Types of courses

New Zealand's universities all offer general undergraduate and graduate degrees and diplomas in arts, sciences and commerce, as well as specialist degrees.

The PTEs and ITPs offer a wide range of academic and professional courses. The Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology allow you to choose a short course teaching a specific skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, diploma or degree.

New Zealand's immigration laws prevent any international student from studying at a private education institution that has not been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). You can check with NZQA to see if private institutions you're interested in are registered with them: www.nzqa.govt.nz

More information about living and studying in New Zealand, and about the education structure in New Zealand can be found on the Ministry of Education website: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/InternationalEducation/ForInternationalStudentsAndParents.aspx