New Zealand education quality and standards
Government-assured quality at every level
Study with New Zealand for a high-quality education and globally recognised qualifications.
The New Zealand government has strong quality assurance systems to ensure high-quality education at all levels of the education system, both public and private.
Globally-recognised qualifications
The main qualification in New Zealand secondary schools, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), is widely recognised internationally. Places that recognise NCEA include Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, Germany, India and Thailand.
New Zealand bachelor's degrees are widely recognised internationally for enrolment in postgraduate programmes at universities around the world.
A New Zealand qualification is a valuable asset that can give you a head start in the international job market.
Future-focused ways of learning
A New Zealand education teaches students to ask questions and think critically. Our teaching style offers practical, hands-on learning, giving you the skills you need for the future of work.
Now, there are even more ways to study. Take the first step towards your future-focused education with a global pathway. Explore our range of reputable online courses, or learn more about the benefits of living right here in New Zealand.
Studying in New Zealand taught me to think differently - to think outside the box. You get to explore your own ideas and be creative with your thinking.
Chonlada Damrongkitkanwong, schools student from Thailand
Understanding our qualifications
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is a system for acknowledging the level and quality of qualifications offered by New Zealand education providers.
Find out about the New Zealand qualifications framework, and the different types of schools and education providers.
Quality assured education
New Zealand government agencies monitor the quality of all areas of the education system. This ensures students gain the skills they need and obtain qualifications that are relevant and good value for money.
Agencies responsible for quality assurance:
- The Ministry of Education(external link that opens in a new tab), which develops education goals and curriculum for primary and secondary schools.
- The Education Review Office(external link that opens in a new tab), which checks the quality of education and student support in primary and secondary schools.
- The New Zealand Qualifications Authority(external link that opens in a new tab), which ensures the qualifications offered by secondary schools and non-university tertiary institutions are regarded in New Zealand and around the world as credible and robust.
- Universities New Zealand(external link that opens in a new tab), which ensures all eight New Zealand universities provide quality qualifications and education.
- The Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand(external link that opens in a new tab), which is responsible for maintaining professional standards for primary and secondary school teachers.
02
Top 2% universities in the world
All 8 of New Zealand's universities are ranked in the top 2% in the world globally (QS World University Rankings(external link that opens in a new tab)).
01
Student wellbeing
New Zealand was the 1st country in the world to have an international student wellbeing strategy.
07
Highest performing graduates
New Zealand ranks 7th for highest performing graduates – ahead of the US, Canada and England. (OECD Skill Surveys(external link that opens in a new tab)).
Caring for students
If you study in New Zealand as an international student, education providers are responsible for making sure you are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
The New Zealand government’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students(external link that opens in a new tab) sets out the fair and ethical practices and support systems our education providers must have before enrolling international students.
The code covers international students at all ages and levels of education. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures all education providers are meeting the code’s requirements.
Do you want some help to make the right decision?
Education agencies can help you make the best decision.
Read about how New Zealand qualifications prepare graduates for the world of work. If you're a parent looking at study options for your child, read our information for parents page to help you decide if New Zealand is the right choice.