Higher Education System
Learners may choose to go into higher education after completing their secondary education. This translates to ISCED 2011 levels 3 – 9. In New Zealand the term ‘tertiary education’ is used for the range of higher education that covers academic and technical and vocational education.
Tertiary education in New Zealand is delivered by both state and privately-owned providers. These offer a range of academic and vocational pathways for both domestic and international learners, from transition (school to work) programmes, through to postgraduate study and research.
Universities in New Zealand deliver degree, postgraduate and doctoral qualifications. There are eight public state-funded universities. All are well-recognized internationally, have strong international connections and collaborate with universities in other countries on a range of research and teaching programmes.
Reform of Vocational Education
Change to vocational education began in 2020 through the Reforms of Vocational Education. The changes are aiming to unify the vocational education sector through regional organizations and unified funding systems.
The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST/Te Pūkenga) is a government-owned organization made up of 16 regional subsidiary organizations across New Zealand. The NZIST subsidiaries used to be known as Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics. They provide professional and vocational education and training in a wide range of subjects, from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. NZIST programmes emphasize practical experience and application to work situations such as studios, workshops, laboratories, hospitals and other workplaces.
Wānanga are publicly owned tertiary education institutions characterized by teaching and research that maintains, advances and disseminates knowledge, develops intellectual independence, and assists the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom). Wānanga are open to all learners and have a special place in tertiary education because of the prestige of the Māori language, culture and the transmission of traditional knowledge for non-Māori and Māori learners. There are three Wānanga in New Zealand, which offer certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees, with some providing programmes in specialized areas up to doctorate level.
Private training establishments (PTEs) are tertiary education providers that are privately owned and operated by companies, trusts and other entities. PTEs may deliver certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate programmes to international and domestic learners. Many PTEs offer training in specific vocational niches, including travel and tourism; design; computer training and the English language. There are approximately 395 PTEs in New Zealand.
Workplace training, including apprenticeships, is a vocational education pathway. In the past this was coordinated by Industry Training Organizations, government and industry-funded bodies that represent broad industry sectors such as construction, or the service sector. This responsibility is in the process of being transferred to NZIST and Workforce Development Councils. Workforce Development Councils are new government-funded organizations responsible for skills and workforce leadership including qualification development within their industry.
The Ministry of Education provides extensive information on higher education, including:
The Education and Training Act 2020
Ministry of Education and the Education and Training Act 2020 system-wide changes
Functions of NZQA in the Education and Training Act 2020
Tertiary Education Commission functions in the Education and Training Act 2020
Education and Training Act 2020 – updates relating to Tertiary and International Education