Study In New Zealand

New Zealand education system is broadly divided into five sectors:

New Zealand education system reflects unique and diverse society. New Zealand welcomes different abilities, religious beliefs, ethnic groups, income levels and ideas about teaching and learning. New Zealand has processes in place to give students consistent, high-quality education at all levels.

Early Childhood Education

New Zealand has more than 4000 licensed early childhood education services available, including kindergartens, childcare centres, play centres, home-based care and playgroups. Children can take part in early childhood education (ECE) from birth to school entry age. ECE is not compulsory but around 95% of children go to an ECE service.

Primary Schools

New Zealand education which has been ranked 7th best in the world follows the model of primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary education. From age 6 to 16 schooling is compulsory. In an unusual twist, a student living over 5 kilometres from their nearest school may opt for distance learning. Most children enter primary school at age 5 where they remain for 6 years.

Intermediate Schools

Intermediate schools are a bridge between primary school and secondary school. New Zealand Encourage intermediate school students to develop and grow in their personal relationships with christ. They believe in the importance of teaching and the students to reach outside themselves and help and encourage others. During their intermediate year, students will have an opportunity to ‘buddy’ with the younger children, a valuable way of teaching students the importance of serving others and taking responsibility as role models. They also encourage students to be involved with worship by being part of the assembly band among other outreach opportunities.

Secondary Schools

In New Zealand students must attend school until they are 16 years old. Study at secondary school begins when students are 12 or 13 years old and lasts for about five years. Secondary school is also known as high school or college. Most secondary schools in New Zealand are state-owned, and teach a nationally set curriculum. There are also privately owned secondary schools. Most privately owned schools are based on specific philosophic or religious traditions. New Zealand’s secondary schools offer national qualifications that are recognised by tertiary institutions in New Zealand and internationally. In New Zealand, all national secondary qualifications are monitored and checked by government and sector agencies.

Territory Education

Territory education includes higher and vocational education. Courses range from programs to help students into work, to certificates and diplomas, to postgraduate study and research. Full and part time distance learning options are also available from some further education providers. Tertiary education system is broadly divided into:

Universities

There are eight public universities in New Zealand, which offer undergraduate (bachelor) and postgraduate degrees. Universities are teaching and research-based. Five were listed in the 2013/2014 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics

New Zealand has 22 Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics. Courses are usually vocational and skills-based, ranging from certificate level through to bachelor degree and postgraduate level. Helps you to choose from a wide range of qualifications and get the skills you need to work in the industry you want.

Private Tertiary and Training Providers

There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including the arts, hospitality, computer studies, quality management, ecotourism and others. More than 800 such establishments are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. About a quarter of these are Maori owned and operated.

Study English

Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programs. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and stimulating activity of students’ choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and courses to help prepare students for IELTS testing. Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.