Early Childhood Education

  • Available from infancy in daycare centres, preschools, kindergartens, and kōhanga reo.
  • Curriculum is based on the principles of empowerment, family, community, relationships, and exploration.
  • 20 hours per week fully funded for 3-5 year olds.
  • Learn more about Early Childhood Education. 

Primary and Secondary Education

  • Compulsory from ages 6 to 16 (Years 1 to 11).
  • Students can continue to Year 13 and move on to tertiary education (university or Polytech), take up a trade apprenticeship, or find employment.
  • Explore detailed Curriculums for Primary and Secondary. 

Tertiary Education

  • New Zealand’s tertiary education system is highly regarded, with eight universities, all ranked in the top 3% globally.
  • Universities are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga and Palmerston North.
  • A wide range of disciplines is on offer, from arts and sciences to medicine and engineering.  
  • If you have teenage children planning to attend university in New Zealand, think about their preferred study field and proximity to family when choosing your location. Some courses, for example Medicine, are not offered everywhere.
  • Application deadlines vary across universities and programmes so keep an eye on those too! 

Choosing a School

  • The Education Review Office (ERO) reviews schools every three years. These reports are a valuable reference when deciding on a school for your children. 
  • Check school websites and Facebook pages to get a feel for the school community. 
  • Understand the differences between public, integrated, and private schools. 

What else?

  • Zoning: Public schools typically require children to live within specific boundaries. Use online tools to check zoning when choosing where to set up home. 
  • Qualifications: Most students complete NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) over Years 11–13. Some schools offer alternative programmes like Cambridge International Education. Find Cambridge schools here. 
  • Special Education: Ministry of Education programmes and SENCOs (special education needs coordinators) are available to support students with specific learning needs. 
  • Extracurricular Activities: Schools offer sports, arts, and cultural programmes like kapa haka to help develop our Kiwi kids! 
  • Languages: Opportunities for bilingual or immersion education in Māori, French, Mandarin, and more.
  • School Year and Holidays: The school year starts in late January or early February and is broken into four terms of around 10 weeks each. Learn more about the school year and holidays. 
  • Transport: School buses are free to students or there are subsidies if you live outside of the school bus route. Check bus routes or local commuting options when choosing a school. 
  • For International Families: Schools experienced with international students often provide extra orientation and support. Again, connecting with local communities will help you settle in.