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.
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.
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.
The New Zealand education system is based on the British education model. New Zealand’s higher education programs are well known for their quality of teaching and advanced facilities. The government of New Zealand gas excellent quality assurance systems to monitor and ensure quality education. Students can immensely benefit with their practical oriented education and excellent teaching standards
New Zealand’s Universities and Institutions are internationally recognized and accepted. New Zealand’s qualifications are highly regarded by employers in the world.
All 8 New Zealand Universities have found place in QS World Rankings 2018:
The New Zealand secondary school system starts each year in late January or early February, while vocational and university students start at the end of February/early March. Most secondary schools have three or four terms; universities and vocational colleges have two semesters. Exams are held at the end of each semester (June and November), with 2-4 week breaks between each semester and a longer break over the summer from November/December to February. In some instances, you may be able to choose a course that offers a summer program, which means you can do a third semester in the year.
Students want to work while studying to meet their living expenses and get experience. Students studying in New Zealand can work while studying. With student visa, students can work 20 hours weekly during the study and full time during scheduled holidays. There are many part-time opportunities available in sectors like retail, hospitality, banking, finance etc. Some students find a part-time job in their specific university.
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.
