The New Zealand education system is highly regarded, internationally recognized and has high academic standards.Education in New Zealand follows the three-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities.
New Zealand's education system offers valuable opportunities for international students and interns looking for an academic and personal challenge in an English-speaking school system that is compatible with their own. International students are invited to enroll in individual international study programs and work experience programs. All international education programs are considered "accredited" and are closely monitored by the New Zealand Government. A student can enter the New Zealand education system at any level. They can choose from eight state universities, five colleges of education, twenty-five state polytechnics and institutions of technology, four- hundred secondary schools and more than one-hundred private providers. New Zealand experts offer free education advice assisting in enrolment, also provides a range of support services for overseas visitors wishing to study, holiday or work in New Zealand.
Post-compulsory education is regulated within the New Zealand Qualifications Framework, a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training. Typically, a bachelor's degree will take three years, and a further year of study will lead to an Honours degree. A bachelor's degree may be followed by a Master's degree. A candidate who does not hold an Honours degree may be awarded a Master's degree with honours: such a degree usually involves two years study, compared to one year for a Master's degree for a candidate who does have an Honours degree. A candidate who has either a Master's degree or a bachelor's degree with Honours may proceed to a doctoral degree. Entry to most universities was previously "open", that is to say that one only needed to meet the minimum requirements in the school-leaving examinations . However, most courses at New Zealand universities now have selective admissions, where candidates have to fulfill additional requirements through their qualifications.