Why Study in New Zealand

 There may be lots of reasons you’re considering New Zealand as your study destination. But naturally you have to be confident about the quality of education on offer. Be reassured. New Zealand schools, universities and institutes are known worldwide for their high standards. You’ll find our qualifications are internationally recognized and welcomed by employers. New Zealand has several types of post-secondary educational institutions: universities, colleges, private institutions and polytechnics. It’s also important to note that all universities have their own international students sections dedicated to foreigners who wish to study in New Zealand.

Programmes and courses offered in New Zealand tend to be are highly ranked on a global level. Many of them appear in international university rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Top 500 and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Top 500.Seven of New Zealand’s universities feature in the 2012/13 QS World University rankings – the best ranking universities in New Zealand are University of Auckland (83) and University of Otago (133). Other listed universities include University of Canterbury (221), Victoria University of Wellington (237), Massey University (308) and the University of Waikato (374).

One great advantage to studying in New Zealand is the unique approach to education the country has. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and find their own solution, which is how many, develop and perfect unique strengths and ideas whilst studying in the country.

• Quality teaching, small classes

Teaching standards are high and with small class sizes you will enjoy high levels of personal attention.

In our universities, courses are delivered by respected teaching and research staff, even at first year level.

Most university staff combine research and teaching. They come from all over the world and keep their international connections refreshed using sabbatical leave and the other opportunities they get for ensuring regular engagement with the global academic community.

The high-quality teaching New Zealand is known for will make you even more attractive to employers and open up exciting post-graduate opportunities.

• International comparison

It all means that – along with the people you’ll meet, the places you’ll see and the things you’ll do in New Zealand – you can be confident you’ll get an education that will set you up for the future you dream of.

International comparisons confirm you can have confidence in the quality of New Zealand’s tertiary education. 

All eight of our Universities are in the 2013/2014 QS World Top 500 rankings. On individual subjects, the QS rankings also placed New Zealand universities amongst the world’s top 50 for teaching accounting and finance, computer science, civil engineering, economics, medicine, agriculture and forestry and 10 other important subjects.

• Welcomed by employers – a smart move in your career

A New Zealand qualification can be a valuable asset, enhancing your career prospects both here and internationally.

Employers around the world respect New Zealand’s education system for its ability to balance academic achievements with skills, producing creative, flexible thinkers who are competent at both practical and theoretical levels. We’re also part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention which means our certificates, diplomas and degrees have international recognition. The NZQA website has more information.

• Quality controlled

When you’re unfamiliar with a country and its education system, it’s hard to know which school, institute or university is going to deliver the best quality.

That’s not really an issue in New Zealand. The education system is regulated with strong quality assurance systems across the board. It creates a consistency that gives you flexibility to pick the institution you want, in the city or town that interests you most, knowing that you will get a quality education.

Universities are quality assured by Universities New Zealand. It’s responsible for monitoring and maintaining standards and approving the qualifications of each university.

All our Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics are also state-owned. These, along with private training providers such as English language schools must follow strict quality guidelines monitored by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). NZQA regularly reviews these providers and individual institution reports are available. Always look for proof that the school you’re considering is NZQA registered and that their programme is approved.