Study abroad in New Zealand

More about New Zealand

New Zealand is a land of two major islands and many contrasts: mountains on the interior, large cities along the beautiful coastline, and so much to offer for those who love the outdoors.

Higher Education in New Zealand

New Zealand education is currently ranked as number 7 in the world. Higher education in New Zealand is largely based on the British system, so school qualifications gained in New Zealand can be easily transferred between New Zealand, the UK and Australia. All education institutions must be accredited through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

New Zealand's higher education schools are split into:

• Universities: government-funded, often research-based universities provide undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs with a full range of education subjects and specialised courses.

• Polytechnics and institutes of technology: government-funded, vocation-oriented schools with a practical approach to learning. Students may choose education courses toward earning a certificate, diploma, or degree.

• 

  Colleges of education: government-funded teacher training schools, internationally recognized for quality education, sometimes operating from within universities.

• Private training providers: an alternative, vocation-oriented study option which offers training in a specific education subject including art, hospitality, computer sciences, or cooking with the aim to gain qualified employment after graduation.

The New Zealand Academic Year

The school year in New Zealand corresponds to the calendar year starting in late February/ early March and ending in October. Some universities may offer summer school courses and the possibility to start university in July. In general, the education system is based on two semesters.

Degree structure in New Zealand

The degree structure within higher education in New Zealand corresponds very closely to the British system from certificate to doctorate. The complete span is only offered at university institutions. Polytechnics and institutes of technology generally start at certificate level and run up to postgraduate education courses. Private training usually offers certificate and diploma qualifications.

A Bachelors degree generally takes 3 to 4 years to complete. After this, students can enter a postgraduate education course and earn a Graduate diploma, Master Degree or Doctorate. Masters degrees take 1 to 2 years to complete and require a higher level of study. Further research leads to a doctorate.

Cost of Education

The cost of education in New Zealand is primarily funded by the government, but students pay about 25% of schooling costs. These costs depend on the education course, which can be anywhere from NZ$3,000 to $10,000. Student loans are available from the government to help pay education costs.

Entry Requirements

Entry into undergraduate education in New Zealand  requires a high school diploma equivalent to the education provided in New Zealand. In some cases, the institution may need the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to assess the student’s qualifications. This costs NZ$450 and takes up to 8 weeks.

For Postgraduate education, the same applies to translation and assessment, although most countries with a similar degree structure will be acceptable for entry. Students generally need a bachelors degree within the same field.

The other main requirement for education in New Zealand is proof of English proficiency, whether through previous English-speaking education or a TOEFL test result of 550 (paper based) or equivalent.

Education in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity to pursue a university or other school degree in a beautiful, secluded country.