Tertiary Education in New Zealand

New Zealand's tertiary education sector, which began with the establishment of its first university 130 years ago, now includes seven universities and 24 polytechnics located in the four main cities - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin - and in provincial centres throughout the country. This gives international students the choice of studying in an urban environment or in a provincial centre with a more rural outlook.

New Zealand universities and polytechnics offer a wide range of courses in many fields, including the arts, pure and applied sciences, commerce, communications and technology. In addition, New Zealand tertiary institutions have a great deal of experience in making international students feel welcome and in providing services for them, such as English language support and assistance in finding accommodation where they can mix with New Zealanders and experience Kiwi culture at first hand.

New Zealand universities and polytechnics offer a broad range of degree, diploma and certificate courses that equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the global marketplace. The polytechnics offer programmes which have both an academic and a vocational focus, with courses in such areas as business, computing, science, performing arts, graphic design, fashion design, architecture, health, music, languages and social work. The universities offer courses in humanities, social sciences, fine arts, public administration, teaching (including teaching English to speakers of other languages), science, information technology, commerce, law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture and building science, agriculture, horticulture, food technology and veterinary science.

To enter university and polytechnic programmes, international students must demonstrate that they are both academically qualified and sufficiently proficient in English to cope with the demands of their proposed course of study. Each institution has specific English language entry requirements, such as suitable scores in the IELTS or TOEFL examinations. Information about academic and language requirements is available from the individual institutions.

For students who do not yet meet the English language requirements, most of the universities and many of the polytechnics provide intensive English language proficiency programmes to prepare them for academic study in English. Such courses are typically offered in six-week or three-month modules, but a student may have to take several courses in order to reach the level of proficiency required to be accepted onto the academic course that they wish to take. Some institutions offer preparation courses for IELTS or (less commonly) TOEFL as a part of their pre-entry English courses, but these cannot normally be credited towards a degree or diploma.

In addition to pre-entry English, a growing number of tertiary institutions are offering foundation studies programmes to students wishing to do an undergraduate degree or diploma, but whose academic or English-language proficiency is not sufficient for them to gain direct entry to the programme of their choice. These courses include instruction in both English and academic subjects. Students who successfully complete a foundation studies programme usually receive credit towards a final qualification.

All New Zealand tertiary institutions recognize the particular difficulties which international students, especially those for whom English is a second language, face during their studies. Institutions that receive large numbers of international students have an International Students Office, providing advice and support. Some institutions offer courses in writing skills, which can be taken concurrently with academic study; most offer other forms of learning support, often including tutorial assistance with essay writing, exam preparation and study skills.

New Zealand universities are internationally recognized, and their qualifications are respected. By studying at a New Zealand tertiary institution, students will benefit from full immersion in the English language, both in their studies and in daily life. They will find that their courses are flexible and student-centred, and that the lecturers and tutors are accessible. They will benefit from excellent modern facilities (including computer labs, language labs, libraries and recreation centres), and from the pleasant study atmosphere and informality of New Zealand campuses. New Zealand tertiary institutions also offer a range of accommodation options, from hostel accommodation, to homestay, to private flats.

New Zealand is well-known as a sightseeing and leisure destination, and for its high quality of life. Students can become involved in virtually any cultural or sporting activity they choose, both on campus and in the local community. For many international students, experiencing the culture of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people is a highlight of their stay.

New Zealand has benefited from a double heritage - its splendid national heritage, and its rich cultural heritage, which combine to give it a unique way of life. For students who are looking for a high-quality English-language education in pleasant surroundings and at a reasonable cost, New Zealand is an excellent choice. You can expect a warm welcome!

Author
Alastair Ker
English Language Institute
Victoria University of Wellington