• New Zealand

How does the New Zealand Education System work?

2747 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Oct 16,2023 04:18 PM IST

New Zealand’s education system continues to excel in literacy and ranks well by global standards. The country is influenced by a wide employment market and an increasingly mobile network of teaching staff, researchers and a well-travelled population of students.

How does the New Zealand Education System work.webp

The Education System of New Zealand has a national curriculum which applies to all state schools and state-integrated schools. The curriculum describes the key competencies and learning outcomes people need in order to live, learn, work and contribute as active members of their communities rather than prescribing what school students must learn or what teachers must teach.

A variety of special projects in specific areas of the curriculum are making a difference, especially in ages and groups. Community involvement and meeting each student’s needs are fundamental principles.

How does the New Zealand Education System work?

There are ample reasons for international students to study in New Zealand. New Zealand offers a very supportive environment for its international students. The support for international students goes even further than the classroom, with the New Zealand government being the first in the world to create a code of practice that outlines a standard of care for international students both in the classroom and outside of it.

The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is a system for acknowledging the level and quality of qualifications offered by New Zealand education providers.

new zealand qualification framework.webp

Detailed explanation of qualification levels

Certificate

New Zealand Certificate qualifications may be approved at several levels. All certificates must comprise at least 40 credits. Certificate qualifications are delivered at levels 1-5.

What are Credits?

A total of 120 credits is considered an annual full-time study loan for a student. 120 credits are equivalent to 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Each credit represents 10 learning hours (both face-to-face and self-directed learning).

Diploma

New Zealand Diploma qualifications may be approved at levels 5-7. They must be at least 120 credits. New Zealand Diploma qualifications are delivered at levels 5 and 6, both one and two-year diplomas.

Degree

The degree gives a systematic and coherent introduction to a body of knowledge of a recognized major subject. It requires a minimum of 360 credits from levels 5 to 7 and gives eligibility to enrol in a postgraduate qualification.

Graduate Certificate

It broadens or deepens skills learnt in an undergraduate degree and requires a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum of 40 at level 7 or above.

Graduate diploma

It broadens knowledge and skills in a familiar subject or discipline or develops skills in a new area. It requires a minimum of 120 credits, of which 72 credits must be at level 7 or above.

Bachelor Honors Degree

It may be either a 480-credit degree or a discrete, 120-credit degree following a bachelor’s degree. It requires a minimum of 120 credits at level 8, with a research component that represents at least 30 credits at that level.

Postgraduate Certificate

It is open to those with a Bachelor’s degree or Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant subject. It requires a minimum of 60 credits at level 8 and provides the basis for further postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Diploma

It is open to those who have completed all requirements of the relevant Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. It may make one eligible to enrol in a Master’s Degree and requires a minimum of 120 credits from levels 7 and above, with a minimum of 72 credits from level 8.

Master’s Degree

It has a minimum entry requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. It must include at least 40 credits at level 9, with the remainder at level 8. It may give one eligibility to apply for admission to a program of advanced study.

How Does the New Zealand Education System Work? Universities and Programs

For international students, there are various things to know when planning to study in New Zealand. Students attend university to undertake bachelor's degrees or postgraduate courses (including certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master programs). Students can take higher education courses to earn an advanced degree and continue their studies in New Zealand. Teaching at universities normally takes place in large-group lectures and small-group tutorials.

University/College	Programs/Courses
Aspire 2 International	Level 7 • Graduate Diploma in Applied Management Level 8 • Postgraduate diploma in Digital Transformation in Business
Auckland Institute of Studies	Level 7 • Bachelor of Business Level 8 • Post Graduate Diploma in business Administration Level 9 • Master of Business Administration
Auckland University of Technology	Level 7 • Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science Level 8 • Bachelor of Arts (Honors) with a Specialization in Education Level 9 • Master of Analytics
Massey University	Level 7 • B.Sc. Arts-Media Studies Level 8 • Bachelor of Engineering(Honors) in electronics and Computer Engineer Level 9 • Executive Master of Business Administration
Manukau Institute of Technology	Level 7 • Bachelor of Accounting Level 8 • Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Technologies Level 9 • Master of Applied Technology
Media Design School Otago Polytechnic	Level 7 • Bachelor of Art and Design – 3D Animation and VFX Level 8 • Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Management-Business Information Systems
New Zealand Skills and Education College Unitech Institute of Technology	Level 7 • Diploma in Applied Network and Cloud Technology Level 8 • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Business

The New Zealand Education System offers qualifications across all of the NZQF levels, from Certificates to Doctoral Degrees.

International students consider New Zealand as an emerging education destination. The New Zealand qualification has ten levels of qualifications, each based on complexity. Level 1 is the least complex, and level 10 is the most complex. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the level, the longer the time to complete it due to the learning material and credits required to achieve the full qualification.

New Zealand Education System Admission Requirements

Graduate Certificate/ Diploma (Level 7)

Minimum level of education required to be accepted into this program:

• Students must hold at minimum a level 6 diploma in the following areas- technology and/or technology-related or management-related from a recognized institution.

• IELTS : With no band less than 5.5

• PTE : Minimum overall score- 50

Postgraduate Diplomas (Level 8)

Minimum level of education required to be accepted into this program; applicants must have a relevant Bachelor’s degree.

• IELTS: With no band less than 6.0

• PTE: Minimum Overall Score- 58

Postgraduate degrees (Level 9)

Minimum level of education required to be accepted into this program; applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree.

• IELTS : With no band less than 6.0

• TOEFL : Minimum overall score- 79.0

• PTE : Minimum overall score- 58

For complete guidance on how the New Zealand Education System works, contact Canam Consultants.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s education system follows a variety of flexible structure that covers all the years of schooling and is compulsory from year 1 to 10. New Zealand has specific programs for formative assessment, known as assessment for learning. Such assessments become formative when the evidence is actually used to adapt the teaching to meet the student’s learning needs. The New Zealand Education System has been designed to strengthen the evidence base that informs education policy and practice.

FAQ

What is special about the New Zealand education system?

Education in New Zealand is a student-centred pathway providing continuous learning progression and choice so that students’ progress every year and their learning at one level sets the foundation for the next steps along a chosen pathway.

How much percentage is required to study in New Zealand?

Many universities in New Zealand require students to have at least approximately 65% to 75% in their earlier degree qualifications.

How much does it cost to live and study in New Zealand?

An international student’s annual cost of living in New Zealand is approximately 1,500 NZD, and to study in New Zealand is an additional expense of approximately 35,000 NZD.

How many levels of education are there in New Zealand?

Education level in New Zealand is a three-tier structure consisting of primary level, secondary level, and tertiary level at polytechnics and universities.

What is New Zealand unique for?

New Zealand is unique for scenes of sweeping, verdant landscapes and pristine wilderness abound. It is also known for its rich culture, friendly locals, and excellent food and wine.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Constructor University

Lower Saxony, Germany • 24 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 20000-20000 / year

Western Continuing Studies

Ontario, Canada • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 0-0 / year

Washington University of Science and Technology

Virginia, USA • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 14000-15000 / year

Deakin University - Warrnambool Campus

Victoria, Australia • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 33500-40000 / year

Cranfield University - Shrivenham Campus

England, UK • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 0-0 / year

City, University of London

England, UK • 199 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-27000 / year

Cape Breton University

Nova Scotia, Canada • 77 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17500-24000 / year

Medicine Hat College

Alberta, Canada • 40 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 11500-25500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY: DEGREES, PATHWAYS, DIPLOMAS - RIGHT OPTIONS FOR YOUR PROFILE

Study in Canada • Webinar

11:30AM

Virtual Event

University Visits - Acadia Univesity

Study in Canada • University Visit

Ludhiana-Omaxe Plaza • 04:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Assiniboine College

Study in Canada • University Visit

Ludhiana-ModelTown • 02:30PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Public Relations (PR) Courses in Australia

Recently, Australia has become a widely popular choice for international students. There is not a single reason for this popularity, but Australia off...

Updated on • Feb 07,2025 11:03 AM IST • Australia

Job Opportunities in France for International Students

Imagine yourself strolling down the Champs-Elysees with a steaming croissant in one hand and a freshly minted job offer in the other. It must sound li...

Updated on • Feb 06,2025 12:47 PM IST • France

Pros & Cons of Studying in France

Every country has a bright side and a dark side, and if you think that studying in France is going to be all rainbows and sunshine, it’s not. Like e...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 05:49 PM IST • France

MS in Data Science in Germany

Deutschland is an emerging study-abroad destination attracting students from every part of the world. The reasons for this are affordable education, l...

Updated on • Feb 04,2025 12:29 PM IST • Germany

February Intake in Australia: Timeline, Courses, Universities, Deadlines & More

Students who desire to study in Australia should consider the February 2025 intake, which is known as the primary intake in Australia for admission, t...

Updated on • Feb 01,2025 04:57 PM IST • Australia

What is the difference between CV and Resume?

What is the difference between a CV and a resume? The question might sound simple, but it is important to answer. Both documents consist of informatio...

Updated on • Jan 31,2025 05:27 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

Cookery Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Is food something that interests you? Can you not resist the aroma of delicious delicacies? Are you passionate about food? If the answer to all the qu...

Updated on • Jan 29,2025 12:27 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • Jan 25,2025 05:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

WES in Canada

World Education Services (WES), is an organization designed to help individuals get their educational credentials evaluated to let them study in Canad...

Updated on • Jan 24,2025 10:50 AM IST • Study in Canada

Canada Student Visa Interview Questions

The perfect ending to any day, race, task, or project is to FINISH STRONG. The same is true for studying in Canada. To finish strong, one needs to cra...

Updated on • Jan 23,2025 12:16 PM IST • Study in Canada

Masters in Management in USA

Looking for a transformative experience that hones your managerial skills and unlocks a treasure of global job opportunities? BINGO! Here's a golden g...

Updated on • Jan 21,2025 05:46 PM IST • USA

Things to Keep in Mind Before Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a life-altering experience, and you probably already know that, but are you prepared to live on your own, that too in a f...

Updated on • Jan 21,2025 05:21 PM IST • Study Abroad

IELTS Exam Dates 2025 in India

IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is a forum to assess the English language ability of a candidate to study abroad across the ...

Updated on • Jan 18,2025 05:13 PM IST • IELTS

USA Study Visa Process

Once you get the offer letter from your dream American university the only thing left to do is to apply for a study visa. The F-1 study visa is the mo...

Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:32 PM IST • USA

PTE Exam Centers in India 2025: Check City Wise PTE Exam Centers

Pearson Test of English or PTE is conducted all over India at various exam centers. There are 62 PTE exam centers in India, and candidates can also ta...

Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:12 PM IST • PTE

May Intake in Canada 2025

What is May Intake in Canada 2025?Canada May Intake is considered the third most popular study intake in Canada after the September and January...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:40 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions

The IELTS or International English Language Testing System exam consists of four modules – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The IELTS Readi...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:14 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025

There is a 60-minute time limit for the IELTS Writing test, with 20 minutes allotted for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. IELTS General Writing Task ...

Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:12 PM IST • IELTS

Summer Intake in Germany 2025

Germany is located in Central Europe and is known for its rich culture, history, strong economy, and high standard of living. Its diverse population h...

Updated on • Jan 14,2025 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany

Scholarships to Study in Ireland

Getting scholarships to study in Ireland is no less than an open-eye dream for many of the students out there. What makes getting a scholarship such a...

Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:28 PM IST • Ireland

How does the New Zealand Education System work?

Table of Contents

How does the New Zealand Education System work?

Detailed explanation of qualification levels

Certificate

What are Credits?

Diploma

Degree

Graduate Certificate

Graduate diploma

Bachelor Honors Degree

Postgraduate Certificate

Postgraduate Diploma

Master’s Degree

How Does the New Zealand Education System Work? Universities and Programs

New Zealand Education System Admission Requirements

Graduate Certificate/ Diploma (Level 7)

Postgraduate Diplomas (Level 8)

Postgraduate degrees (Level 9)

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams