the best people to do it because we live and know what goes on in our community.
The opportunities for this qualification are endless. You can work with youth, Oranga Tamariki with children and Whānau, disabilities, corrections, hospital social worker, school social worker, mental health worker, and the list goes on. Most of our students come in with a narrow view of what area they want to work in, but by the time they finish the degree, their lens is widened for their chosen field they want to work in. Our job as lecturers is, to create a pathway to their chosen area of expertise. I like to call them 'diamonds in the rough' our job is to take off rough edges and shine them up.
What is also important to note is that MIT social work students are employed by organisations for the cultural content they take into organisations and out into the field because our statistics for the most disadvantaged in Aotearoa, New Zealand are Māori and Pasifika."
Lois Naera
MIT lecturer
"I chose to study social work so I can help other people when they are going through a rough period in their life and MIT has a great reputation in the field. Studying after such a long time was challenging, however there is so much support to help.
The teachers are super helpful, the students are always willing to help you learn and be a better version of yourself. Don’t wait to take that step, you will not regret your decision. No matter what stage of life you’re in, MIT is for everyone.”
Sarah Cornwell
MIT student
"I chose MIT because it's close to me. I live in Otara and if I can’t get a car, I can walk to the campus. Also, English is my second language and my Tongan lecturer really helped me by translating the work.
At MIT people are friendly and the facilities are really useful, there’s everything on campus.
My favourite part of my course was the presentations. I love talking and even though English is my second language I was able to do my best.
I’m 55 and I would advise for those in my age, that it's not too late to learn. You can go to lecturers, and they will help you. Learning is good for you, good for your family, and good for the culture."
Apifoon Pelikani
MIT graduate
“I have always loved people and finding out what they love about being who they are. My Aunty was an amazing Social Worker, and she had a unique way of working alongside whānau and so many people loved her. I studied this programme because I wanted to have a better understanding of myself to help me become a better parent and person so that I could better advocate for others.
I am a proud South Aucklander who was raised in Ōtara as a child so I used to see MIT South Campus all the time and thought how cool it would be to study there one day. I needed to study close to home and close to my children in case they needed me at short notice. I also did a bit of research about the programme compared to other providers and MIT had me sold.
Motivation has been the hardest thing to battle through my studies, but once you know your reasons for being here, your why, you can push through to the end. I have a very busy lifestyle that some may think is over the top. I manage by ensuring I am surrounded by amazing, positive people who celebrate each other’s successes and encourage you to keep going. I celebrate myself when I know I have done well because we forget about ourselves often. You can still be humble and celebrate your achievements.
MIT is so diverse and I have learned so much about the different tikanga each culture values, which I believe is a great way to create those respectful relationships. Maybe I am biased when it comes to MIT. The people who have studied at MIT over the past 52 years have all contributed professionally or personally with heart and grace to our communities around Tāmaki Makaurau and the world. The people of MIT are what makes this place unique.”.
Casey Makiri
MIT student
“I chose to study social work because after being in hospitality and retail, for 30yrs I could see the need for more help in our communities and have always wanted to help out in our community where I could make a difference.
Because I had not studied for a long time and my schooling was not the best, I liked the sound of how much support you get from the MIT tutors and staff. During my studies my grammar and spelling skills due to my dyslexia have been a challenge, but with the support of tutors and classmates I have had advice and heaps of support.
I have enjoyed the most, the great support with my studies from the tutors and meeting so many different age groups and cultures that are learning, being encouraged from your classmates to get the assignments done.
Don’t be afraid of the unknown and if you have life experiences then use them and don’t worry how old you are to learn something new. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you can always learn something new.”
Richard Kealey
MIT student
“Before studying I was a financial planner. I wanted to be a social worker because we need more social workers in New Zealand. I chose to study at MIT because I wanted a positive outcome, and it was close to home.
MIT is like whānau. The librarians and lecturers are amazingly helpful. There is lots of one-on-one and wrap-around support, study groups and online groups to help you succeed. It’s full of diverse cultures and everyone is very understanding.
MIT is the best tertiary institution in New Zealand.”
Aere Anne Nicholas
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
Free study for the first year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the government’s fees-free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must be eligible to study as a domestic student. All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 25 March 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2024 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2024 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2024 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2024 are based on the 2023 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2024. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.