Education System in New Zealand and Types of Institutes - State Universities, PTEs, & ITPs

The New Zealand education system is one of the most recognized in the world. Reason being, the country is unique in following a specific teaching-learning system for different levels of academia. The various levels of education in New Zealand enable students to adapt to better learning methodologies and to stand out. 

 

The New Zealand education system for international students visiting the country to pursue higher education is exactly the same as that for the native ones. The current article will introduce you to the different levels of education in New Zealand. Also, provide details about the various kinds of universities and institutes where higher education can be pursued.

 

SUGGESTED READ: Education loan for New Zealand

 

Table of Content:   Understanding the New Zealand Education System for International Students Types of Institutes in New Zealand at the Tertiary Level State Owned Universities in New Zealand ITPs in New Zealand Private Training Establishments in New Zealand Cost Comparison of Courses Between Top 3 Universities in New Zealand Overhead Expenses for Students in New Zealand

Understanding the New Zealand Education System for International Students

The education system in New Zealand is broadly divided into 5 distinct levels.

 

Level of Education	Age (in years)
1.Early Childhood	0 to 5
2. Primary School	5 to 10
3.Intermediate School	11 and 12
4.Secondary School	13 to 18
5.Tertiary Education	18+

 

Since a large number of international students become a part of the New Zealand education system at the tertiary level, let us find out about some of the popular higher educational institutions at this level.

Types of Institutes in New Zealand at the Tertiary Level

The New Zealand education system for international students as well as for native ones is imparted at the tertiary level in the form of 3 distinct institution types.

1. Stated Owned Universities in New Zealand

2. Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics in New Zealand (ITPs)

3. Private Training Establishments or PTEs in New Zealand

 

Let us understand each of these one by one -

State Owned Universities in New Zealand

The state owned universities in New Zealand are eight in number. Their main focus is education and research.

 

Popular Universities	Average Fee	Programs Offered	Admission Eligibility
University of Auckland   University of Otago   University of Canterbury   Auckland University of Technology   Victoria University of Wellington   Massey University   University of Waikato   Lincoln University	11.5 Lakhs INR	Masters Bachelors Doctorate	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE GRE/GMAT/ACT/SAT Academic Transcripts Educational Credentials Evaluator Identity Proof 75% in class 12th with 70% in English/ IB Diploma with minimum 24 points

 

Moving on the ITPs in New Zealand -

ITPs in New Zealand

Institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) are owned by the Government in New Zealand. They comprise of applied education Institutes of technology in New Zealand. Also, of the vocation based Polytechnics in New Zealand.

 

Popular Institutes	Average Fee	Programs Offered	Admission Eligibility
Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay   Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland   NMIT, Nelson   NorthTec, Whangarei   Otago Polytechnic, Auckland   SIT, Invercargill	2 to 2.5 Lakh INR	Vocational Courses Practical training Certificate courses Degree courses	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE GRE/GMAT/ACT/SAT Academic Transcripts Educational Credentials Evaluator Identity Proof 75% in class 12th with 70% in English/ IB Diploma with minimum 24 points

 

Moving on to PTEs in New Zealand -

Private Training Establishments in New Zealand

The Private Training Establishments in New Zealand or PTEs as they are popularly known are institutes that are privately funded in New Zealand. It is for this reason that the fee in PTEs is a tad bit higher than ITPs. PTEs in New Zealand offer courses that are accredited by the NZQA.

 

Popular Institutes	Average Fee	Programs Offered	Admission Eligibility
Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland   Cornell Institute of Business and Technology, Auckland   Le Cordon Bleu, Wellington   Ntec Tertiary Group, Auckland   AGI Education, Auckland	13 to 15 Lakh INR	Certificates Diplomas Degrees	IELTS/TOEFL/PTE GRE/GMAT/ACT/SAT Academic Transcripts Educational Credentials Evaluator Identity Proof 75% in class 12th with 70% in English/ IB Diploma with minimum 24 points

 

Now that you know about the various levels of education in New Zealand and the kind of institutes available for studies, let us find out the difference in cost between different courses and universities.

 

Must Read: Postgraduate diploma in New Zealand

 

Cost Comparison of Courses Between Top 3 Universities in New Zealand

Comparing the cost of courses across humanities and sciences for the top 3 universities in New Zealand -

 

Course	University of Auckland	Otago University	Victoria University of Wellington
Arts and Social Sciences	Up to 19.5 Lakhs INR	Up to 1.1 Lakhs INR	Up to 17.5 Lakhs INR
Science and Engineering	Up to 20.5 - 28.5 Lakhs INR	Up to 15.3 Lakhs INR	Up to  20.7 Lakhs INR
Dentistry and Medicine	Up to 40.5 Lakhs INR	Upto 14.5 Lakhs INR	Up to 20.7 Lakhs INR

 

Apart from the tuition fee for the entire duration of the courses, a student must also know about the overhead expenses that exist -

Overhead Expenses for Students in New Zealand

Let us have a look at the overhead expenses -

 

Category	Average Expense
Food & beverages	7,500 INR per month
Clothing & footwear	1,000 INR per month
Housing & household utilities	11,000 INR per month
Household content & services	2,000 INR per month
Health	2,000 INR per month
Transport	4,200 INR per month
Communication	1,500 INR per month
Recreation & culture	3,500 INR per month
Education	1,000 INR per month
Miscellaneous goods & services	4,000 INR per month
Health Insurance	10,500- 36,500 INR per year

 

SUGGESTED READ: MBA Colleges in New Zealand

 

The education in New Zealand for international students comes with its advantages. Whether its Polytechnic colleges in New Zealand or English language schools in New Zealand or the universities across, this is a country that ensures that quality education is prioritised. However, this quality education is expensive. And so, along with looking for the right courses, make sure to stay aware about education loans as well. With loans becoming easily accessible for overseas students, you can pursue the level of education you desire. All you need to do is find the top universities and colleges in New Zealand, follow the application procedure and make it past the cut off list.

 

Best wishes for pursuing a good education abroad!