Everything you need to know

Te Kura is a state-funded distance education provider. We offer a wide range of courses from early childhood to NCEA Level 3.

Unlike most other schools Te Kura accepts enrolments throughout the year.  You can enrol for the 2018 school year from 27 November 2017.

At Te Kura, your learning programme is tailored to fit your needs, so you can learn your way – at your own pace, at your own place.

If you're aged 16-19 and not enrolled at another school, enrolment with Te Kura is free. Our teachers provide one-on-one support, no matter where you are in New Zealand. You can enrol for a few credits in a specific course or for a full-time programme – it's up to you.

Hands-on learning that is relevant to your interests and goals is our specialty. Our authentic learning approach gives you the opportunity to explore different career options and, potentially, earn NCEA credits through trade-based courses at a local polytech or trades academy, a STAR course or Gateway programme.

As New Zealand's largest school, Te Kura offers a wide range of courses and has staff and students located across the country.

Quite a number of our secondary-level courses are online, so you’ll need access to a computer and internet connectivity for these courses. We have an assistance programme for eligible students - to find out if you're eligible, go to our main website www.tekura.school.nz

FAQs

Who can enrol with Te Kura?

If you are unsure whether or not you meet the criteria for a young adult student, use the flowchart below to check your eligibility.

* You can remain enrolled up to and including the end of the school year in which you turn 19. After this you can enrol as an adult student

How does learning with Te Kura work?

At Te Kura, you can study at your own pace, in your own place. Quite a number of our courses are online, especially at NCEA Level 1, so for these courses you will use our interactive online learning modules and/or download learning materials from our online teaching and learning environment (OTLE). Some of our courses are delivered through printed booklets supplemented by audio-visual resources. You'll have a learning advisor and qualified subject teachers you can contact by email, phone or online when you need advice or help with your work. Depending on where you live, there are opportunities to attend advisories or tutorials where you can meet teachers and other students.

What support will I have?

As a young adult student you'll have a dedicated advisor who will help to plan your programme of learning based on your passions, interests and learning goals. You will also have subject teachers who can answer any queries about your course work and provide feedback on each of your assessments to help you progress to the next task.

Is learning by distance hard?

Some people find distance learning more of a challenge than being in a classroom because it can require more discipline and self-motivation to learn at home. Te Kura teachers are experts in supporting students who are learning by distance, but you're more likely to succeed in your studies if you plan your day, make sure you're aware of upcoming deadlines, and keep in regular contact with your teachers – either online, by phone or email, or at an advisory.

Can I get the same qualifications as at other schools?

Some people find distance learning more of a challenge than being in a classroom because it can require more discipline and self-motivation to learn at home. Te Kura teachers are experts in supporting students who are learning by distance, but you're more likely to succeed in your studies if you plan your day, make sure you're aware of upcoming deadlines, and keep in regular contact with your teachers – either online, by phone or email, or at an advisory.

How much does it cost?

It's free to enrol as a young adult student if you're aged between 16 and 19. If you're aged 20 or over, there is an administration fee of $111 per course.

What subjects can I study?

Te Kura offers a wide range of subjects at NCEA levels 1 to 3. View the full list of NCEA courses.

How do I enrol?

You can call us on 0800 LEARN NOW (0800 532 766), or you can go straight to our main website to enrol online. Enrolments for the 2017 school year close on 3 November, but you can enrol for the 2018 school year from 27 November.

What's the deadline for enrolments?

Unlike most other schools Te Kura accepts enrolments throughout the year. Enrolments for the 2017 school year close on 3 November, but you can enrol for the 2018 school year from 27 November.

Our Courses

Te Kura offers more than 30 courses at NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3. You can enrol in a course or in a specific standard – for example, if you need literacy or numeracy credits to complete your qualification. Check our main website www.tekura.school.nz to search courses.  

• Accounting

• Agriculture

• Art

• Art History (NCEA levels 2 and 3 only)

• Biology

• Business Studies (NCEA levels 1 and 2 only)

• Chemistry

• Chinese

• Classical Studies (NCEA levels 2 and 3 only)

• Commerce Studies (NCEA levels 1 and 2 only)

• Design and Visual Communication

• Digital Technology

• Economics

• English

• French

• Gateway

• Geography

• German

• Health Education

• History

• Home Economics

• Horticulture

• Japanese

• Latin (NCEA level 1 only)

• Legal Studies

• Life Skills

• Mathematics

• Media Studies

• Music

• Pathways Education (NCEA levels 1 and 2 only)

• Performing Arts (NCEA levels 1 and 2 only)

• Physical Education

• Physics

• Science

• Spanish

• Technology

• Te Reo Māori

• Tertiary Link

For more detailed information refer to our course selection guide Choice 2016 (1.1MB PDF)