2025 enrolments on the rise

More people have applied to study at WITT (Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki) this year than in the past four years. Applications are still flowing in ahead of the February 17 start date for Semester One, with 1314 applications received (as of Wednesday 22 January) - a seventeen per cent increase since 2022.

The numbers are pleasing and heartening, says Nicola Conley, Operations Lead Executive at WITT. “We’re delighted enrolment numbers have steadily increased over recent years. And there’s still time to enrol – anyone wanting to study has until the start of the semester to apply.”

WITT programmes are filling up across the range of offerings, from nursing to trades, as well as art and design, hair and beauty and engineering. While the government-subsidised ‘fees free’ scheme for first year students has just ended, WITT is offering 'zero fees’ programmes for Pest Operations and Horticulture (Level 3). Te Reo programmes are also fees free.

A range of short courses and micro credentials will be offered throughout the year, including barista and cooking, beauty and health. And a new series of farming and primary industry-related courses - including fencing basics, tractor maintenance, chainsaw safety, quad bikes and more – is on offer.

The increase in enrolments is likely a response to tightening of the job market, says Nicola.

WITT – along with all 16 polytechnics – has felt the impact of a major restructure following the coalition government’s decision to disestablish Te Pūkenga, the national network of polytechnics. The government’s requirement for all polytechnics to become financially sustainable meant several WITT programmes with traditionally low numbers were stopped at the end of last year. A decision on the new structure to replace Te Pūkenga is yet to be announced by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Penny Simmonds.