Education in New Zealand
New Zealand is internationally recognized as having a solid education structure. There is also a strong support system for international students who wish to study abroad. There are many options available for higher education opportunities such as profession and vocational institutes, colleges and universities, and polytechnics and technology institutes. New Zealand has produced top performing graduates which include Sir Ernest Rutherford who first split the atom, and international heart surgeon, Dr. Bryan Barrett-Boyes.
Primary/Secondary Schools
Primary and secondary education is based on four terms and both private and public educations are available. School begins in early February and ends in mid-December. There are approximately 400 secondary schools in the country and students have a wide range of study subjects from which to choose. Primary and secondary education is required from the age of six until the age of sixteen and is a right until the age of eighteen. School years are numbered from one to thirteen. Primary school goes up to year six from the ages of five to eleven, intermediate school finishes at year eight from the ages of eleven to thirteen, and secondary school lasts for the remaining five years from the ages of thirteen to eighteen.
Universities
New Zealand’s government funds eight universities which offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a broad selection of subjects. Each university offers its own specialized courses. Graduates from these universities have achieved international attention in the chosen profession. There are a number of international students who have chosen to study in New Zealand, particularly students from developing Asian nations who have gone on to serve as top officials in their respective countries.
Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology
The government of New Zealand funds twenty-five polytechnics and institutes of technology. These schools offer programs which are both academic and vocational. There are options for shorter courses which teach specific skills or trades or a student can pursue courses toward a certificate, diploma, or a degree. Some of the institutes offer a program for a year that can be completed at a college or university.
Educating the Educators
New Zealand is recognized for high education standards, in turn, the country’s teachers must be highly qualified. Special education institutions are available with teaching programs ranging from early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, and special education. There are six institutes which are funded by the New Zealand government; two of which operate from universities.
The term “college of education” is protected by Act of Parliament as was the previously used term “teachers college”. Only universities and colleges of education is permitted to use this title. Any privately-owned institutions not listed in Acts which provide teacher education must use alternative names.
Student Loans
In New Zealand, what is known as the Student Loan Scheme is available to permanent residents of the country and can be used to cover the costs of fees for courses and sometimes a weekly living allowance for full time students. The loan is repaid at an amount determined by income and in New Zealand it is normally received from wage deductions of the income tax system. In April 2006, the Labor Party eliminated interest on student loans for students who live in New Zealand. |
