Why New Zealand

1. Innovative way of learning

New Zealand’s education system focuses on teaching students to solve problems, absorb, analyse and apply information, to work with others to create and innovate. The system supports debate, free thinking and flexibility, and our teachers encourage students to be confident, connected and actively involved lifelong learners.

New Zealand’s universities and polytechnics celebrate diversity, new thinking and multi-cultural perspectives. You’ll be encouraged to think critically, challenge ideas, and evaluate information so that you can apply what you’ve learned.

2. Top ranked universities

All New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 3 percent of universities worldwide by QS World University Rankings. We are in the top 50 in 19 subjects including Agriculture and Forestry, Accounting and Finance, Civil and Structural Engineering, Education and Law.

Above that all New Zealand universities are ranked amongst the world’s best by QS World University Rankings. Our universities rank in the world’s top 100 in 31 subjects.

3. A wide study choice

Whatever higher education you’re looking for, you’ll find it in New Zealand. We have 8 Universities, 18 Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology, around 600 private Training Institutions, 27 English Language schools and around 20 Industry training organizations.

You can study for either academic or more practically focused qualifications, gaining everything from entry-level certificates to diplomas, degrees and doctorates. What’s more, these institutes are located nationwide, so you can study just about anywhere you like.

4. Quality of life

The OECD 2013 Better Life Index rates NZ as a "top performing country" for the quality of its education system.

• Friendly locals: New Zealanders are known for welcoming people from other cultures and countries. With our safe and tolerant environment you’ll feel right at home here right away.
• You’re welcome to stay: Many students choose to stay in New Zealand after their study; either to work, live, study further, or just enjoy the beautiful landscape and great lifestyle.
• International Connections: Over 20,000 international students choose New Zealand universities from some 160 countries. Join student networks and make international connections for life.

5. Global Recognition

As a member of the Lisbon Qualification Recognition Convention, New Zealand qualifications are recognised in over 50 countries.

When you study in New Zealand, you learn beyond your subject. You’ll become a confident, critical and creative thinker. These skills are highly prized by employers worldwide.

6. Employability

Get ahead of the competition

New Zealand bachelor degrees listed on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework are widely recognised in the international job market and for postgraduate study.

When you graduate, you’ll be very employable

New Zealand education focuses on real-world skills, ensuring you’re ready to work anywhere when you graduate. You can also further your research in New Zealand.

Your skills will be valued

Employers value New Zealand graduates’ ability to think independently, find solutions and solve problems. Many New Zealand employers are actively seeking skilled professionals, so you can find work here if you want to stay.

 Life in New ZealandDownload Guide

• Study expenses are lower than other major education destinations.
• Average food costs are about 100 NZ$ per week.
• Housing and household utilities cost about 270 NZ$ per week.
• The national average rental for a three-bedroom home was 374 NZ$ a week in 2014.
• In New Zealand, rent is advertised as a weekly price, rather than monthly.
• Locals popularly known as Kiwis are renowned for their hospitality and their love for sports and the outdoors.
• New Zealand is ranked the third Most Peaceful Country, according to the Global Peace Index.
• You can live in an urban environment within easy reach of New Zealand’s stunning landscape and wide open spaces.
• No more than 2 hours distance from any city to the Ocean.
• Every city and town has native bush reserves with tracks for walking or cycling, parks, sports clubs and swimming pools.
• Opportunities to get accustomed to the native rich and vibrant Maori culture.
• Beautiful vineyards, olive groves and farm land
• Many water activities are available, like relaxing on a harbour cruise, taking a fishing charter, whale and dolphin spotting, kayaking or surfing.
• A land of lush pastures and fertile soils that was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Coffee and tea are an important part of Kiwi socialising. If you visit someone’s home, you’ll usually be offered coffee or tea.
• Sharing food is a traditional Kiwi way of bringing people together in a relaxing atmosphere.

 Higher Education system

Universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science. Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Sports-Science, Biotechnology, Architecture etc.

Each university is a public institution, independently governed by its own council and partly funded by the government. New Zealand’s universities are committed to maintaining well established international links and to meeting international standards of scholarship.

Polytechnics provide education and training at all levels. A few of them offer Postgraduate programmes as well. Polytechnics offer diverse courses like Arts and Design, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, etc.

Private institutions Degree Providers provide a quality service to their students and a range of skills of value in the work environment.

Private Training Providers (PTEs) provide a range of courses including English language studies, aviation flight training, air traffic control, business computing, dance, design and arts, religious studies, travel and tourism and training for the hospitality industry.