Education System In New Zealand

New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) which have been unified into the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), and about 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools.

Choose the type of institution that’s best for your career path:

• Universities offer higher degree-level education. Programmes are research-led and generally academic rather than vocational. In the 2020 QS World University Rankings, seven of New Zealand’s universities were in the top 100 in at least one subject.
• ITPs and a few larger PTEs offer vocational degree-level education.
• PTEs tend to offer specific vocational programmes, mainly at certificate and diploma level.

New Zealand has three types of school:

• state schools, where 85% of Kiwi children go
• state-integrated schools, which may be run by a religious faith or use specialist teaching methods
• private schools.

Students at secondary schools - also known as high schools or colleges - work towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Secondary schools also offer some vocational subjects, such as tourism and computing.

Some schools also offer Cambridge International Examinations and International Baccalaureate programmes.

The education system in New Zealand is enormously diverse and one of the best in the world, maintaining excellent standards in literacy, mathematics and sciences and ranking well consistently by global standards.

New Zealand education is also becoming increasingly international, influenced by wide employment markets and an increasingly mobile network of teaching staff, researchers and a well-travelled population of students.

How it works

New Zealand’s education system has three levels – early childhood, school and university. Students can progress through a variety of flexible pathways in the system, supported by a range of institutions that offer a variety of courses and programs. University is the highest level of education and qualifications at all levels are governed to ensure students gain a relevant and meaningful qualification.

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Students attend university to undertake bachelor degrees or postgraduate courses (including certificate, postgraduate diploma, master and doctoral programs). Vocational courses focus on practical skills and industry training. Vocational training courses are offered in government-funded institutions, including TAFE (Technical and Further Education), or other private institutions. Many colleges offer students credit towards university courses.

Qualifications framework

The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is the core of the education system. All qualifications are listed on this framework, assuring quality that is recognised and trusted worldwide.

Fees and scholarships

New Zealand is an ideal place to enjoy a world-class education and outstanding quality of life, but there are several expenses to consider before you study in New Zealand.

Tuition fees for international students vary according to the type and length of the course. Each university in New Zealand sets its own tuition fees, depending on subject and level of study. The average undergraduate (bachelor) degree costs between NZ$22, 000 to NZ$30,000 a year. The average postgraduate degree costs between NZ$25,000 and NZ$35,000 a year.

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Frequently Asked Questions