When considering art schools, students should evaluate their commitment levels. Many non-traditional schools and community colleges offer affordable, short-term options for those looking to make art and design a part of their lives but not necessarily a career. In addition to shorter-term courses, community colleges generally offer full certificate, diploma, and undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.
The art and design departments of traditional universities are often among the most reputable, which is a benefit for students who want the experience of a four-year school. For students focused solely on art, New Zealand has a few art schools that offer a spectrum of diplomas and degrees. Though cost can be a hindrance to students enrolling in any art program, most schools offer scholarships.
The following schools offer instruction without the traditional restrictions of earning credits toward a degree or diploma.
Artstation, in Auckland, is a city-funded art center that provides classes for adults, teens and children. A nine-session class generally costs under $300 NZD, and subjects range from silkscreen to flax weaving.
Bramly Art and Creative School, also in Auckland, offers evening classes for adults. Many courses last nine weeks and cost less than $500 NZD.
The Learning Connexion, in Wellington, offers preview workshops, short classes and university-level diplomas and Certificates of Art and Creativity. Students benefit from correspondence courses and critiques in place of examinations.
Waikato Society of Arts Art School, in Hamilton, offers eight-week classes beginning at $100 NZD and grants a 15 percent discount to WSA members.
Wharepuke Print Studio, in Kerikeri, is set in the Wharepuke Subtropical Garden and provides classes in non-toxic printmaking techniques.
Costs for many programs depend on degree requirements and current tuition. The following schools provide a range of certificates, diplomas and degrees in multiple areas of visual art and design. Many also offer affordable and short, non-degree/diploma classes:
Auckland University of Technology School of Art and Design
Christchurch Polytechnic School of Art and Design, Christchurch
Manukau School of Visual Arts, Auckland
Natcoll Design Technology, with campuses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin
Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton
Whitireia Community Polytechnic School of Visual Art and Design, Porirua.
Again, for the following programs, costs depend on degree requirements and current tuition:
Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, Auckland
Massey University College of Design, Fine Arts, and Music; campuses in Manatau, Albany, Wellington
School of Design at the Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
School of Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
These schools offer a spectrum of certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and graduate degrees. Unlike traditional and community colleges, the only programs offered are in art and design.
Design and Arts College of New Zealand, Christchurch
SAE Institute, Auckland
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Auckland.
These schools offer instruction only in a particular area of art and design.
Toihoukura Visual Art and Design School, Gisborne: Specializes in traditional and contemporary Maori art and design.
Gisborne Tairawhiti Polytechnic Art and Design, Gisborne: Specializes in Maori art and design, including weaving and other crafts.
Freelance Animation School, Auckland: Began as a studio, and first took on students to complete in "Tiny Toons," by Steven Spielberg.
Media Design School, Auckland: Specializes in design and programming of digital media, including games and advertisements.