New Zealand Education - Think New Logo
School students studying sea life in a rock pool

Understand New Zealand's education system

At every study level, New Zealand can give you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals.

Study levels - New Zealand Qualifications Framework

higher education helping students to achieve their goals

Higher education (ages 18+)

Universities and higher education

Higher education providers

Shin Yee Teh, from Malaysia, Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Auckland

Primary school students in class

Schools (ages 5-18)

Types of schools

Schools in New Zealand are either state schools (where 85% of children go), state-integrated schools (which may be faith-based or use specialist teaching methods), or private schools.

Secondary schools students interacting & learning vocational subjects

Secondary schools

(ages 13-18, years 9-13)

intermediate school students learning in the classroom

Intermediate schools

(ages 11-12, years 7-8)

primary school students studying subjects guided by the New Zealand National Curriculum

Primary schools

(ages 5-10, years 1 - 6)

New Zealand teachers providing learning support around study subjects and papers

Quality and standards

Deciding what to study isn't always an easy decision. Would you like some help?

Keep exploring

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