Tertiary study
After high school, you can continue your education in New Zealand at a university or polytechnic.
Universities
New Zealand has eight universities. All offer general undergraduate and graduate degrees and diplomas in arts, sciences and commerce, as well as specialist degrees in particular disciplines.
Undergraduate degrees such as a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or a BSc (Bachelor of Science) usually take three years to complete. Vocational or professional training may take longer.
Each university publishes an annual Calendar detailing the terms, entry requirements, fees and courses scheduled for the academic year. This information is available on university websites.
Term dates and fees vary between universities. All university students must be able to speak English and some universities have a set level of competency.
University entrance
NCEA is the common entry standard for university. To gain entry, students must have achieved at least 42 credits at Level 3 or higher, including at least 14 credits in Mathematics at Level 1 or higher, and 8 in English or Te Reo Maori (4 in Reading, 4 in Writing). Students must also have 14 credits at Level 3 or higher in each of two approved subjects and another 14 credits from no more than two other subjects. Find out more at www.nzvcc.ac.nz.
There’s also information there for students with other types of educational achievements.
Students who have not continued secondary education beyond Year 12 may be able to seek discretionary and provisional entrance. Find out more at www.nzvcc.ac.nz
Polytechnics
New Zealand has 20 polytechnics and institutes of technology offering a wide range of academic, vocational and professional courses. As well as three and four-year degrees, polytechnics offer short full-time and part-time courses throughout the year.
Each polytechnic publishes an annual Prospectus detailing the courses scheduled for that academic year. You’ll also find details of fees and entry requirements in the Prospectus.
Teacher Training
Teaching qualifications are offered by a range of universities, polytechnics and private providers. For a list of training providers see www.teachnz.govt.nz
Distance Learning
The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (TOPNZ) offers courses by correspondence. Several other polytechnics and universities also offer distance learning.
Applications
Tertiary institutions generally begin their academic year in February. Closing dates for applications vary. For courses starting in February, it is advisable to apply by September of the previous year, particularly for the more popular courses.
Half-year courses run by polytechnics generally begin in July and early enrolment is advisable particularly for popular courses. Application forms are available directly from each individual institution. Certified translations should be provided for all educational certificates in any language other than English.
Entry requirements for polytechnics and colleges of education vary, depending on the course. Some have no pre-requisites. Others may require you to have done several years at secondary school or an appropriate entry level polytechnic course.
Students who have not been educated in the New Zealand school system may still undertake tertiary studies. Each university, polytechnic and college of education has its own entry requirements for students educated overseas. Check the individual websites for details.
Most tertiary institutions require you to show you can speak and write well in English. Requirements vary but universities generally ask for at least IELTS Level 6.0 or a score of 79-80 in TOEFL iBT. Find out more at www.nzvcc.ac.nz.
Further information
www.nzqa.govt.nz – the New Zealand Qualifications Authority site offers information on New Zealand qualifications and overseas equivalents
www.teachnz.govt.nz – here you’ll find information on becoming a teacher in New Zealand
www.tec.govt.nz – the Tertiary Education Commission site offers a comprehensive guide to vocational training courses and apprenticeships across all industries as well as information on English Language Partners courses for migrants
www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz – The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand specialises in distance learning at tertiary level
www.acenz.ac.nz – here you’ll find links to teacher training at Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury and Dunedin universities
www.auckland.ac.nz – The University of Auckland
www.aut.ac.nz – Auckland University of Technology
www.canterbury.ac.nz – The University of Canterbury
www.lincoln.ac.nz – Lincoln University
www.massey.ac.nz – Massey University
www.otago.ac.nz – The University of Otago
www.vuw.ac.nz – Victoria University of Wellington
www.waikato.ac.nz – The University of Waikato
www.itf.org.nz – The Industry Training Federation (ITF) is a membership-based organisation, representing industry training organisations (ITOs). Here you’ll find links to specific industry training organisations (i.e. motor industry, building and
construction, and apparel and textile industries, etc)
www.newzealandeducated.com – information for overseas students wanting to study here
