Top Relocation Tips

Education/Training

As a new migrant there are a number of training and education providers that may be of interest to you. These include language schools, schools for your children, tertiary institutions and community education programmes.

Language Schools

There are a number of English Language schools all around New Zealand that offer many differente types of courses. There are also opportunities to be tutored one-on-one in a location that suits you.

Here are some useful sites

http://www.english-schools.co.nz/
http://www.geosnz.com/ 
http://www.esolht.org.nz/
http://www.tutorshome.co.nz/index.php

Education for your Children

Most New Zealand children begin their formal education before primary school at the age of two and a half years. While most also begin primary school at age five, attendance only becomes compulsory at age six, until the age of 16 years. Education is provided free (excludes foreign students) in state primary, intermediate and secondary schools between the ages of 5 and 19. There are also private or independent schools and integrated schools, formerly private schools which have decided to join the state schooling system and receive government funding.

The school year for 2008 begins from the period 29th January - 7th February 2008.

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is New Zealand’s main national qualification for secondary school students and part of the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The NQF is benchmarked internationally which means that the NCEA will be recognised overseas. Education is largely free at all state schools, however, many are beginning to charge "optional fees" to cover extra equipment and facilities.

For further information please visit - www.minedu.govt.nz or www.tki.org.nz Tertiary Education

There are eight universities and 20 Polytechnics, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Educations which offer a broad range of courses in the professional, technical, vocational and trade areas.

There are also a large number of private tertiary education providers who are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and also provide a broad range of courses. The National Qualifications Framework brings together senior secondary education, industry training and tertiary education under one system. It is administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which is also the body which assesses the equivalency of overseas qualifications for immigration purposes.

Tuition fees for New Zealand students at public tertiary education institutions are partly subsidised by the government. Tuition fees at private institutions vary, however, many receive Ministry of Education tuition subsidies and/or funding for Skill NZ programmes. Full time students (with permanent residency) are eligible for the means tested student maintenance grants called student allowances. Permanent residents who do not qualify for student allowances may borrow money through the government-run student loans scheme to pay for maintenance and tuition.

For further information please visit - www.minedu.govt.nz or www.tki.org.nz Community Education Providers

There are also a number of agencies that offer a night school ie if you are looking at gaining some new language skills or interested in taking up a new hobby or learning new skills. It is also a fantastic opportunity for you to have some fun, settle into your new community and meet some people with similar interests. The courses are usually at minimal expense and usually last for a school term approximately 10-12 for 1-2 hours per week.

Here is a link to a database of Community Education Providers throughout New Zealand http://www.xtend.co.nz/communityed/institutes.php