Tertiary education
in New Zealand
Our education system is ranked as one of the best in the world. Anywhere you choose to study will be a high-quality experience because of government requirements, such as our national curriculum.
Helpful Tools
We can make study preparation and the transition to tertiary study easier by connecting you with the right tools, support and services to get you ready for day one of your study journey.
Here are links to some tools to help you get started:
Types of tertiary qualifications
TYPES OF QUALIFICATIONS | COURSE LENGTH |
Certificate | 6 months to 1 year |
Diploma | 1 to 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 3 years |
Bachelor’s Degree with Honours | 4 years |
Postgraduate qualifications | Varies |
Master’s Degree | 1 to 2 years |
PhD | 4 years or more |
Other options for tertiary study
If you don’t think you will meet the requirements for a tertiary course, there are still options for you.
Tertiary providers often offer bridging or foundation courses to help you get prepared. A careers advisor at your secondary school can also provide advice on gaining the additional NCEA credits you may need or English language courses offered in the region. Or, check with your agent or tertiary provider for their recommendations.
There are bridging or foundation courses available at each of the providers:
New Zealand qualification system
The New Zealand Education Qualification system starts at secondary school, where students achieve their NCEA certificates before moving into their chosen tertiary education pathway.
Tertiary Qualification Levels
QUALIFICATION LEVELS | QUALIFICATION TYPES |
Level 1 | Certificate |
Level 2 | Certificate |
Level 3 | Certificate |
Level 4 | Certificate |
Level 5 | Certificate Diploma |
Level 6 | Certificate Diploma |
Level 7 | Certificate Diploma Graduate Diploma Bachelor’s Degree |
Level 8 | Post Graduate Diploma Bachelor Honours Degree |
Level 9 | Master’s Degree |
Level 10 | Doctoral Degree |
LEVEL | CERTIFICATE | DIPLOMA | DEGREE |
1 | Certificate | ||
2 | Certificate | ||
3 | Certificate | ||
4 | Certificate | ||
5 | Certificate | Diploma | |
6 | Certificate | Diploma | |
7 | Certificate | Graduate Diploma or Diploma | Bachelor’s Degree |
8 | Post Graduate Diploma | Bachelor Honours Degree | |
9 | Master’s Degree | ||
10 | Doctoral Degree |
Need help choosing a degree?
It can be hard to decide which subjects to study at tertiary level to help you get closer to a career you want. Use this planner to help you out.