About us

“It is my pleasure as General Manager to introduce you to an exciting range of education solutions that Ara has created to challenge minds and promote passionate learning. Our dedication and commitment to being the best in all that we do has kept Ara at the forefront of applied, vocational learning globally.

Nurturing great thinkers requires individual attention and we pride ourselves on having classes that ensure a personal learning experience. We are in the business of shaping lives, creating leaders and cultivating social pioneers; we look forward to sharing our wealth of knowledge and experience with you.”

Key Information 

• New Zealand Government-owned
• The largest institute of technology in the South Island
• Established 1906
• More than 100 years of applied vocational learning
• Member of International Association of Universities
• Longstanding international teaching and research partnerships
• Number of students:  19,000/year
• International students: 1,800 (from over 50 countries)
• NZQA Category 1 institution
• Approved provider for Pathway visas under the Immigration NZ pilot programme
• Class size: range from 16 - 100, average 20
• Minimum age: 17 years old; no maximum age
• Hours per week: 15-20 hours lecture time, additional 20-40 hours of self-study time
• Seamless study pathways
• More than 150 study options