StudY at SPBC

Here's how past graduates describe their time at SPBC. (Also read our Graduate Stories).

• • • “These have been two of the best years of my life. Even though there have been some tough times, this place is like a refuge. It has transformed my thinking, and has made me see much clearer, for the better. The staff-student relationship is really good, and the calibre of lecturers is amazing.”
      - Michael, New Zealand

• • • “I didn’t imagine my whole view of Christianity and God would be expanded and challenged so much. The classes bring out the practical application of Scripture, and the staff are really encouraging and push us to grow spiritually. Studying here takes the words of the Bible from being just a story, and shows how it impacts my life.”
      - Katie, Australia

• • • “The academic quality is excellent. It’s very spiritually enriching: I’m inspired to do better.”
      - Rafe, Philippines

• • • “I strongly believe this time has trained me to achieve my goals, and to be prepared with the knowledge and experience of what my work with the church will be when I return home to Fiji. It’s been a renewing of my spiritual life and my physical life. SPBC will be in my heart forever.”
      - Bobby, Fiji

• • • “The classes I’ve taken have been very valuable, helping me identify and focus on my strengths, and learn more about the situations I’ll encounter if I’m working for churches.”
      - Bonnie, China

Career Pathways

Many potential employment pathways exist for SPBC graduates, including positions in Christian and church leadership, chaplaincy, missions, non-profit organisations, ministry, and religious education.

Alumni also describe the positive impact of their SPBC education on secular career paths. Their character development, ability to relate to others, and increased clarity about God's will for them, have provided opportunities for career progression and greater depth of purpose while working in roles as diverse as builders, lawyers, and many things besides! Likewise, they have been equipped to serve voluntarily in community services and/or ministry, alongside their careers.

Educational Pathways

SPBC diplomas staircase into further study, with some graduates going on to complete bachelors or masters level study in theology, ministry or related areas.

Graduates may apply to some universities and Private Training Establishments for credit against semester hours or units. Such institutions may include:

• Otago University, NZ

• Bethlehem Institute, NZ

• Laidlaw College, NZ

• Abilene Christian University, Texas, USA

• Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma, USA

More information on potential pathways is available from the Dean of Academics, David Nelson: dnelson@spbc.org.nz. 

Accreditation 

The South Pacific Bible College is registered as a Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 1990. All of our qualifications are accredited by NZQA.

We hold a Category 1 rating from NZQA, the highest rating possible from the New Zealand government, indicating our ability to deliver these qualifications. NZQA's latest External Evaluation Review (EER) found SPBC to be highlight confident in educational performance, and highly confident capability in self-assessment. Click here for NZQA's full EER report.

Code of Practice for the Wellbeing of Tertiary and International Learners

The South Pacific Bible College is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. The code supports the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers. 

You can read the code on the NZQA website, or ask us for a copy.

You can read SPBC's self-review report here. For more information on SPBC's commitment to the code, see our Prospectus.

Professional Affiliation

SPBC is a member of Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ) and the Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES).