New Zealand is a great place to bring up children. If you are coming to New Zealand on a work visa, your dependent child is considered to be a domestic student and is entitled to attend state-funded primary, intermediate and secondary ‘high’ school.
Children in New Zealand start school around their 5th birthday and the education system follows a government-funded schooling system. Its aim is to provide a curriculum that includes academic, sporting and a skills-based learning in a safe and positive environment.
Please note some schools provide support to students where English is their second language.
There are four main groups in child education, they are as follows:
- Early Childhood Education (children under 5 years old)
- Primary School (children 5- 10 years old)
- Intermediate School (children 11-12 years old)
- Secondary/high School (13-17 years old)
New Zealand has a wide range of early childhood services. Kindergarten and childcare groups are a great way for your child to make friends in New Zealand. Enrollment costs may vary from centre to centre. Early education centers are regularly audited and maintained by the Ministry of Education to ensure high standards are met.
From the age of 5 to 16 it is compulsory for most children to attend school in New Zealand. The country maintains a 4 term school year, starting in early February and ending in December with the longest school holiday being over the Christmas holiday period. The summer holiday usually runs from mid-December until the start of February.
There is no Saturday schooling; however, many New Zealand school children are involved in a team sport on Saturdays.
Tertiary Education
New Zealand offers a large range of tertiary education and training. Tertiary education facilities can be accessed from most rural locations and there are also opportunities for learning by correspondence. 70% of funding for Universities is covered by the government; students must pay for the extra 30% remaining in course and student association fees.
For more information please click on the links below:
Education New Zealand
Ministry of Education
New Zealand Qualifications Authority