New Zealand Educational System

Educational System in New Zealand

Education in New Zealand followsthe three-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondaryschools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and/orpolytechnics.

Education is free and compulsorybetween the ages of 6 and 16. Post-compulsory education is regulated within theNew Zealand National Qualifications Framework, a unified system of nationalqualifications in schools, vocational education and training.

The academic year in New Zealandvaries between institutions, but generally runs from late January untilmid-December for primary and secondary schools and polytechnics, and from lateFebruary until mid-November for universities.

School Education
Most schools cater for primary, intermediate, secondary school students:

• Years 1–6: Primary School (Ages 5–10)
• Years 7–8: Intermediate School (Ages 11–12)
• Years 9–13: Secondary School (Ages 13–18)

Tertiary Education

Universities There are eightgovernment-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degreeprograms in academic and professional studies. All universities offer degreesin a broad range of subjects like commerce, science and arts etc. Universitiesalso have specialist subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science, Medicineand Agriculture.

The quality of a New Zealanduniversity education is well recognized internationally. Many New Zealandgraduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field.

Polytechnics and Institutes ofTechnology There are 23government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology in New Zealand.Programs offered in these institutions can be both academically andvocationally focused. Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree program, withsubsequent years being completed at a university.

Private Tertiary and TrainingEstablishments There are a growing numberof private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative studyoption. They offer a range of programs including professional certificates,diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, thehospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, qualitymanagement, ecotourism and others.

New Zealand NationalQualifications Framework (NQF) TheNQF is made up of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications. NQFstandards and qualifications are developed by nationally recognized standardsetting bodies (SSBs) and quality assured by the New Zealand QualificationsAuthority (NZQA).