Why Study Abroad

Study in New Zealand

Why Choose New Zealand?

• To receive a high standard of education and internationally recognised qualifications
• To enjoy excellent facilities and study support as an international student.
• English is the everyday language of New Zealanders
• The institutions in New Zealand offer a stimulating academic environment. They are diverse in size and location, and offer as many general and specialist programs as anywhere in the world
• New Zealand has a temperate climate, which allows an enormous range of recreational activities such as swimming, golf, rugby, sailing, bushwalking, tennis and water and snow skiing, all in close proximity to the educational institutions
• New Zealanders are well known for their warm hospitality to overseas visitors. International students are welcomed onto our campuses, and appreciated for the enrichment they offer both academically and culturally.

New Zealand, famous for its amazing scenery, is a great country - a fun place to visit and a superb study destination. These features are now enjoyed by more than 20,000 international students studying in New Zealand at all levels of the education system. They enrol on short term courses such as English language programs, secondary schools courses in preparation for enrolment into tertiary institutions, or vocational courses and degree programs.

Education system & qualifications
In New Zealand, students are taught in an English-speaking environment. You will share classes with New Zealanders and be encouraged to participate in all aspects of learning. New Zealand operates a British-based system that’s recognised overseas, so you can move between institutions in New Zealand or other English-speaking countries while you study.
Universities

• New Zealand universities are research based and state owned
• They offer courses from certificate level through to doctorates
• The academic year is from March to November
• A July start date may be available for some courses
• Summer semester courses (January to March) may be available

Institutes of technology and polytechnics

• New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics are state owned
• New Zealand ITPs offer courses that are equivalent in merit to those offered in New Zealand universities
• ITPs offer courses from certificate level with some offering full degree and postgraduate level studies
• The academic year is from March to November – a July start date may be available for some courses

Colleges of education
Most have merged with their regional university so course content and start dates will be in line with the university’s.
Private Training Providers (PTEs)

• There are many throughout New Zealand 
• Some PTEs run courses in a particular discipline, such as business or travel and tourism 
• All are all required to be registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• Most run on a timetable similar to state tertiary institutions

Academic year
The academic year in New Zealand matches the calendar year. It's best to start your application and enrolment process as early as you can, so you have plenty of time to arrange visas and other things.
Universities
Each university has its own timetable but generally the year is split into 2 semesters of about 12 weeks each, with a 2-week break during the semester and a 6-week break in the middle of the year. The breaks are not necessarily holidays - you may need the time for research and study.

• The university year begins in late February or early March and ends in October.
• Most courses are ‘full year’ courses over both semesters, but some courses only take one semester.
• It’s sometimes possible to start university study in July.
• Classes are held Monday to Friday, with libraries and some other support services open on weekends.
• Exams sometimes take place on a Saturday.
• Some universities offer ‘summer school’ courses from November to February, which reduces the number of years it takes to complete a degree.
• Each semester begins with an action-packed orientation week featuring live music and events.

Institutes of technology and polytechnics
Institutes of technology and polytechnics have two semesters - February to June and July to November - with holidays similar to secondary schools. Some half-year courses start in July.
Private Training Establishments
Most run on a timetable similar to state tertiary institutions