NZ Education System
New Zealand is recognised as having one of the world’s best education systems, with high quality teachers delivering internationally recognised qualifications. Northland schools offer NCEA (National Certificate of Education Achievement) and Cambridge qualifications.
New Zealand’s education system focuses on teaching students to solve problems, absorb, analyse and apply information, to work with others to create and innovate. Children enjoy hands-on learning and the system supports debate, free thinking and flexibility. Our teachers encourage students to be confident, connected and actively involved, lifelong learners.
As well as a strong focus on academic excellence, schools encourage students to excel in other areas such as music, the arts and sport. We strive to prepare our students for future success, and offer tailored programmes for our international students to suit individual abilities and interests.
New Zealand’s standard national secondary school qualification, the NCEA, is recognised by tertiary institutions in New Zealand and around the world. In addition, private schools in Northland such as Springbank School and Huanui College, offer the International Cambridge Curriculum.
Our education system is built on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), which is a comprehensive list of all quality assured qualifications in New Zealand. All qualifications listed on the NZQF have been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority or Universities New Zealand as being high quality, relevant and fit for the purpose of education.
At a tertiary level, students can gain internationally-recognised qualifications at NorthTec | Te Pukenga, Northland’s largest tertiary education provider, offering more than 100 programmes ranging from foundation to degree level.
Graduates are also needed in industries that make the most of Northland’s abundant natural resources, such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fishing. There are also jobs available in boat building, marine engineering, construction, health, education, law, accountancy, manufacturing, IT and the petrochemical sector. New Zealand’s business hub, Auckland, is just a two-hour commute away.
Pastoral Care of International Students
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (the Code) supports the wellbeing of tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers. It sets out the requirements that education providers must meet for the wellbeing and safety of their learners.
Download a copy of the Code of Practice (different languages available)
