Secondary education

From kindergarten to degrees, Manawatū delivers top-tier education and real-world opportunities in one smart, connected region.
For families, the region offers a strong mix of early childhood centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools. Take your pick from rural schools with deep community roots, public schools that punch above their weight, private schools, and boarding schools with global reputations. Education here is high quality, accessible, and tailored to the lifestyle you choose.
When it comes to tertiary study, Manawatū is a national leader. We’re home to world-class institutions like Massey University, UCOL and IPU New Zealand, alongside Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, three Crown Research Institutes, and a strong network of Independent Tertiary Providers delivering specialised training across key industries.
We’re not just about the qualifications – we’re about what comes next. With a thriving economy and key sectors like agrifood, distribution and logistics, defence, health and tech on our doorstep, students here benefit from easy access to internships, research opportunities and meaningful career pathways.
We’re proud to be recognised nationally and internationally for inspiring great minds of the future – and yes, we do have the highest number of PhDs per capita in Aotearoa, including the highest number of Māori doctoral graduates.
In Manawatū, education opens doors and your next one could be right here.