New Zealand Education System

English Language Schools New Zealand

Most English Language schools in New Zealand offer General English courses and some exam preparation courses.

All English Schools in New Zealand offer General English, full-time or part-time. A course in General English may include;

  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Grammar
  • Pronunciation
  • Vocabulary

Most English Schools offer exam courses. You should check with the school to see when the course starts.

Lots of English Schools in New Zealand offer English courses with activities. For example;

  • Skiing & English
  • Snowboarding & English
  • Windsurfing & English
  • Surfing & English
  • Art & English

Primary, Intermediate and Secondary Schools

Most children in New Zealand start primary school at age 5 and move to intermediate school at 11, then secondary school at age 13. Some primary schools go right through to age 12.

Secondary School (called High School or College)

Most secondary schools are state schools, but there are other schools that have special philosophical or religious traditions. The courses and educational standards at all secondary schools are similar and all schools prepare students for the same national qualifications.

Year 9 (age 13), Year 10 (age 14)

All students take compulsory "core" subjects: English, social studies, mathematics, science, and physical education, plus electives which differ from one school to another.

Year 11 (age 15)

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - Level 1* Students begin to specialise in the subjects they choose to study, though Mathematics and English are still key subjects to meet requirements for NCEA Level 1.

Year 12 (age 16)

New Zealand Sixth Form Certificate All students study English or Te Reo Maori, and choose four or five other subjects.

Year 13 (age 17)

New Zealand Universities Bursaries Entrance Examination Students choose up to five subjects, usually relevant to their intended course of study at a tertiary institution. There are no compulsory subjects. To take languages and sciences at this level, these subjects must first have been studied at Year 11 and 12 level.

Please note: From 2002, the qualification that was previously known as School Certificate has been replaced by the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1. As a new era for the New Zealand secondary system, the National Certificate programme will enable students to better link their secondary study to their tertiary study. 2003 will see the introduction of NCEA Level 2, replacing Sixth Form Certificate, and 2004 will see the introduction of NCEA Level.

University New Zealand

New Zealand has eight 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.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology

There are 27 Polytechnics, some of which are named Institutes of Technology. These provide education and training at tertiary levels ranging from English Language studies through to full degree programmes. Courses emphasise practical experience and application to work situations. Qualifications are designed to allow students to enter and exit at different levels appropriate to their academic level and English language ability. "Staircasing" allows you to enrol for a certificate that will give you credit towards a diploma or degree if you continue to study.

Courses in disciplines such as agriculture, art and design, building and construction, business, engineering, marine studies, forestry, science and technology, media studies and tourism and hospitality are developed in association with advisory groups representing industry, commerce, the professions and the community. Contributions from these groups ensure that courses are relevant, up-to-date and innovative, so that graduates have skills that are valued by employers. A degree from one of these institutions has equal status with a university degree

Many polytechnics and universities also offer English language training.

Colleges of Education

Specialised training for teachers is available at Colleges of Education, which provide studies in early childhood, primary and secondary education. Additional university studies may be undertaken as part of the courses.

Distance education

There is a comprehensive system of distance education, providing courses similar to those in conventional New Zealand educational institutions. Distance education standards are high and qualifications are fully accepted by other institutions.

Private training provider

There are also many private tertiary institutes and training providers, including English language schools.

How to Apply / Enrol

  • Decide which course/s you wish to apply for
  • Complete the relevant application form(s) and return them to the institution. This can often be done online, but you will still have to post or courier documents. Include a photo, educational documents (originals or certified photocopies) and certified translations, as required.
  • The institution will send you an 'Offer of Place' letter confirming commencement dates and course details, and an invoice for the tuition fee.
  • Pay the fee.
  • The institution sends you a receipt and/or certificate of enrolment. You need this for step six.


If you intend to study for more than 12 weeks, apply for a student visa at your nearest New Zealand Embassy, Consulate or Trade Commission. If your country has a visa-free agreement with New Zealand, you do not need a visa, and can apply for your permit after you have arrived in this country. (See Visa Requirements below)

Let the institution know when you are arriving, so accommodation can be arranged and you can be met at the airport.

English Language Requirements

The main language of instruction in New Zealand is English. Your institution will want to know whether your English skills are adequate for the course of study you choose.

Tertiary institutions will ask for original documents or certified photocopies of one of the following:

  • an IELTS band score of 6
  • a pass in English in the New Zealand Bursary examination
  • a pass in English in the GCE (General Certificate of Education) 'O' level examination
  • a TOEFL paper test (not the computer test) score of 550 and a TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4
  • Grade C3 or above in SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) English 322
  • some other recognised English proficiency test
  • Secondary schools

Requirements vary. Most will take beginners. Some offer English Language courses.

Language school New Zealand

Language schools offer courses from beginner level, i.e. for people who can say 'hello' and 'goodbye' and have basic knowledge of the alphabet. For absolute beginners, who have no previous language learning experience, private tuition can be arranged.

Entry Criteria

Tertiary study

The criteria for entry to tertiary study vary, depending on the institution. In general, you will need to provide:

  • Evidence of your English proficiency (See English Language Requirements above) and evidence of your suitability to study at this level, such as:
  • a New Zealand 'B' Bursary or better
  • GCE 'A' Levels
  • STPM (Malaysia)
  • Hong Kong 'A' Levels
  • Australian Matriculation Year 12 Certificate
  • Canadian Pre-University Programme
  • a similar qualification, as listed by the NZQA and in the Australian NOOSR report

The institution will advise you if it wants you to have your qualification assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Recognition of prior learning

If you do not meet one of these criteria, you may be eligible for admission if the institution is satisfied that you are able to meet the demands of the course. Assessment is based on educational qualifications, life experience and work experience. This is called RPL (Recognition of prior learning).

Secondary school

The school will assess your English and academic abilities and put you in the appropriate class. Classes or grades are called "years" with the final year, for 17-18 year-olds, being Year 13.