Education

Education in the South Island

Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15 years, but children may enter school at 5 and continue until they are 19. In some areas free kindergartens are maintained for children between three and five years of age. 

New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at South Island institutions - universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. 

Students commence secondary education (Years 9 - 13) at approximately 13 years of age. With a choice of studying at either a state or private school, there is also a wide choice of subjects at 400 schools.  The school year, based on four terms, commences in early February and finishes in mid December. Many international students complete the final year of secondary school (e.g. Year 12 & 13) in New Zealand before proceeding to tertiary study.

Tertiary Study Options:

Universities

There are three government-funded universities in the South Island providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. Whilst all offer a broad range of degree subjects, each university has its own specialized courses.

The quality of a New Zealand university education is well recognized internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field. International students from developing Asian nations, who have studied at New Zealand universities, have since served as senior administrators, including cabinet ministers in their own countries.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology

A popular option is to study at one of the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology in New Zealand, many of them based in the South Island.  They offer a wide variety of programs which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose from a short course teaching a specific skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree.