New Zealand Education

Maori childrend in traditional costumeNew Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education within a safe learning environment. Programmes offered to international students are subject to audit and scrutiny by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

The academic year in New Zealand is usually on a two-semester basis: February to June and from July to December. There is a wide range of programs and courses of study available from the following education providers within the country. Courses of study are available for academic, professional and vocational.

UNIVERSITIES

New Zealand universities are research based and government owned. They offer courses from certificate level to doctorates.

Entry Requirements for Degree Courses:
  • English requirement: minimum IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 550 (Some courses require higher scores)
  • Equivalent university entrance from an acceptable overseas institution
  • Pass a 1 - year University Preparation Studies Course, equivalent to year 13
  • Pass a 1 - year University Preparation Foundation Program

INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY AND POLYTECHNICS

Students at a park
  • New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics are government owned, and offer courses that are equivalent in merit to those offered in New Zealand universities. Courses range from certificate level with some offering full degree and postgraduate level studies courses.

PRIVATE TRAINING ESTABLISHMENTS

Private Training Establishments must be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Courses Offered include
  • English Language study
  • English for Academic Purposes [EAP]
  • IELTS Preparation
  • Business English Certificates
  • University Preparation Foundation Courses
  • National Diplomas
  • Vocational Courses

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

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)

Note: National Technology Institute is a registered Private Training Establishment.

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