Dual Enrolment programmes
Dual Enrolment programmes are a great way to earn NCEA credits and get a feel for tertiary study, while you’re still at school.
By gaining industry-based skills at Ara, you can move ahead faster into higher-level study, an apprenticeship or employment.
As a dual enrolment student, you'll be enrolled at secondary school and Ara at the same time. For the duration of the school year, you’ll spend one to two days per week at Ara, and the rest of the week at school with your friends doing your normal school activities. You’ll have access to both school and tertiary support services, which helps with a smoother transition into the workplace or education beyond school.
Dual Enrolment programmes are delivered in a variety of flexible ways that can be negotiated with your school to best meet your needs. Even better, they’re free if you're in Years 11, 12 or 13.
Please note: The application deadline for 2025 has now passed. For any enquiries about Dual Enrolment for 2025, please contact engagement@ara.ac.nz.
*Places are limited and funding is dependent on availability. Some courses may incur costs, depending on the learner’s eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dual Enrolment is a combination of secondary school and tertiary education. Dual Enrolment students attend Ara one or two days a week and spend the rest of the week at school doing their normal school activities. Students earn NCEA credits and gain skills in a subject or field that they’re interested in, which helps them move ahead faster into an apprenticeship, higher-level study or employment.
Most Ara Dual Enrolment programmes start in February. They’re the same length as the school year, with the same holidays.
To be eligible for a Dual Enrolment programme you must be in Year 11, 12 or 13 at a secondary school and be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a visa that allows you to be enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school.
If there’s a Dual Enrolment course you’d like to do, discuss it with your school. They’ll need to work out how to fit it into your school schedule, and how many subjects you’d continue to take at school while you’re attending Ara.
Applications for 2025 Dual Enrolment programmes open on 2 September and close on 27 September. Places are limited and funding is dependent on availability.
First talk to your school’s careers advisor or with an Ara representative. Then, complete the Dual Enrolment application form and 'Personal statement and student contract'. Return these to your school who will attach the high school endorsement form (available on our website) and get your identification documents verified. Your school then sends your application to enrolmentsupport@ara.ac.nz.