New Zealand is one of the most interesting countries abroad, not only from the point of view of education abroad for students from different countries, but also as a tourist destination. It annually attracts thousands of visitors with its exotic, pleasant climate and high level of development in general. And education in New Zealand, accessible to foreign students, is recognized as prestigious and is well-known around the world.
The local educational system is actively supported by the state: annually about 20% of the country's total budget is allocated for the development of this sector. The New Zealand educational model is based on the classic British, like many systems in European countries, but there are some peculiarities.
TOP-5 things you need to know to about education in New Zealand
- Preparation for professional activity begins already from the stages of primary and secondary schools in New Zealand. In addition to the compulsory school curriculum for students, courses are provided to help them develop talent and reveal themselves personally. In high school, such programs help overall development, but at the high school stage they are already considered professional education, as they provide deeper knowledge in a particular field of activity.
- At the elementary school level, homework is not mandatory, and to track educational achievements, parents receive a report every six months on the success of young students.
- A key feature of this country is associated with the period of study in New Zealand: the school year in secondary schools does not begin in September, as in European countries, but in February and lasts until December. The annual period is divided into 4 quarters, divided among themselves by two-week vacations. Higher schools in New Zealand have a slightly different scheme: the school year begins at the end of March, the division is in semesters or in trimesters. The academic year of university studies ends in November, and then students begin their holidays.
- Under local law, a foreign student who has not reached the age of 13 years can be educated if his parents are also in the country or if a guardian is assigned to him. Starting from the age of 13, a teenager has the right to reside in New Zealand on his own - for many parents this is an occasion to send children to schools abroad not earlier than 8-9 grades.
- You can enter the universities of New Zealand without entrance exams - this rule is relevant for foreign students and local residents. The only requirement is that the applicant must be fluent in English, have good academic performance at school (or at the university at home), as well as extracurricular achievements.
Education in New Zealand for foreign children
Education in the country is available from the earliest years - SMAPSE experts are talking about pre-school education. From 3 to 5 years, mothers can send their children to a free kindergarten, which will operate from Monday to Friday 20 hours a week. For a surcharge, your child can spend longer in the garden.
Secondary Education in New Zealand
Starting from the age of 5, the child is already moving on to the first stage of secondary school - primary classes - where the study of basic subjects begins with the third grade:
- reading
- speech and listening
- writing
- viewing and presenting
- math and statistics
- research (inquiry)
- health and physical education
- art
- personal and social skills
- learning skills (learning competenciens).
Each of the listed disciplines is evaluated according to a number of parameters, and the ranking system looks like this: A (outstanding), B (stable), C (consistent) and D (more effort).
The next stage of secondary education - the middle classes - is more responsible. The period begins in 12-13 years, but the first three years (up to and including grade 10) are not much different from elementary school. But at the high school stage, preparation for specialized subjects begins - before that they went as electives. The process of education for high school students is paid close attention
New Zealand schools are the dream of any child: all thanks to high-tech classes, designed with children's psychology in mind; teachers using a creative approach and various interactive activities, as well as other factors. In their free time from the main activities, children have the opportunity to devote themselves to hobbies or classes in creative or sports sections.
As in many countries abroad, in New Zealand, two types of institutions are available for education (secondary or higher): public or private. Educational institutions of the second type are most often chosen by foreign students, plus pupils have more educational opportunities in boarding schools. Parents of foreign students do not need to worry whether their child will receive all the knowledge in full. Will receive, and even more!
Many students prefer a high school institution to high school. In 1-2 young people receive a specialist diploma and can already start working.
Higher Education in New Zealand
At this level, educational institutions of New Zealand can be conditionally divided into two types: university and technical institute. Institutions of the second type offer programs of an applied nature and of varying durations (short-term, three-year, etc.). Technical institutes have a wide selection of specialties on relevant topics. High School of New Zealand belongs to the Bologna system and includes 3 levels:
- Undergraduate (3-4 years)
- Master (1-2 years)
- Doctor of Science degree (3 years).
Top 3 universities in New Zealand, which are popular among foreign students:
| City | University and faculties | Year of foundation | Number of students |
| Auckland | University of Auckland | 1883 year | over 40,000 people |
| Dunedin | University of Otago | 1869 year | More than 20,000 people |
| Christchurch | University of Canterbury | 1873 year | More than 15,000 people |
In total, universities in New Zealand cover literally all professions: here you can get specializations that are in demand on the international labor market. Most universities teach young specialists in specific areas and have a specific profile.
For admission to a New Zealand higher school, an applicant must prepare the following package of documents:
- application for study
- certificate of secondary education
- Certificate of Testing in English (TOEFL or IELTS)
- motivation letter
- letters of recommendation from teachers.
Please note that the review process can take quite a long time - from a couple of months to six months - therefore, SMAPSE experts recommend that you send the documentation in advance.
The cost of secondary and higher education in institutions of New Zealand
Tuition fees at New Zealand schools will depend on what type of education students are interested in. The price spread at the moment is as follows (currency - New Zealand dollar):
| |
| Secondary vocational education | from 16 to 20,000 NZD $ per year |
| from 15 to 30,000 NZD $ per year |
Students of local universities who study well can also receive a scholarship promotion of up to 2,500 NZD $ per year. If a student also conducts scientific activity, then the amount of financial support increases several times (about 50,000 NZD $ annually).
While studying at the University of New Zealand, students can find a part-time job to partially offset educational expenses. This condition is relevant not only for local residents, but also for foreign students. Employers of the country have progressive thinking and high loyalty to young people from other countries, so finding a job will not be difficult for a foreign student as well. Some universities indicate additional employment as a mandatory burden. It also helps graduates to build their career faster after graduation, and if desired, to choose New Zealand as a permanent residence.
