Pre-School Education in New Zealand

Children have the opportunity to go to kindergartens from birth and up to 6 years of age. Also, from 3 to 5 years, all children can go to kindergartens for free up to 20 hours a week. Beyond that, a kindergarten attendance costs NZ $ 7-10 per hour.

– More information about pre-school education 

Schooling in New Zealand

A child can start school immediately at 5 years old.  There is no need to wait for the beginning of the next semester. At the same time, compulsory school education begins at 6 years. New Zealand schools teach children for 12-13 years, depending on their further plans for vocational training. What’s more, public schools are free of charge for children of citizens, residents and holders of work visas. However, for foreign students, schools cost from NZ $ 12,000 per year.

– More about school education

Higher and Vocational Education in New Zealand

There are several types of universities in New Zealand. The government partially covers expenses on higher education. So, residents and citizens of New Zealand pay only about NZ $ 7,000 per year. But for international students study costs more.

• Universities
  This is the most prestigious, high-quality, and more academic type of education. Also, it’s the most expensive option for foreigners with an average cost of NZ $ 25,000-35,000 per year.
• State institutions; Polytechnics
  Good-quality and practical education, for foreign students it costs NZ $ 15,000-25,000 per year.
• Private institutions; Colleges. 
  This is also a practical education. Besides, it is usually more affordable than public universities, if not highly specialized institutions, such as world-class design colleges. The average cost for an international student is NZ $ 8000-15000 per year.

– More on the differences in New Zealand universities 

Tertiary Education Structure in New Zealand

Tertiary education is structured and divided into 10 levels. On each level students must take a certain number of Credits (like training hours in some countries). On average one takes about 120 Credits for the academic year. Also, for admission to a higher level, as a rule, students need to have a previous level of education (or equivalent) in the same or similar professional sphere. Confirmation of the passing of a subject occurs in the form of a test, exam or writing Assignment.

• Certificates Levels 1-4 (40-240 Credits, 3-24 months)

  Analog: initial special education.
  Level of knowledge: basic specialised knowledge.
  Requirements for the student: responsibility and ability to communicate with people.

• Diplomas Levels 5-6 (120-240 Credits, 1-2 years)

  Analog: special education.
  Level of knowledge: a wide range of practical, technical and theoretical knowledge used in work or study.
  Requirements for the student: completed secondary education.

• Bachelor Degree (360-480 Credits, 3-4 years)

  Analogue: bachelor’s degree or speciality.
  Level of knowledge: in-depth technical and theoretical knowledge from a professional environment or study.
  Requirements for the student: completed secondary education and preparatory year, or 1 year at the university (12 years of study in total).

• Graduate Diplomas and Certificates Level 7 (60-120 Credits, 6-12 months)

  Analogue: confirmation of qualification, dual qualification or retraining.
  Level of knowledge: skills and knowledge from a new professional field, but on the basis of previous education.
  Requirements for the student: a completed bachelor’s degree, or special education and work experience.

• Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, Bachelor Degree with Honours Level 8 (60-120 Credits, 6-12 months)

  Analogue: improvement of existing qualifications or bachelor’s degree with distinction.
  Level of knowledge: advanced technical and theoretical knowledge.
  Requirements for the student: a completed bachelor’s degree, or special education and work experience.

• Masters Degree Level 9 (120-240 Credits, 1-2 years)

  Analogue: Master or MBA.
  Level of knowledge: highly specialised advanced knowledge.
  Requirements for the student: completed bachelor’s degree and work experience.

• Doctoral Degree Level 10 (360-480 Credits, 3-4 years)

  Analog: professors and doctors of sciences.
  Level of knowledge: the most advanced and scientific knowledge in a professional environment.
  Acquired skills: rapid comprehension of existing knowledge and practices, as well as the development of new ones.
  Requirements for the student: completed bachelor’s degree and experience in scientific research.

Description of the education system in New Zealand on the official website of NZQA 

How to apply for study in New Zealand?

So, for admission to study in New Zealand, you need to get an invitation from the chosen university. Then correctly draw up all the necessary documents for a student visa. Also, Kiwi Education helps with these processes, so you only need to fill out our questionnaire at the end of the article. Then, our managers will select the best options for you and help with all the documents.

– More about student visa to New Zealand 

Prospects after graduation in New Zealand

Most graduates of New Zealand universities successfully find employment after graduation. Of course, the most difficult thing is usually the search for the first job. However, most often this stage is successfully overcome by young specialists. With work experience in New Zealand, permanent employment becomes even more real.

Also, if you finish one year of study at levels 7 or higher, or two years at levels 4-6, you can get an open work visa for one year (Post Study Work Visa). Moreover, in the future you can extend it for another two years if you find a job in your specialization.

– More on Post Study Work Visa 
– More on how to find a job in New Zealand 

For all questions regarding study in New Zealand, contact Kiwi Education.