Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is an English-speaking country, with a British-based education system.

Every year around 100,000 international students choose to study in New Zealand

New Zealand's safe, "clean-green" reputation, mixed with its low cost of living and globally recognised education system makes it the perfect choice for international students.

English Language Schools

English language schools cater for beginners to advanced speakers of English as a Second language. There are over 75 English Language Schools in New Zealand.
English language schools offer tuition and examinations for the globally recognised TOEFL and IELTS Certificates. Other qualifications such as ESOL or Cambridge English examinations are also available. Some language schools also run specialty courses, such as English for Academic or Business purposes.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in New Zealand is wide spread. There are 8 world-class universities in New Zealand, and many more polytechnics and technical colleges.

In New Zealand the university year begins in late February or early March, and ends in October. Generally, the university year is divided in to two semesters, with a 6-week mid-semester break.

Polytechnics and Technical Colleges usually begin in February, and end in November.

Course timetables vary according to the institution and your chosen studies. You should expect to spend 35-40 hours a week studying.

English Language Requirements: Most universities require either an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band score of 6 with no band less than 5.5; or a TOEFL (Princeton Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper test score of 550 and a TWE (Test of Written English) score of 4.

Secondary & Primary Education

In New Zealand the school year starts in February, and ends in mid-December.
Primary and Secondary School runs Monday to Friday, from about 8.45am to 3.15pm. There is usually a 1-hour lunch break.

Sport and other extra-curricular activities take place after school, or on Saturday mornings.