2. PRIMARY EDUCATION
• Children start school at five years of age.
• Primary school lasts for 8 years. (plus secondary 5 years. 13 years together.)
• School year lasts from the end of January till mid-December.
• English is the main language of education, but in many schools teaching in
Maori language is also available.
• Education is free of charge for all New Zealand citizens.
• Most of schools have uniforms.
• Primary school is the second level of education.
4. SECONDARY EDUCATION
• Secondary school is also known as high school or college.
• There are three types of schools (state, private and state integrated).
• Most secondary schools in New Zealand are state-owned and teach
nationally set curriculum.
• Secondary education takes up to five years and lasts from age 13 to 18.
• Students must attend school until they are 16 years old.
• Education is free of charge for all New Zealand citizens.
6. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
• Top educational institutes provide diplomas to the best students.
• If they have successfully acquired substantial practice, they may go on to
further study in various scientific fields.
• Today, many international students who plan to settle in New Zealand take
up courses on beauty therapy, nursing, dental and so on.
7. HIGHER EDUCATION
• Higher education is based on the British system, very similar system.
• It is a very high quality education system, well accepted all over the world.
• All education institutions must be accredited through The New Zealand
Qualifications Authority.
• Higher education is split into universities, polytechnics and institutes of
technology, colleges of education and private training providers.
• Higher education is free.
