Education System

In New Zealand, students are taught in an English-speaking medium. You will share classes with New Zealanders and be encouraged to participate in discussion and all aspects of learning. Students can study English from beginner to advanced level, and then go on to study at a tertiary institution. Our British-based, flexible education system means that you can move around New Zealand while you do this, because secondary schools and tertiary institutions work on a national system. Your qualifications will be recognised in other English-speaking countries, so that you could study for an undergraduate degree in Australia or Canada, for example, and return to New Zealand for post-graduate work.

New Zealand has eight national universities offering degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in academic and professional studies.

All universities offer a broad spectrum of subjects for degrees in commerce, science and the arts. Each university has also developed its own specialist subjects, such as technology, engineering, computer studies, medicine, agriculture and environmental studies.

There are 20 Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology. These provide education and training at tertiary levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. Courses emphasis practical experience and application to work situations. Qualifications are tailored to allow students to enter and exit at different levels appropriate to their academic level and English language proficiency. ''Stair casing'' allows you to enrol for a certificate that will give you credit towards a diploma or degree if you continue to study.

Courses in disciplines such as agriculture, art and design, building and construction, business, engineering, marine studies, forestry, science and technology, media studies and tourism and hospitality are developed in association with advisory groups representing industry, commerce, the professions and the community. Contributions from these groups ensure that courses are appropriate, up-to-date and innovative, so that graduates acquire skills that are prized by employers. A degree from one of these institutions has equal status with a university degree. Many ITP's also offer English language training.

Specialized training for teachers is available at Colleges of Education. Additional university studies may be undertaken as part of the courses. All colleges offer advanced courses for trained teachers.

There is a comprehensive system of distance education, providing courses similar to those in conventional New Zealand educational institutions. Distance education standards are high and qualifications are fully accepted by other institutions.

There are also private (i.e. not state-funded) tertiary institutes and training providers, including over 100 English language schools. Providing training in specific areas of education is a characteristic of many private training establishments.

In the New Zealand education system, it is important to make your choice of institution according to your field of specialisation and the institution's reputation in that field. If you want to study food technology, for example, find out about the different courses offered and choose by academic criteria such as faculty qualifications, practical work experience opportunities, and so on. When you finish the course and start looking for work, these things matter much more than family connections.