Study in New Zealand

NZ Education System

The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes: 

  •        -Primary and intermediate schools
  •        -Secondary schools (High schools) 
  •        -Tertiary education (Universities and Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics)
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  • Schooling is compulsory from age 6–16 in New Zealand. 

 

Tertiary education in New Zealand is used to describe all aspects of post-school education and training. This ranges from informal non-assessed community courses in schools through to undergraduate degrees, post graduate  degrees and advanced  research-based doctoral studies. Tertiary education is regulated by the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training. Secondary and tertiary qualifications that come under the NZQF guarantee quality assurance and global recognition.

The NZQF is divided into 10 levels, and covers a range of qualifications from certificates to doctoral degrees. The levels are based on the complexity of the learning involved. A Level 1 certificate is the least complex. At secondary school, students work towards NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement), which covers levels 1 to 3 of the NZQF.

After secondary school, students who want to continue their study at a tertiary level can choose from a number of education options ranging from universities, Institute of technology (polytechnics) and private training establishments. Students may need to finish secondary school to study at this level.

 

Tertiary education in New Zealand 

New Zealand universities and institute of technology & polytechnics (ITP’s) consistently rank among the best in the world. The institutions have a well-balanced curriculum with equal weighting on practical and theoretical knowledge. The number of students per classrooms is often smaller than other western countries, allowing for more personalised attention. In addition to all the above New Zealand offers a very supportive environment for its international students

For more details see: NZQA