The New Zealand Education System

Introduction    
New Zealand has an excellent education system and qualifications gained here are recognised as equal to the best in the world. For more than one hundred years it has had a state (public) school system that is ‘free, secular and compulsory’. At the same time there is a strong degree of tolerance, which enables communities to build and operate private schools along religious or cultural lines.

School Term Dates
Schools have a four-term year. There is at least a two-week break before each of the four terms. In summer it is six weeks.
Term dates for 2012 are:

Term 1: 30 January (at earliest) / 7 February (at latest) to 5 April
Term 2: 23 April to 29 June
Term 3: 16 July to 28 September
Term 4: 15 October to no later than 20 December

Private Schools
There are many private schools in New Zealand. They are allowed by law to teach particular religious values, but must also conform to the nationally set curriculum. They are allowed to give preference to children reflecting their special character, but can accept others if their roll is not full.

Primary Schools 
New Zealand law requires all children aged six years and over to be at school. Most begin as soon as they turn five. For the first three years children are in junior classes, moving up a grade each year. After leaving junior level, most children have five more years at primary and intermediate level. At the age of 12 or 13 children move to secondary school.

Secondary Schools
Students at secondary school progress through five levels and must stay until the age of 16. Free secondary education may be provided for children of New Zealand citizenship up to the age of 19. In the first two years of secondary school (Years 9 and 10) all students learn English, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, art, physical education, music and health education. Optional subjects in the first two years of secondary school vary. They may include economics, history, geography, electronics, sewing, keyboard skills, drama, journalism, French, Japanese and Maori. Other languages less generally available include Indonesian, Latin, German, Chinese and Samoan. In the last three years of secondary school there are a wide range of subjects to choose from; some of which are very practical e.g. photography, farming. Years 12 and 13, the last two years, may suit overseas students who wish to progress on to tertiary education in New Zealand.

Examinations & Assessments
The National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) is New Zealand’s main national qualification for secondary school students. There are three NCEA qualifications: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Because the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is benchmarked internationally, NCEA will be recognised overseas.

Universities
There are 8 government-funded universities in New Zealand and all have internationally respected academic and research standards. A university education is open to anyone who meets the common entrance qualification prescribed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). However universities often have higher entry criteria for specific courses e.g. medicine, dentistry. Students can work towards bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees, as well as diplomas at various levels. Having a New Zealand degree can be a lever to further study in other countries.

Polytechnics
There are 20 polytechnics, many of which are called Institutes of Technology. They provide a wide range of courses, up to and including degree-level. Semester times are roughly equivalent to those for universities but short courses may begin at any time of the year.

English Language Programmes
English Language Programmes are run especially for international students by many private institutions throughout New Zealand, with the majority being in Auckland. All private language schools run courses that have been registered and accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Some universities, polytechnics and colleges of education also have their own separate language centres.

Private Training Institutions
There are over 800 private education providers, many offering short-term English language courses for international students. Some private education providers also run courses in specific areas such as business, computing, and design.

Industry Training Organisations
Industry training organisations offer training towards apprenticeships and qualifications in specific industries.

International Education Appeal Authority
The International Appeal Authority is a government office established to deal with the problems of International Students. If you approach the Appeal Authority, you must be able to show them that you have tried to get the institution or school to act on the problem you have.

The Authority can be contacted in writing at:

The International Education Appeal Authority,
c/- Ministry of Education,
P O Box 1666,
Wellington,
New Zealand.

Fax 64 (4) 499 1327.