About Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) is a New Zealand tertiary institution based in New Plymouth. It delivers programmes ranging from degrees and diplomas to apprenticeships and short courses, with study available on-campus, online, and through blended delivery both locally and nationally.
WITT operates through two academic schools:
- School of Engineering and Trades
- School of Business, Creative & Wellness
Teaching is described as practically oriented, incorporating work placements, industry projects, and internships. The institution maintains relationships with industry, schools, and local iwi, and frames these connections as central to its direction.
WITT has a formal research function supported by a Research Policy and a Research Community of Practice, which provides peer review, ethical oversight, and mentoring for staff and student research activity.
Studying at Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
WITT offers programmes at different qualification levels, including Level 6 diplomas and Level 7 bachelor degrees. Study modes vary by programme.
The New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) is delivered online through Open Polytechnic. Students study remotely but retain optional access to WITT campus facilities, including the library, computers, and gym, and can access in-person support. This programme requires a laptop or desktop computer and reliable broadband internet access.
The Bachelor of Applied Management (Level 7) includes work-based learning as an integrated component, with students applying their studies in real workplace contexts. Domestic students can study full-time or part-time, with the option to take one or two papers at a time. Evening papers are available.
English Language Entry Requirements for International Students
WITT follows English language entry requirements set by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) under the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2013 and the Training Scheme Rules 2012. WITT must retain evidence of each international student's English proficiency in enrolment records for at least two years from the date of enrolment.
The minimum scores required vary by qualification level. The tables below show the accepted tests and scores for each level.
| Test | Certificate Level 3 | Certificate Level 4 | Certificate or Diploma Level 5 | Certificate or Diploma Level 6 / Diploma or Degree Level 7 / Graduate Certificate or Diploma Level 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | General or Academic 5.0, no band below 5 | General or Academic 5.5, no band below 5 | Academic 5.5, no band below 5 | Academic 6.0, no band below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 35 (writing 14) | 46 (writing 14) | 46 (writing 14) | 60 (writing 18) |
| TOEFL pBT (prior to 1 October 2017) | 500 (essay 4 TWE) | 530 (essay 4.5 TWE) | 550 (essay 5 TWE) | 550 (essay 5 TWE) |
| Cambridge English | B2 First or B2 First for Schools, score of 154; no skill below 154 | B2 First or B2 First for Schools, score of 162; no skill below 154 | B2 First or B2 First for Schools, score of 162; no skill below 154 | B2 First, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency, score of 169; no skill below 162 |
| OET | Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests | Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests | Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests | Minimum Grade C or 200 in all sub-tests |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | Score of 36, no band below 36 | Score of 42, no band below 36 | Score of 42, no band below 36 | |
| LanguageCert | B1 Achiever IESOL (LRWS) with Pass; no skill below Pass | B2 Communicator IESOL (LRWS) with Pass; no skill below Pass | B2 Communicator IESOL (LRWS) with High Pass; no skill below Pass | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE I, no band below Distinction | ISE II, no band below Pass | ISE II, no band below Merit | |
| NZCEL (expiring) | Level 3 (General) or (Workplace) | Level 3 (Academic) | Level 4 (General) or (Workplace) | |
| NZCEL (current) | Level 3 (General) | Level 3 (Applied) | Level 4 (General) or (Employment) |
Full guidance on applying these English language entry requirements is published by NZQA.
Address
Where Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is based, taken directly from the Ministry of Education's own address record for this provider.
- Street20 Bell Street
- SuburbNew Plymouth Central
- CityNew Plymouth
- Postcode4340
- Territorial authorityNew Plymouth District
- RegionTaranaki Region
No coordinates are published for tertiary providers in this dataset, so no map is shown here.
Contact Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
Find the published contact details for Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, including its phone number, website and other available contact information.
- Phone0800 948 869
- Emailinfo@witt.ac.nz
- Fax06-7578261
- Websitewww.witt.ac.nz
Contact details combine official Ministry of Education records with information published on Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki's own website, reviewed by the KuraData team on 14 September 2026.
Other institutes of technology & polytechnics in New Zealand
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Unitec Mount Albert
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Universal College of Learning (UCOL) Palmerston North CBD
-
Waikato Institute of Technology Hamilton Central
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Whitireia Community Polytechnic Porirua Central
Admissions and Application
The source material does not describe a general admissions or application process with specific steps, deadlines, or required documents. The only concrete entry requirements stated relate to specific funding schemes.
For the Youth Guarantee Scheme, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Aged 16 to 24
- Not previously studied at a tertiary institute (prior STAR enrolment does not disqualify)
- Prepared to study full-time for one year
- Meet the entry criteria for the chosen programme
- Be a New Zealand citizen or resident
- Attend an interview to explain motivation to study
Places in the Youth Guarantee Scheme and certain scholarships are limited and allocated on a first-in, first-served basis. StudyLink applications are noted to take time to process. WITT advises students to enrol as soon as a programme choice is made.
International Scholarships
WITT offers partial tuition scholarships to international students enrolling in specific programmes. The following scholarships are available, listed by programme area:
- New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy — $1,500
- New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy — $1,500
- Bachelor of Applied Management — $2,500
- New Zealand Diploma in Business (Accounting) — $2,000
- New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management) — $2,000
- Masters of Professional Practice — $1,000
- New Zealand Certificate in Cookery — $1,000
- New Zealand Diploma in Professional Cookery — $1,000
- Bachelor of Design and Arts — $2,500
- New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design — $1,500
- Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Highways) — $1,000
- Certificate in Exercise — $1,500
- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways — $500
- New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Farming) — $1,000
- New Zealand Certificate in Conservation (Operations) — $1,000
The Bachelor of Nursing, New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing, and New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) with strand in Mental Health and Addiction Support are listed under the Nursing and Wellness category but do not have a scholarship value specified.
Accommodation
WITT offers several accommodation options for students, ranging from on-campus residential living to private arrangements in New Plymouth.
Te Henui Lodge
Te Henui Lodge is an on-campus residential facility providing apartment-style rooms. Lodge managers live on-site. Shared facilities include a large commercial-standard kitchen, TV room with satellite TV, lounge areas, coin-operated laundry, and on-site car parking. Security cameras are in operation and access is by swipe card.
Each room includes an ensuite bathroom, queen bed, fridge, wardrobe, study desk, central heating, and all linen. Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost. Rooms are not serviced.
Pricing is as follows:
| Room type | Cost per week |
|---|---|
| Single fully furnished room | $280 |
| Double furnished room | $380 |
Cost does not include food, Wi-Fi, or laundry. On arrival, residents must pay four weeks' bond plus one week's rent in advance. Residents must be aged 18 or older; the lodge is not suitable for families.
To apply, email [email protected] or call the Lodge Manager on +64 6 758 0431. International students are advised to inquire about availability before arriving in New Zealand.
Other accommodation options
The following options are available in New Plymouth for students who arrange their own accommodation:
- Backpackers — shared or private rooms priced from approximately $30–$70 per night. Named options in New Plymouth include Ariki Backpackers and Ducks & Drakes Backpackers.
- Motels and hotels — rates range from $85 to $139 per night depending on location and room type.
- Homestay — living with a local family; this is a requirement for international students under 18 years of age.
International students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation before arriving in New Zealand and must submit an International Student Arrival Form so that a free shuttle pickup to their local address can be arranged.
Campus Facilities
WITT's main campus in New Plymouth includes the following named facilities:
- Garage Café — located below Impressions Restaurant at the end of the Hospitality Building (E Block); offers takeaway coffee and food, with a weekly-changing lunch menu
- Impressions Restaurant — located at the end of the Hospitality Building (E Block); bookings are recommended due to limited tables
- Industrie Hair and Beauty Salon — located on the ground floor of A Block, 20 Bell Street, Welbourn; appointments can be made by phone or email
- Mātātoa Gym — requires a health and safety induction before joining
Library Learning Hub
WITT's Library Learning Hub is located on the first floor of B Block on the New Plymouth campus and is also accessible online for off-campus students.
Learning Advisors and Librarians offer support in areas including time management, research skills, database access, assignment writing, note-taking, exam preparation, and referencing.
Opening hours for the Library Learning Hub are:
| Period | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Term Time | Monday, Thursday & Friday | 9.00am – 1.00pm |
| Term Time | Tuesday & Wednesday | 9.00am – 6.00pm |
| Term Break | Monday – Friday | 10.00am – 1.00pm |
Library resources are also available through the WITT Library website.
Curated by the KuraData team from Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki's own website, reviewed 14 September 2026.
Data source
- SourceTertiary Providers Directory — Ministry of Education
- KuraData last checked6 September 2026
- Editorial content based onWestern Institute of Technology at Taranaki's official website — reviewed 14 September 2026