WHY STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and about 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools. Safe, friendly and welcoming, New Zealand is a natural playground full of opportunities for unique experiences. Learn more about working while studying, where to stay, the cost of living and the best places to visit. The New Zealand government has strong quality assurance systems to ensure high-quality education at all levels of the education system, both public and private. New Zealand government agencies monitor the quality of all areas of the education system.
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 2015/16 QS World University Rankings, all eight 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.
- All of the eight universities are in the top 3% in the World.
- Qualifications are recognized and respected globally.
- We're the world's second most peaceful country (Global Peace Index, 2017). Study in a peaceful, politically-stable country with some of the world's lowest rates of corruption.
- You may be able to support your studies with paid work. A part-time job gives you valuable experience of the New Zealand workplace.
- New Zealanders are welcoming, friendly and respectful of other cultures.
- If you're a PhD student, you'll pay the same tuition fees as New Zealanders. You can also work full-time while completing your studies.
- Studying in New Zealand is an opportunity for personal growth and development. You’ll set yourself up for a successful future.
Quality and Standards
New Zealand government agencies monitor the quality of all areas of the education system. This ensures students gain the skills they need and obtain qualifications that are relevant and good value for money.
Agencies responsible for quality assurance include:
- The Ministry of Education, which develops education goals and curriculum for primary and secondary schools
- the Education Review Office, which checks the quality of education and student support in primary and secondary schools
- the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, which ensures the qualifications offered by secondary schools and non-university tertiary institutions are regarded in New Zealand and around the world as credible and robust
- the Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, which is responsible for maintaining professional standards for primary and secondary school teachers. The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) has 10 levels and covers a range of qualifications, from certificates to doctoral degrees.
- Any programme you’re considering studying in New Zealand should tell you which level of the NZQF you’d achieve when you graduated, as well as which qualification you’d obtain.
The NZQF levels are:
- levels 1-4, which cover the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - the main qualification in secondary schools - and basic trades training
- levels 5-6, which cover advanced trades, technical and business qualifications
- levels 7-10, which cover degrees, graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
Ready for Career Success
Employers around the world welcome graduates of our education system because of their strong academic qualifications, practical skills and ability to think critically and creatively. From the moment they graduate, our graduates are ready to take their place in the global jobs marketplace. The New Zealand education system is government regulated and has strong quality assurance systems. You can be certain of gaining a high-quality education that will improve your job prospects in the global marketplace.
Prepare your child to study in New Zealand
Here are a few points you’ll need to consider before your child embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.
- Find a school or other educational institution, or talk to your local education agency
- Complete the visa requirements
- Budget for course fees and living expenses
- Complete the visa requirements
- Arrange insurance
- Choose accommodation. Options include living with a family in a homestay, flatting or a hall of residence (hostel)
- Book flight tickets
- Decide how to stay in touch. If you’re not coming to New Zealand with your child, familiarise yourself with communications tools such Skype and WhatsApp
