New Zealand’s education system

This chart shows how New Zealand’s higher education system is organised.

Academic and English language requirements

International students have to meet both academic and English language requirements before they can begin further studies in New Zealand.

• Languages International can help you meet English language requirements with our English for University and IELTS preparation courses
• For academic requirements, you need to check the entry criteria of the New Zealand institution that you want to attend. You can see the criteria for some of New Zealand’s universities at these links:
  • Country requirements – Massey University
  • International student entry requirements for undergraduate degrees and diplomas – AUT University
  • Minimum overseas entry requirements – The University of Auckland 
  • International Admissions and Entry – University of Canterbury – New Zealand

Foundation Studies?

If you don’t meet the academic requirements for entry to an undergraduate course, you might have to successfully complete a Foundation Studies course before you can start your further studies. However, it might be possible to avoid Foundation Studies by completing a Certificate or Diploma course and ‘staircasing’ into a Bachelor’s degree course. For advice about this, please contact us.