Understanding tertiary levels of education in New Zealand

The NZQF stands out as one of the earliest qualifications frameworks globally and plays a central role in the New Zealand education system. All secondary and tertiary qualifications included in the NZQF are backed by a trusted and internationally recognised quality assurance standard.

The NZQF is administered by NZQA, which establishes regulations to maintain the quality of qualifications listed in the framework. These regulations are utilised to endorse qualifications for non-university education provisions. The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand is responsible for approving qualifications to be listed on the framework for universities.

*Source:https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/understanding-nzqf/

In New Zealand, the tertiary sector comprises universities, wānanga, Te Pūkenga, private training establishments (PTEs), and workplace training. They offer a diverse range of educational opportunities, with a focus on meeting the needs of adult learners through flexible delivery methods. While universities are excluded, NZQA is responsible for approving all qualifications offered by these institutions and serving as a quality assurance body. Here’s the basic breakdown of the levels of education in New Zealand:

1. Level 4 Certificate:

The Level 4 certificate is the starting point for tertiary education in New Zealand. This level is designed for students who may not have completed high school or who have been out of education for some time. Level 4 courses typically focus on foundational skills and knowledge in a particular subject area, such as computing, business, or health.

2. Level 5-6 Diploma:

Diplomas at level 5 and 6 build on the foundation of Level 4 certificates and provide more in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area. These diplomas are typically offered by polytechnics and private training establishments and can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.

3. Level 7 Bachelor's Degree:

A Bachelor's degree is a level 7 qualification that typically takes three to four years to complete. Universities are the primary providers of Bachelor's degrees in New Zealand, and they offer a wide range of programs, from arts and humanities to science and engineering. A Bachelor's degree provides students with a broad knowledge base in their chosen field and prepares them for entry-level positions in their industry or further study at the postgraduate level.

4. Level 8-9 Postgraduate Diploma and Master's Degree:

Postgraduate diplomas and Master's degrees are level 8 and 9 qualifications, respectively. These qualifications build on the knowledge and skills gained at the undergraduate level and provide more advanced and specialised knowledge in a particular area. Postgraduate diplomas typically take one year to complete, while Master's degrees can take anywhere from one to two years.

5. Level 10 Doctoral Degree:

A Doctoral degree is the highest level of tertiary education in New Zealand, and it typically takes three to four years to complete. Doctoral degrees are research-focused and require students to undertake a substantial research project in their chosen field. Students who complete a Doctoral degree are recognised as experts in their field and are well-equipped for leadership roles in academia, research, and industry.

Understanding the different levels of tertiary education in New Zealand is essential for anyone planning to pursue higher education in the country. Each level of education provides unique opportunities for students to gain knowledge, skills, and experience in their chosen field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, New Zealand's tertiary education system offers a range of options to meet your needs. If you want to know more about studying in New Zealand, get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They will help you with the course, university, city selection, and end-to-end admission process.