New Zealand

Study in New Zealand
Every new day in the world begins in New Zealand. Light and time start here. Youthful in age and outlook, New Zealand is the natural home for fresh ideas. Come catch some new light.

Connected
Make the most of New Zealand’s connectedness to the rest of the world. New Zealand has never been closer to the rest of the world. Online communications and advances in international transport mean local institutions and industries can easily participate in world markets. Our passion for experiencing other cultures and countries has earned New Zealanders the reputation of being the world’s greatest travelers. New Zealand is a compact country and highly responsive to the changing needs of global communities and international business. We are keen observers of emerging trends and are inclined to adopt new technologies early and successfully. In the 1980s, for example, we were the first country in the world to trial electronic payment systems (EFTPOS). When Wellington local Peter Jackson directed the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy he chose to shoot and produce the films entirely in New Zealand. Our global connectedness made it possible to open a branch of Hollywood in the South Pacific.

Inventive
New Zealand is the natural home for fresh ideas. Young and free of constricting traditions, New Zealand has learned to be self-reliant and to forge its own way in the world. New Zealand’s youth and fresh outlook make it the natural home for fresh ideas. This innovative thinking is reflected in the way we teach and learn. Our education system encourages inventive thinking and teaching techniques that reach far beyond traditional rote learning. Our innovative approach to learning – and esteemed qualifications - are highly valued by the world’s business and community leaders. New Zealanders who embody this inventive spirit include Bert Munro – who broke world speed records on an Indian motorbike he had modified in his garage, Richard Taylor – whose Weta Workshop created the stunning visual effects in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and Alan MacDiarmid – winner of the Nobel Prize in chemistry, not to mention Sir Edmund Hillary who conquered mount Everest.

Trusted
Our qualifications are highly valued by the world’s business and community leaders. New Zealand’s education system is based on the prestigious British system. We offer world-class facilities, resources and teaching staff, and our qualifications are valued and transferable throughout the world. The OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranks New Zealand's school system very highly. PISA is a 3 yearly survey of the achievement levels of 15-year old students in major industrialized countries. New Zealand consistently ranks at or near the top across a range of student achievement indicators. In the latest PISA studies, New Zealand’s 15 year olds placed among the top four OECD country results for reading and science, and among the top eight for mathematics. New Zealand’s universities perform very highly on a global level. Many feature in international university rankings like the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 500 and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Top 500.

Personal
Get a personalized education in a friendly and caring environment. In New Zealand, every student enjoys a supportive learning environment. With relatively small class sizes, students receive more personalized attention from their teachers than they do in other parts of the world. Students are treated as individuals – you’re encouraged to learn from others but also to think for yourself. You’ll learn how to harness your unique strengths and original ideas and channel them into an exciting career. For international students, this personalized treatment extends beyond the classroom. New Zealand was the first country to adopt a code of practice that sets out standards for the care of international students, in and out of the classroom. All institutions that host international students have staff dedicated to ensuring their time in New Zealand is happy and successful.

Adventurous
Launch yourself into life of adventure and excitement in New Zealand. New Zealand is the ultimate destination for adventure lovers. In a pristine natural environment of mountains, lakes and coast, you’ll find a dazzling array of pulse-quickening activities that are easily accessible and affordable. Sir Edmund Hilary, perhaps New Zealand’s greatest adventure hero, was the first man to stand on the summit of Mt Everest. His adventurous spirit conquered the world’s harshest environment and profoundly influenced our national psyche. When New Zealanders’ adventurous spirit mixes with our natural inventiveness the results can be world-changing. When AJ Hackett and friends started throwing themselves off bridges attached by oversized rubber bands they invented a global phenomenon now known as bungy jumping. Zorbing is a recent addition to the long list of quirky adventure activities with a uniquely Kiwi heritage. Where else in the world can you roll down a hill in a giant rubber ball?

Lively
Enjoy cafes, restaurants, live music and bars as good as anywhere in the world. New Zealand’s scenic beauty is world renowned. But many visitors are surprised to discover an energetic, modern society among the mountains, rivers and coast. As an international student in New Zealand you’ll enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle and high quality, affordable accommodation. You’ll probably live close to where you learn so classes, as well as social opportunities, are easy to get to. New Zealand cities have their own special character, but they’re all a rich blend of nightlife, cafes, movies and shopping. New Zealand has a rich arts heritage with professional theatre and orchestras, and a thriving live music scene. The film industry is known for its quirky hits loved in art house cinemas around the world, and major blockbusters like Lord of the Rings and King Kong. With so much to see and do, it’s little wonder that New Zealand cafes serve some of the world’s strongest coffee

Education System

New Zealand follows the three-tier model of primary, secondary, and tertiary or post-secondary. This generally includes universities, private institutions, colleges, and polytechnics. New Zealand's educational institutions offer quality secondary school education, a well-established network of English-language schools, and internationally respected and recognised tertiary education providers. Post-secondary education is regulated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). As well as state-owned education providers, there are approximately 860 private training establishments (PTEs) in New Zealand. They are privately owned and funded, although some of their courses attract government funding and they include quality English-language providers. They offer a wide variety of courses that lead to qualifications in a large range of vocations from scuba diving to hospitality to business. NZQA requires that Private Training Establishments (PTEs) have adequate protection of student fees and tuition.

Polytechnics offer education and training at tertiary levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. They deliver technical, vocational, and professional education. There are 23 polytechnics or institutes of technology in New Zealand. The National Qualifications Framework is a system of national qualifications available through study in schools, polytechnics, colleges of education, etc. The Framework provides nationally recognised, consistent standards and qualifications. The Framework is endorsed and supported by New Zealand's education and training providers, employers and national industry and professional groups. It is compatible with similar systems in the U.K., Europe, South Africa, Australia, and North America.

Information Specific to International Students
Education institutions must meet stringent criteria in accordance with the Immigration Act 1987. All students must have a confirmation of enrolment before applying for a visa. New Zealand's immigration laws prevent an international student from studying at a private provider that has not been registered with the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) or a course that is not NZQA approved.

If the student wishes to undertake a course which is less than three months, they can apply for a visitor’s visa. All courses of three months or longer require a student visa. The conditions of student visas vary but may allow a student to undertake some form of work as stated in their visa conditions.