The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary schools, high schools and tertiary education at universities and/or polytechnics. Education providers offers qualifications at every level – certificates, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate degrees.
The Academic year varies between New Zealand but major intakes are in February and July. Many institutes have intakes open throughout the year. Education is divided into :
Secondary Education
Year 9 to 13, typically for students from the age of 13 to 18. After successful completion of assessments in Years 11 through to year 13 the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which is made up of three levels, is awarded to students.
Tertiary Education which includes the following :
Vocational Study (Level 5, 6 and 7) -Offered at Polytechnics, Institutes of Technology and private tertiary and training establishments. Students can achieve certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects.
Bachelor’s Degree During the admissions process students get evaluated on their NCEA results as well as other criteria. A Bachelor’s degree typically lasts for 3 years at university. An Honours degree is awarded after an additional year of research at university.
Graduate Diploma (Level 7) and Post Graduate Diploma (Level 8) – it is for One year.
Master’s Degree (Level 9) – A Master’s degree typically last for 2 years at university.