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 recognized 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 runs 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 enroll 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