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The New Zealand government provides migrants with a good number of opportunities for further training in either on-the–job skills or enhanced qualifications in the various sectors of business studies, all leading to nationally and often internationally-recognised certificates. The provisions are backed up by a plethora of registered private training institutions offering a wide range of courses aimed at specific qualifications. All private colleges are required to obtain accreditation for their courses from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Enhanced qualifications give a better chance of finding a good job, especially if they are awarded at a higher level. New Zealand's 20 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, (ITPs), offer courses from introductory level to fully recognised degrees, focusing on practical work experience and internships as well as formal study. For those living in remote areas, the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand provides distance learning in a similar manner to Britain's Open University.

Private Training Establishments (PTEs) offer tertiary education courses in sectors such as design, travel and tourism and the English language, backed up by diploma-linked and certificated programmes. Courses vary in length and the educational institutes must be registered with the New Zealand Ministry of Education's Quality Assurance Body (QAB), which regularly audits and inspects all tertiary vocational education providers.

A third option is the industry and government-funded network of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) specialising in job training for various sectors of industry. ITOs focus on improving skills levels across New Zealand's industrial base by providing workers with nationally accepted qualifications. On-the-job training is facilitated, with ITOs also active in contracting tertiary education course providers who offer off-job training.

Another advantage of ongoing skills training via a New Zealand registered course provider is that qualifications gained are recognised in at least 50 other countries, a useful back-up if a job requires occasional work outside New Zealand.

The country is a signatory of the Lisbon Qualification Recognition Convention, an organisation set up to assess and compare worldwide course certification. Other members include the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and most European countries.

New Zealand's vocational training centres attract a high intake of international students as well as migrants aiming to upgrade their qualifications. The country has a reputation for excellence in all forms of education and for its pastoral care of students at all levels, with provisions for international students overseen by the Ministry of Education via its Code of Practice. The Code covers student accommodation, information about courses and personal pastoral care.