Grading system in New Zealand

With an excellent education system, internationally accredited qualifications, ample research opportunities, and matchless quality of life, New Zealand has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top reasons why you should New Zealand for your further education.

1. Globally recognised qualifications: All eight universities of New Zealand consistently rank high in QS World University Rankings* and Times Higher Education University Rankings, and qualifications from any of these are accredited across the globe, opening doors to prospects everywhere. The New Zealand Qualifications. 

2. Excellent pedagogy: New Zealand focuses on research-based teaching, which means you will learn to deal with situations in a systematic and organised manner. You’ll be taught how to work independently as well as in a team at various levels.

3. Innovation and research: New Zealand provides abundant opportunities in research for students. The country boasts highly experienced faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and access to the latest technology, equipment, and opportunities.

4. Great scope for Ph.D. scholars: Along with the vast research opportunities, as a Ph.D. student you would enjoy additional privileges. You’ll be eligible to pay the same tuition fee as locals and unlike other degree students, you can work full-time during your studies. Need we say more?

5. Safe and peaceful: New Zealand ranks second on the Global Peace Index 2022, which speaks about the social tolerance and political stability of the Kiwi democracy. As an international student, you’ll have the same rights as your Kiwi counterparts.

The education system in New Zealand is well-structured, and comprehensive and is divided into five phases: 

1. Primary Education

2. Middle Education

3. Secondary Education

4. Vocational (Technician Certificate)

5. Tertiary (It consists of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate)

Read more Kiwi education system here. 

To keep up with the quality of education and to encourage effective learning processes, the grading system in New Zealand has been structured in a very systematic manner. At each of the above-mentioned education levels, a different grading system has been rolled out.

The most common grading system used in the primary and secondary schools of New Zealand is the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) marking scheme. It is a standard-based assessment that consists of a four-grade system.  

The same grading scheme as that of the secondary school has been used even in the primary schools to maintain the uniform standardisation of marking.

The grading system in universities and colleges is based on the letter scale where A+ is considered the highest grade. Each letter grade corresponds to a particular percentage band. The grading scale varies slightly between the individual institutions. It must be noted that sometimes even different departments within the same university may adopt a slightly different grading pattern where each letter grade can be converted into a Grade Point Average (GPA). The table below depicts a typical grading system followed in the universities in New Zealand.

The grading system for Vocational (Technician Certificate) is similar to the grading system in tertiary schools with a slight variation as shown below:

The grading system in New Zealand has been designed so that you enjoy the learning process without any academic pressure. This system enables you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and step ahead in a healthy and conducive learning environment.

Want to know more? Come to IDP and schedule a free session with our international education experts to get all your queries answered.