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guide_to_new_zealand Education system & qualifications

Education system & qualifications

In New Zealand, students are taught in an English-speaking environment. You will share classes with New Zealanders and be encouraged to participate in all aspects of learning. New Zealand operates a British-based system that’s recognised overseas, so you can move between institutions in New Zealand or other English-speaking countries while you study.

Universities

  • New Zealand universities are research based and state owned
  • They offer courses from certificate level through to doctorates
  • The academic year is from March to November
  • A July start date may be available for some courses
  • Summer semester courses (January to March) may be available

Institutes of technology and polytechnics

  • New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics are state owned
  • New Zealand ITPs offer courses that are equivalent in merit to those offered in New Zealand universities
  • ITPs offer courses from certificate level with some offering full degree and postgraduate level studies
  • The academic year is from March to November – a July start date may be available for some courses

Colleges of education

Most have merged with their regional university so course content and start dates will be in line with the university’s.

Private Training Providers (PTEs)

  • There are many throughout New Zealand 
  • Some PTEs run courses in a particular discipline, such as business or travel and tourism 
  • All are all required to be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • Most run on a timetable similar to state tertiary institutions

English language providers

  • Most tertiary and private English language providers have flexible start dates throughout the year
  • Many international students enrol in English for Academic Study courses prior to formal academic studies 
  • Special English language courses are available throughout the year, and range from 4 weeks to 12 months
  • Students who are competent in English often do short-term foundation studies or pre-university orientation studies

Foundation studies

  • Many universities and some secondary schools offer foundation studies
  • These are generally an introduction to the New Zealand education system and courses
  • They are useful for students considering tertiary education

Secondary schools and colleges

  • Most New Zealand secondary schools are state owned
  • Some are private or integrated (half state funded) and may be single-sex or affiliated to a particular religion
  • New Zealand secondary schools are typically for students aged 13 to 19 (Years 9 to 13)
  • Students in Years 11 to 13 study towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
  • The academic year runs from February to mid-December with breaks in April, July and September

Enrolment