Education System?
The education system in New Zealand is enormously diverse and one of the best in the world, maintaining excellent standards in literacy, mathematics and sciences and ranking well consistently by global standards.
New Zealand education is also becoming increasingly international, influenced by wide employment markets and an increasingly mobile network of teaching staff, researchers and a well-travelled population of students.
Students attend university to undertake bachelor degrees or postgraduate courses (including certificate, postgraduate diploma, master and doctoral programs). Vocational courses focus on practical skills and industry training. Vocational training courses are offered in government-funded institutions, including TAFE (Technical and Further Education), or other private institutions. Many colleges offer students credit towards university courses.
Higher education
Higher education courses can be taken by students to earn an advanced degree and continue their studies in New Zealand. There are three main types of higher education that lead to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Teaching at universities normally takes place in large group lectures and small group tutorials.
VET
A vocational education and training (VET) qualification can provide a pathway to entering the workforce or university. There are many vocational training courses in areas such as information technology, business services, art and media, tourism and hospitality, childcare, transport and logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing and rural industries.
Pathway programs
There are also many pathway programs to higher education for international students including foundation studies and English language preparation programs. These ensure that students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed.
After graduation
The New Zealand Government offers pathways for recent graduates to live and work in New Zealand. Depending on the area of study, you may have the opportunity to stay and work in New Zealand for up to four years initially.
Your graduate pathway has two steps: a post-study work visa that offers you up to 12 months to find a job in a related field of study, or an employer-assisted work visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand for either two or three years to gain work experience related to a specific job with a specific employer.
Postgraduate study
If you are finishing your bachelor degree, how do you know if undertaking postgraduate study in New Zealand is the next step for you? Deciding to go on to postgraduate study is a big step. It means sacrificing more time and staying out of the workforce a bit longer, but it can also be a very worthwhile investment in the long term.