New Zealand - Aotearoa Universities, Colleges, and Polytechnics

Overview

Overview of Higher Education in New Zealand

New Zealand's higher education system consists of well respected public universities and polytechnics as well as a number of private vocational training institutions. Additionally, Wananga schools provide higher education within the context of the native Maori culture. Over half of young adults in New Zealand complete some type of higher education program.

Admission criteria for universities and polytechnics varies by institution with some having open addmissions after minimum requirements are met while others have selective admissions criteria. Unlike most countries where completion of secondary school is the minimum requirement, New Zealand's universities and polytechnics require completion of specifc subjects and levels which may vary by school and program. Some programs also require portfolios or interviews. In general, polytechnics have less rigorous requirements than the universities.

Tuition fees are reasonable for undergraduate programs when compared with tuition in the US and other western countries but can get quite expensive for some graduate programs, especially those in business.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for higher education budgeting, strategy and statistics and the Tertiary Education Council is responsible for funding. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority is the primary body responsible for higher education quality assurance and all reputable institutions will be registered with this body.

Types of Schools and Degrees

As of 2010, there were eight universities in New Zealand, providing a wide array of subject area studies at all levels from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. Polytechnics, which are more career-focused than universities, offer certificates, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and some doctoral degrees. Private training establishments, which provide vocational training, offer diplomas, certificates and some degrees, with the focus on getting the student into the workforce quickly.

Bachelor's degrees take from three to four years to complete, depending on the subject, with Honors degrees typically taking a year longer. Master's degrees can be earned in one to two years and doctoral degrees are available at the universities and some polytechnics.

International Students

According to a 2009 UNESCO report, over 33,000 international students attended a higher education institution in New Zealand with over 5000 of those students coming from North American and Western Europe. International students can choose to apply as full degree students, as exchange students through their current schools or as independent study abroad students who will attend for only one or two semesters.

Admissions requirements for degree programs vary by country and university and in some cases require students to have already completed some college and/or have received above average scores on standardized tests in their own country. Some universities also offer foundation level coursework to prepare students for a degree program if they don't qualify for a degree program initially. Those whose primary language is not English may have to pass a standardized language exam.

International students pay significantly higher tuition fees than domestic students and tend to be similar to those charged by many US colleges and universities. Australians and doctoral students pay the same rates as domestic students.

About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country located to the southeast of Australia and is known for its natural beauty and quality of life. Its population of about 4.3 million people is primarily of European descent although there is a substantial native Maori population of well over 500,000.

New Zealand received a ranking of 20th on the United Nation's Human Development Index which looks at life expectancy, education and economy. It ranks first in the world on the Global Peace Index and the Corruption Perceptions Index. The capital of Auckland is often ranked as one of the top ten most livable cities in the world. The New Zealand education system is ranked in the top tier by several organizations and five out of its eight universities were ranked in the top 500 in the world in a recent list, a higher percentage than any other country.

Resources

Tertiary Education Commission

New Zealand Education: For International Students and Parents