Secondary school qualifications

The New Zealand secondary school certificate is called the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). It is officially recognized in New Zealand and has international status.

Tertiary and vocational qualifications

New Zealand higher education has 10 levels of study with level 1 being a certificate and level 10 a doctoral degree. Each level is progressive in terms of complexity and difficulty. Below are the levels and their corresponding qualifications:

1. Certificates – Levels 1-4

2. Diplomas – Levels 5 & 6

3. Bachelor’s degrees/graduate diplomas – Level 7

4. Postgraduate certificates/diplomas. Honors Bachelors degree – Level 8

5. Masters degree – Level 9

6. Doctoral degree – Level 10

All major education providers for the above named qualifications are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

English language qualifications

There are two types of English language schools – ones that issue qualifications and ones which don’t.

General English

these are non-award courses preparing students to communicate effectively in the English language or for further study.

Once you have been offered a place : All applicants must accept an offer by the date specified on the notification letter received from an institution. An offer of a place does not necessarily guarantee a student visa.