An Overview of Education in New Zealand
Psychologists relocating with children will discover that the education system is structured into three levels: early childhood education, primary and secondary education, and tertiary education. This post provides an overview of performance metrics, the New Zealand curriculum, descriptions of different educational facilities, and educational costs.
Education System Performance
Parents considering immigration will want to know how well New Zealand's education system performs internationally. New Zealand benchmarks its education system against global standards. According to the OECD's Education at a Glance 2023 report, New Zealand performs around the OECD average in several key indicators. The country is particularly notable for its high levels of educational attainment, with a significant portion of the population achieving tertiary education.
Additionally, New Zealand strongly emphasizes early childhood education, with participation rates for children under three years old exceeding the OECD average. Another important indicator from the OECD is the annual Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students. New Zealand consistently scores above the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science.
New Zealand's universities also have a solid international reputation. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Auckland is ranked 65th, followed by the University of Otago at 214th. The University of Waikato and Massey University are ranked 235th and 239th, respectively. Other notable universities include Victoria University of Wellington at 244th, the University of Canterbury at 261st, and Lincoln University at 371st. These rankings highlight New Zealand's top universities' strong academic reputation and international outlook.
The New Zealand Curriculum
An important consideration for parents is what their children are taught. The New Zealand Curriculum is the official document that guides teaching, learning, and assessment in all English-medium state and state-integrated schools. This curriculum aims to foster lifelong learners who are confident, creative, connected, and actively involved. It emphasises key competencies such as thinking, using language, symbols, and texts, managing oneself, relating to others, and participating and contributing. Moreover, the curriculum encourages students to explore future-focused issues like sustainability, citizenship, enterprise, and globalisation. The secondary school curriculum comprises eight key learning areas: English, the arts, health and physical education, languages, mathematics and statistics, science, social sciences, and technology. Across these areas, students develop five key competencies: thinking, using language, symbols, and texts, managing oneself, relating to others, and participating and contributing. The primary national qualification for secondary school students is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which is recognised by employers and universities in New Zealand and overseas.
The Education System at a Glance
The following briefly introduces the various levels and types of education settings, hours, school terms, holidays, and any costs.
Enrolment Ages
- Early Childhood Education (ECE): From birth to school entry age (not compulsory).
- Primary and Secondary Education: From 5 to 19 years of age. (Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16).
- Tertiary: typically from age 18-19 years but can be from 16. Check individual universities for enrolment criteria.
Early Childhood
New Zealand offers several types of early childhood education and care options. Each option provides unique approaches to early childhood education and care, catering to different needs and preferences. Here are the main ones:
- Education and Care Centres (ECE): These centres cater to children from birth to school age, offering full-day or part-day care with a structured learning environment.
- Kindergartens: Usually provide sessions for children aged 2 to 5 years, focusing on play-based learning and development.
- Home-Based Care: Caregivers look after a small number of children (up to four) in a home setting, providing personalised and flexible care.
- Playcentres: Parent-led cooperative centres where parents are involved in their children's education and care, focusing on child-led play and learning.
- Kohanga Reo: Maori-language early childhood centres that immerse children in Te Reo Maori and Maori culture.
- Punanga Reo: Similar to Kohanga Reo, but for Pacific Island languages and cultures
Costs for Early Childhood Care and Education
- ECE Centres: Hourly Rates: Typically range from NZD 6 to NZD 12 per hour / Full-Day Rates: Usually between NZD 40 and NZD 90 per day.
- Home-Based Childcare: hourly rates are generally more affordable, ranging from NZD 5 to NZD 10 per hour.
- Kindergartens: Hourly Rates are around NZD 3 to NZD 8 per hour for children not receiving 20-Hours ECE funding.
- Playcentres: Term Fees: On average, around NZD 30 per term.
Government Subsidies
- 20-Hours: The government provides a subsidy for up to 20 hours per week for children aged 3 to 5 years, which can significantly reduce costs.
- 30-Hours Subsidy: some centres offer additional hours of subsidised care
Primary School
State Schools:
- Approximately 86% of students attend state schools.
- These schools are publicly funded and follow the New Zealand Curriculum.
State-Integrated Schools:
- Around 10% of students attend state-integrated schools.
- These schools are integrated into the state system, follow the New Zealand curriculum, but maintain their special character, often religious or philosophical.
Private Schools:
- About 4% of students attend private (independent) schools.
- These schools are privately funded and have more flexibility in their curriculum and governance.
Classroom Sizes
- The average class size in New Zealand for primary and secondary schools is around 23.3 students, with a maximum of 30.
- The pupil-teacher ratio is approximately 1:14.
School Hours
- Schools typically start around 9:00 AM and finish around 3:00 PM.
- Schools must be open for a specified number of half-days each year, with primary schools requiring between 380 and 390 half-days.
School Terms
- Term 1: Late January/Early February to April.
- Term 2: May to July.
- Term 3: July to September.
- Term 4: October to December.
Holidays
- Term Breaks: Approximately 2 weeks between each term.
- Summer Holidays: Around 5-6 weeks from mid-December to late January.
Costs Primary and Secondary Education
- Schools: Free for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, dependent child visa holders between the ages of 5 and 19.
- Private Schools: Annual fees start at about NZD $25,000 for primary and secondary schools.
Tertiary Education
New Zealand's tertiary education system is robust, with a high participation rate among adults aged 25 and over. The country offers a range of vocational and academic programs, and its universities are well-regarded globally. New Zealanders complete initial upper-secondary education at about the same rate as the OECD average, and many transition to tertiary education. The cost of tertiary education varies for domestic (e.g., child of a residency visa holder) and international students (e.g., has dependent child of work visa holder). Here is a list New Zealand universities with links to their websites.
Domestic Students Costs (New Zealand citizens or residency visa required)
- Bachelor's Degree: Tuition fees for domestic students range from about NZD$6,000 to NZD$9,000 per year.
- Postgraduate Degree: Fees range from about NZD$7,000 to NZD$10,000 per year.
- PhDs: Domestic PhD students pay around NZD$6,500 to NZD$7,500 per year.
International Students Costs
- Bachelor's Degree: Tuition fees for international students range from about NZD$20,000 to NZD$40,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects like medicine and veterinary science.
- Postgraduate Degree: Fees range from about NZD$20,000 to NZD$45,000 per year.
- PhDs: International PhD students pay the same as domestic PhD students, which is about NZD$6,500 to NZD$7,500 per year
Government Subsidies - Universities
In New Zealand, the government offers several subsidies and financial support options for tertiary students. These subsidies and financial support options aim to make tertiary education more accessible and affordable for students in New Zealand. They include:
- Fees Free: Eligible students can receive their first year of tertiary education or training fees-free.
- Student Loans: Students can apply for a student loan to cover course fees, course-related costs, and living expenses. These loans are provided by the government and must be repaid once the student starts earning above a certain threshold.
- Student Allowances: This is a weekly payment that does not need to be repaid. It is available to eligible students to help with living costs while studying.
- Scholarships and Grants: There are various scholarships and grants available for students based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. These can be found through educational institutions, government agencies, and private organisations.
Vocational Training
New Zealand offers vocational training opportunities to equip students with practical skills for specific industries. These programs are available through institutions like Te Pūkenga, a network of institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments (PTEs). Vocational training covers various fields, including healthcare, engineering, hospitality, and creative arts. Students can choose from apprenticeships, diplomas, and certificates, often with the option to earn while they learn. These programs are designed in collaboration with industries to ensure graduates are job-ready and meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Cost of Vocational Training
- Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology: Tuition fees range from around NZD$8,000 to NZD$14,000 per year.
- Private Training Establishments (PTEs): These can be more expensive, with fees ranging from NZD$10,000 to NZD$20,000 per year.
Government Subsidies - Vocational Training
These subsidies and financial assistance options can significantly reduce the cost of vocational training for both domestic and international students.
- Fees Free: This initiative covers eligible students' first year of tertiary education, including vocational training.
- Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF): This fund covers vocational education and training fees in industries experiencing skill shortages.
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships**: These scholarships provide financial support for vocational training and work experience for professionals from eligible countries.
- Work and Income Support: Financial assistance is available to help new employees develop the skills needed for their jobs, including covering part of their wages and training costs.
- Work and Income Support: Financial assistance is available to help new employees develop the skills needed for their jobs, including covering part of their wages and training costs.
- Work and Income Support: Financial assistance is available to help new employees develop the skills needed for their jobs, including covering part of their wages and training costs.
- Work and Income Support: Financial assistance is available to help new employees develop the skills needed for their jobs, including covering part of their wages and training costs.
Psych-Recruitment carefully considers your family's educational needs when matching overseas psychologists to locations for employment opportunities.
Immigrating With Children
Growing up in New Zealand
A New Zealand childhood uniquely blends rich cultural diversity, abundant outdoor activities, a strong sense of community, and a nurturing, child-friendly environment. This post explores the experiences of children growing up in New Zealand.
