A head start on life at university
With high school leavers across Aotearoa set to receive their NCEA results next week, AUT’s message for Māori, Pacific and other students is that a tertiary education is within reach via AUT’s pathway into university programme, UniPrep.
Over the past 10 years, UniPrep has supported more than 2,500 school leavers into university, with course cohorts averaging 77% Pacific, 11% Māori and 7% Asian participants each year.
Held at the University’s South Campus in Manukau from January 18 to February 23, 2024, UniPrep is specifically designed to prepare and support Māori, Pacific and other high school leavers in their transition to becoming successful university students.
AUT’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Pacific, Jacoba Matapo says, “AUT understands that it can be an anxious time for school leavers while they wait for their NCEA results and think about what their future options could be in this important next stage of their lives.
“We want to let them know that if they are keen to get a tertiary education, UniPrep will give them a strong head start on transitioning into university before the first semester begins. The course includes academic workshops, diverse social and cultural activities, course and career counselling, support and resources, and engagement opportunities for whānau.”
It also provides them with an established support network of peers, friends and AUT staff members from day one at university.
“To the parents of school leavers, if your child studied NCEA Level 3 in their 2023 school year and they are thinking about university study, we are encouraging them to get their applications for UniPrep in asap as places are limited,” Jacoba says.
“Doing UniPrep will be an invaluable first step on your child’s tertiary education journey which we know will significantly benefit them, your whānau and wider community significantly over their lifetime.
“Similarly, we are aware that there are many talented, potential UniPrep students in our communities who might be the first in their families to have the opportunity to pursue a tertiary education and you will likely have lots of questions about what is involved. Please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss your concerns – whatever they may be, we are here to help.
“We are proud to say UniPrep is a safe, culturally inclusive environment that welcomes school leavers to South Campus and makes sure they feel a strong sense of belonging.”
The course has a high academic success rate; on average 90% over the past five years.
“The high success rate shows us that in the right learning and teaching environments, which honour the cultural backgrounds and experiences of our students, our students thrive.”
UniPrep is currently covered by the New Zealand government’s Fees Free tertiary education initiative for eligible school leavers.
About the programme
- UniPrep 2024 takes place at AUT’s South Campus in Manukau from 10am to 3pm, four days per week from 18 January until 23 February 2024
- For any questions, contact the AUT UniPrep team on 0800 288 864 (outside NZ: +64 9219779) or via email: uniprep@aut.ac.nz