Types of Education Institutions in New Zealand
Talk to Expert
If you are aware of the levels of higher education available in New Zealand, you would know that there is a marked difference in degree courses and diploma/certificate courses in the country. Since the teaching approach is different for these courses, it is natural that they are taught at different kinds of institutes. Here we look at the types of educational institutes in New Zealand.
English Language Schools
These institutes offer English language courses to international students who need to complete English language course before starting their academic studies. Most of the courses at these English language schools have flexible beginning dates throughout the year. Their duration could range from four weeks to 12 months and are highly customizable depending on the needs of the student. Many international students who are already good at the English language could also be required to do foundation courses before the beginning of the academic session or pre-university orientation course, all of which are taught at these institutes.
New Zealand has only eight universities. They are all are government owned and research-based institutes. All kinds of courses from the certificate level to various doctorates are offered at these universities. What distinguishes a university from other institutes is a wide diversity of courses, teaching and research opportunities that maintain and assists a student in the application of the knowledge gained and helps further develop intellectual independence.
Typically an academic session starts twice a year during February and July. Months from November to January are counted as summer break. An academic year is usually split into two semesters consisting of three months each. A semester has a two-week long break at midway, and the academic year has a six-week long break in the middle of the yearly session.
ITPs are New Zealand’s vocational and applied education institutions. AS the name suggests they are similar to polytechnics in India. The only difference is that these institutions are owned and funded by the government. Along with vocational education, ITPs provide practical training as well.
Traditionally, universities have always focused on academics and theoretical studies while polytechnics were focused on practical training. However, over the years both institutions have expanded the programs they offer, thus creating an overlap. Nowadays, ITPs offer courses that are considered equal to university courses, and range from certificate courses to degrees to postgraduate studies etc.
A typical academic year at ITPs has two semesters, from February to June and from July to November. Similar to the universities the academic sessions start in Feb-March but some six-month courses do start in July.
PTEs are polytechnics like ITPs but are privately owned and funded. So the fee is a bit higher compared to ITPs and the entry requirements are more lenient. There are some PTEs which specialize in a particular area or subject like business or travel etc.
All PTEs are required by the law to meet the national standards in terms of curriculum and academic standards. What PTEs do is fill the gaps in the education arena, by providing training not available at the state institutions. They offer niche courses like travel, tourism, design etc. The teachers are usually industry professionals rather than academic professors. The goal for most students at PTEs is to enter the professional field quickly so the main focus is to gain employment right after finishing the course.
PTEs offer courses that are accredited by the New Zealand Qualification Authority in the form of certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
Commonly asked questions
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students going abroad for higher education. All of eight universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 3% universities in the world. New Zealand education sets up students with a globally recognised qualification and real-world skills. Each year thousands of students from India apply for various universities in the New Zealand. As per Govt. of India, there are more than 2,500 Indian students that went to study in 2022 in various universities in New Zealand.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Raj Vimal is an education writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. He helps Indian students find the right universities, visas, and courses abroad. Currently, he leads content strategies at InfoEdge India
Read Full Bio