New Zealand welcomes international students into all sectors of education.
Primary, intermediate and secondary schools provide education for children from age 5 to 18. Although most New Zealand children start school at 5, it is not compulsory to start primary school education until age 6. Most schools are state funded. However there are also a number of schools that have a special character or religious traditions – these are private (non state funded) or integrated (receive some state funding).
Tertiary education is available through:
• Universities
• Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs)
• Private training establishments (PTEs).
Students will find English language training at specialist language schools, most secondary schools, private training providers, institutes of technology and polytechnics and universities.
The following chart shows the New Zealand education system and study pathway options.
Primary School is for students aged 5 – 10.
All New Zealand primary and intermediate schools are listed on the Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) – The Online Learning centre website, www.tki.org.nz/e/schools. However not all primary schools accept international students. Those that do enrol international students can be found by searching:
• the Code of Practice list on www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international (Signatories to the Code of Practice)
• www.newzealandeducated.com – institution & courses (institution type)
New Zealand children can attend a range of pre-school options from age 3, which helps them prepare for school education.
The New Zealand government has established National Standards for the assessment of children’s progress through Years 1 - 8 in reading, writing and mathematics. Schools report to parents in writing at least twice a year on their child’s progress and achievement in these areas (and others). This gives parents a clear idea of where their children are in their learning and what they will be studying next. National Standards are directly related to the New Zealand Curriculum (see The New Zealand Education System – Schools:)
Many children go to intermediate school for Years 7 – 8 (age 11 – 12) as a step before secondary school. Some primary schools also offer intermediate education and some secondary schools start earlier at year 7.
There are about 400 secondary schools in New Zealand. They are sometimes called colleges, grammar schools or high schools.
Students are offered a range of subjects, starting from a base core in the early years and specialising in the later years.
New Zealand’s national qualification for senior secondary school students is the National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA): Levels 1 – 3.
| Years 9 and 10 | study base core of subjects (English, Maths, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Health and Physical Education, the Arts) no formal qualification |
| Year 11 | qualification - NCEA Level 1 students begin to specialise but Maths, English and Science are still core subjects |
| Year 12 | qualification - NCEA Level 2 students can choose six subjects but usually must include English |
| Year 13 | qualification - NCEA Level 3 students can study 4-6 subjects that will ideally lead to their chosen tertiary course |
NCEA Levels 1 – 3 are the first three of 10 levels of learning on the National Qualifications Framework (Doctorate study is at level 10.) More information on NCEA qualifications is outlined in Section 3.5 Secondary Qualifications.
There are a large number of English language providers in New Zealand. English language schools are usually either a private school or a school or department joined to a tertiary provider.
English language courses are available throughout the year, and range from 4 weeks to 1 year.
Many international students enrol in preparation courses like English for Academic Purposes (EAP) before they start formal academic programmes. Students who have basic levels of English may enrol in a Foundation Course to prepare them for tertiary academic study before their formal course begins.
There are many private training establishments (PTEs) in New Zealand. They often specialise in a particular area of education like business or tourism. PTEs are run as private businesses though most receive some state funding.
Many PTEs offer English language programmes. They may also offer foundation studies or diploma courses that can lead to university or ITP degree programmes. Some also provide postgraduate study. They follow a similar timetable to other tertiary education providers. Length of study ranges from 1-2 months to 2 years.
All PTEs must be approved and accredited with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority – see www.nzqa.govt.nz – Find Education Providers
There are 18 Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics (ITPs) in New Zealand which offer academic and applied education at all levels. They are all state-funded. Students can choose from certificate (entry) level courses to postgraduate qualifications. These are of equal status to university courses. Learning at an ITP tends to be of a more practical nature.
Features of ITP learning include:
• emphasis on practical and flexible learning – in technical, vocational and professional fields
• strong connections to industry
• extra student support services
• small classes
NZQA is the organisation responsible for quality assurance of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) through processes of:
• course approval and accreditation
• degree monitoring
• periodic external evaluation and review (EER).
See www.itpq.ac.nz
New Zealand has 8 universities. All are state-funded and respected around the world for academic and research success.
New Zealand universities offer:
• Foundation courses (6 months – 1 year)
• Undergraduate degrees (3-4 years)
• Postgraduate programmes (1-3 years)
• PhD doctorate programmes
Universities New Zealand (previously known as The New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee) represents the interests of New Zealand’s 8 universities – Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago. See www.nzvcc.ac.nz