Unlocking the potential of higher education for its learners, UP Education is a leading independent tertiary provider in Australasia. Known for delivering high-quality, skills-based education for diverse groups of learners, UP Education equips learners to succeed in a dynamic employment market.
With over 39,000 students across New Zealand and Australia each year, UP Education effectively meets learner and industry needs. It operates a range of high-performing tertiary education institutions, including NZMA, Yoobee College of Creative Innovation and the New Zealand School of Tourism.
UP Education also partners with the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology and Victoria University of Wellington, to prepare international students for a successful transition into New Zealand’s world-renowned universities.
Its continued innovation in the tertiary sector has resulted in the establishment of its newest training facility, Builders Academy New Zealand, a joint venture with the country’s largest building association, Registered Master Builders. The partnership aims to increase choice of training providers for aspiring carpentry apprentices and help address national skills shortages in the building and construction sector.
International students make up about 26 percent of UP Education’s enrolments, benefiting from its accessible foundational studies programmes and partnerships, which facilitate a smooth transition from academic theory to practical job opportunities. This is made possible through their personalised teaching approaches and wraparound support services, from English-language to additional learning and wellbeing support, to help students reach their individual education and career goals.
To enhance UP Education’s appeal to international students, it joined the FernMark Licence Programme in 2022. Three of its registered independent tertiary providers all carry the national symbol:
- UP International College
- Yoobee Colleges Limited – Includes: Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, New Zealand School of Tourism, Elite School of Beauty and Spa, and Cut Above Academy.
- New Zealand Management Academies Limited – Includes: NZMA, New Zealand School of Tourism and The Culinary Collective.
“When the FernMark Licence Programme expanded to include the education sector, it made good business sense for UP Education to proudly associate ourselves with this symbol,” says UP Education Associate Director, International Marketing and Product Sales, Gary Li.
“New Zealand’s education sector is globally recognised as a hub of innovation and creativity. It was clear that UP Education would benefit from the support of this powerful brand in international markets.”
“As a foreigner myself, I was aware of the FernMark and recognised its power as a symbol of quality, transparency, and care.”
UP Education ensures culturally inclusive curriculums, learning materials and campuses – encapsulating the values of New Zealand. As kaitiaki (carer) for its students, it supports students and employees from diverse backgrounds.
After recently partnering NZMA with Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland, UP Education has established a marae-based trades training campus to serve local iwi and the wider West Auckland community. The partnership has seen in-demand vocational education blended with tikanga Māori.
Li adds, “We recognise it’s not only our local learners who value Te Ao Māori, but our international learners seeking exposure to New Zealand’s rich culture.”
“Students come here because the education sector feels different to those overseas. We’re welcoming, accepting, and above all, we’re whānau,” he says.
Promoting trust as a symbol of New Zealand and its values, the FernMark has enhanced UP Education’s credibility through alignment with government.
“There is a clear alignment between the FernMark and our promise of a quality education experience that’s practical, fulfilling, and culturally enriching,” Li says.
With the support of the FernMark, UP Education is keen to expand into new markets such as the Philippines, Latin America, South Africa, the Middle East, and Scandinavia.
By joining the FernMark Licence Programme, UP Education is enhancing its commitment to productivity, industry partnerships, community engagement, while delivering value to its learners.