Education System

New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It offers a safe learning environment, which provides excellent study opportunities, and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. There are also a number of English Language Institutes and private English Language Schools catering to students of diverse age groups.

Twenty-five institutions in New Zealand are part of the polytechnic system and provide education and training in a broad range of industry and occupation based vocational studies.

New Zealand has seven national universities offering degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in academic and professional studies. All universities offer a broad range of subjects for degrees in commerce, science and the arts. Each university has also developed its own specialist subjects, such as engineering, computer studies, medicine and agriculture. There are also a number of private tertiary institutes and private training providers.

English Language Requirements

English is now a global language. It is the major language of international business, politics, technology, research and sport. New Zealand is an English speaking country with a long tradition of teaching English is an ideal place to learn English. In New Zealand, you can study English at a private English Language School or at a language institute/centre on a University or Polytechnic/Institute of Technology campus. These are located throughout the country in large and smaller cities, giving you a number of choices.

A range of courses is available from short courses of 1 week to intensive academic qualifications; your choice will depend on your own individual wishes and needs.Students are advised to enroll in courses approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for which the issuing of student visas has been approved. These courses meet international standards and are recognised worldwide.

The students must be fluent in the English language if they are to succeed at a university in New Zealand. There are many courses available at public and private institutions in New Zealand and elsewhere to assist international students to reach the required level of English language competence. The universities have specified minimum levels of competence (eg. 6.0 in IELTS or 550 in TOEFL for most undergraduate degrees); details of any higher requirements for specific degrees may be obtained from individual universities.

Applications for admission to universities should include certified copies of the highest secondary school certificates received (e.g. GCE 'A' levels, STPM, IB) and official academic records of any tertiary study undertaken (e.g. university, polytechnic, technical college). The basic level of admission is the same across the New Zealand university system. However, individual universities may require higher standards for admission to courses, which are in high demand.

Application procedure/Where and how to apply

Write directly to the educational institution. The names of the major institutions are available on various websites.

Contact your nearest New Zealand Education Centre or Office. There are some High Commissions and Embassies which have specialised NZECs. If there is no New zealand Education Centre or Office in your country please contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. Contact local agents and representatives. Many New Zealand institutions have local authorised agents and representatives. The names and addresses of these representatives can be obtained directly from the institution and in some countries from the NZEC.

Write directly to or email Education New Zealand Student Enquiry Officer, Education New Zealand, PO Box 10-500, Wellington, New Zealand.Education New Zealand also has a centralised student enrolment system, which helps with the placement of international students. Copies of this form are available through the New Zealand Embassies, High Commissions, and New Zealand Education centers.

Note: When applying to study at New Zealand secondary schools and tertiary institutions, you will be required to send supporting documentation. This may include your education records, transcripts, testimonials, and evidence of English language ability (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS and other tests). English Language Schools do not require evidence of English language ability. Applications must be accompanied by original or certified true copies of academic records (translated into English where necessary and with translations certified).

The following websites have extensive information on studying in New Zealand.

www.educationnz.org.nz
www.mynzed.com
www.study-in-newzealand.com

For initiating the process of application the students need to visit these sites. Additionally they may also write to the NZ High Commission on [email protected]

For matters pertaining to student visas and immigration, students should write to:
[email protected]