INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
(NEW ZEALAND)
THINK EDUCATION THINK NEW ZEALAND
Start your education journey today
WHY NEW ZEALAND ?
A world-class education and an unforgettable adventure
New Zealand is one of the world’s best places to live and study. Discover our internationally-renowned education system and unbeatable lifestyle.
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.
New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 3% in the world.*
*QS World University Rankings
Leading the way through academic excellence, individual thought and global connections.
The benefits of New Zealand universities
Quality and rankings
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All New Zealand universities are ranked amongst the world’s best by QS World University Rankings.
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Our universities rank in the world’s top 100 in 65 subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings.
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The OECD 2013 Better Life Index rates NZ as a "top performing country" for the quality of its education system.
Qualifications to take you further
Highly sought after qualifications
The qualifications you’ll gain in New Zealand are highly regarded and sought-after by employers and other educational institutions around the world.
Gain the skills that will open doors
When you study in New Zealand, you learn beyond your subject. You’ll become a confident, critical and creative thinker. These skills are highly prized by employers worldwide.
Global recognition
As a member of the Lisbon Qualification Recognition Convention, New Zealand qualifications are recognised in over 50 countries.
Pathway to Employment
Get ahead of the competition
New Zealand bachelor degrees listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework are widely recognised in the international job market and for postgraduate study.
When you graduate, you’ll be very employable
New Zealand education focuses on real-world skills, giving you the skills you’ll need to succeed in the global workforce. You can also further your research in New Zealand.
Your skills will be valued
Employers value New Zealand graduates’ ability to think independently, find solutions and solve problems. Many New Zealand employers are actively seeking skilled professionals in specific areas of demand. If you complete a qualification in one of these areas, you may be able to apply for a Post-study work or skilled migrant visa.
You’re always welcome here
Friendly locals
New Zealanders are known for welcoming people from other cultures and countries. With our safe and tolerant environment you’ll feel right at home here right away.
You’re welcome to stay
Many students choose to stay in New Zealand after their study; either to work, live, study further, or just enjoy the beautiful landscape and great lifestyle.
International Connections
Over 20,000 international students choose New Zealand universities from some 160 countries. Join student networks and make international connections for life.
Student Stories
Give your child the experience of a lifetime
Give your child the opportunity to gain a world-class education, make lifelong friendships and learn new ways of thinking.
Education System
Students in New Zealand are supported to solve problems, process information, work with others, create and innovate. Whichever level you’re studying at, New Zealand can give you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals.
Tertiary education (Ages 18+)
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.
Choose the type of institution that’s best for your career path:
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Universities offer higher degree-level education. Programmes are research-led and generally academic rather than vocational. In the 2020 QS World University Rankings, seven of New Zealand’s universities were in the top 100 in at least one subject.
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ITPs and a few larger PTEs offer vocational degree-level education.
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PTEs tend to offer specific vocational programmes, mainly at certificate and diploma level.
Secondary school (Ages 13-18)
(Years 9-13)
New Zealand has three types of school:
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state schools, where 85% of Kiwi children go
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state-integrated schools, which may be run by a religious faith or use specialist teaching methods
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private schools.
Students at secondary schools - also known as high schools or colleges - work towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Secondary schools also offer some vocational subjects, such as tourism and computing.
Some schools also offer Cambridge International Examinations and International Baccalaureate programmes.
Intermediate school (Ages 11-12)
(Years 7-8)
Intermediate schools are a bridge between primary school and secondary school.
Primary education starts at Year 1 and continues through to Year 8. Years 7 and 8 are offered either at a primary school or at a separate intermediate school.
Primary school (Ages 5-10)
(Years 1-6)
Primary school students study subjects guided by New Zealand National Curriculum: English, the arts, health and physical education, languages, mathematics and statistics, science, social sciences and technology.
Students’ abilities in reading, writing and maths are regularly assessed against expectations for their age level, as set out by New Zealand’s National Standards.
Early childhood (Ages 0-5)
Early childhood education provides education and care for children before they are old enough to go to school.
New Zealand has more than 4000 licensed early childhood education services available, including kindergartens, childcare centres, play centres, home-based care and playgroups.