Profile & Trends 2008: New Zealand's Tertiary Education Sector

Non-degree level 4 to 7 provider-based qualifications

In 2008, enrolments in non-degree level 4 to 7 qualifications represented 25 percent of all equivalent full-time student units in provider-based tertiary education.

Enrolments in level 4 to 7 provider-based non-degree study declined   overall in 2008. The decline was mainly in level 4 certificate enrolments. This was an effect of initiatives to improve the relevance of qualifications overall, including the phasing out of some programmes. Enrolments in level 5 to 7 certificates and diplomas were down slightly.

Enrolments were down in management and commerce courses and in architecture and building, and society and culture. Enrolments were also down for most age groups. Within this overall picture of a decline, there were some cases where level 4 to 7 non-degree enrolments increased. Enrolments made by international students increased and so did those by Pasifika students. Enrolments by students aged 18 to 24 years were also up slightly. The number of students enrolled in engineering and related technologies – a field of study identified as having shortages – increased overall.

There were above average declines in enrolments at universities, for people aged 40 years and over, in management and commerce courses and in architecture and building, and for Asian students.

The number of students completing a level 4 to 7 non-degree qualification increased in 2008. This was almost entirely due to increases in the number of students completing level 5 to 7 certificates and diplomas. Level 4 certificate completions in 2008 were essentially the same as in 2007.

Enrolments in Skill Enhancement programmes by young Māori and Pasifika people also fell in 2008. In terms of outcomes, the proportion of students who gained employment after completing a Skill Enhancement programme has been increasing over the past few years, and increased again in 2008, reflecting a stronger labour market in recent years.

Figure 1.6: Participation in non-degree level 4 to 7 provider-based qualifications by gender