NZ education system overview
An overview of the governance and structure of education in New Zealand, including information on quality assurance and the international comparability of New Zealand secondary school and tertiary education qualifications.
International students
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students recognised for its safe environment and quality education system. Over 97,000 international students from 150 countries studied in New Zealand in 2011.
Scholarships
The New Zealand Government and individual education institutions offer some scholarships.
Some scholarships are administered on behalf of the government by Education New Zealand (ENZ). ENZ also administers scholarships to New Zealand on behalf of foreign organisations and governments, for example the Saudi Arabian government.
The New Zealand Aid Programme, operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, administers development-focused scholarships.
Care of international students
The Ministry of Education operates a Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code). All education providers that enrol international students must sign and follow the Code.
The Code defines standards expected for:
- delivery of pastoral (personal) care
- student accommodation (housing)
- information given by education providers and their agents
- giving advice
- internal procedures for resolving student grievances.
The Code does not cover academic standards. These are assured by NZQA and other agencies.
An International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA) has the power to investigate any complaints and see if the Code has been breached. IEAA can set remedies when a breach has occurred.
Find out more information on the Code of Practice.