From expert teaching staff to world-class facilities and a rich pool of natural resources, New Zealand is popular among students seeking a secure study environment and outdoor lifestyle.

For students looking for a secure study environment and an outdoorsy lifestyle, New Zealand provides an expert teaching staff with world class facilities and an abundance of natural resources. With a number of institutes for technology and polytechnics, private tertiary and training institutes, teacher training facilities, English language training centers and eight public universities, New Zealand has a plethora of study options for students pursuing their higher education. Additionally, the education system in New Zealand is centrally managed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) which requires the registration of institutes that enroll international students. The NZQA ensures that the education in the various universities and institutes are in compliance with global qualifications standards in order to maintain the integrity and high quality of the courses being taught in New Zealand. Five of the eight New Zealand universities have also been featured in the top universities in the world by Times Higher Education World University rankings. An epitome of education, New Zealand promises an unmatched learning experience for all its students.

The New Zealand tertiary education system is broadly divided into six sectors.

Universities

There are eight public universities in New Zealand, which offer undergraduate (bachelor) and postgraduate degrees. Universities are teaching and research-based. Five were listed in the 2013/2014 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics

New Zealand has 22 Institutes of Technology or Polytechnics.Courses are usually vocational and skills-based, ranging from certificate level through to bachelor degree and postgraduate level.

Private tertiary and training institutions

There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including the arts, hospitality, computer studies, quality management, ecotourism and others. More than 800 such establishments are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. About a quarter of these are Mãori owned and operated.

Teacher training

New Zealand is internationally recognised for its excellent education standards and for training high-quality teachers. There are six government-funded institutions that specialise in teacher training. Two operate within universities and the other four offer programs in collaboration with their local university. They offer training for teachers across early childhood, primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher education) levels.

English language training sector

Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programs. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and stimulating activity of students’ choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and courses to help prepare students for IELTS testing. Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.

Wãnanga

Wãnanga is the term for the Mãori providers of tertiary education and advanced study on Mãori tradition and custom, usually in the Mãori language.

For more information on the education system in New Zealand visit the Study in New Zealand website.