Student in classroom lisening

Study in New Zealand
School for Indian Students

Are you planning to Study in New Zealand School? Find
out what it’s like to Study in a New Zealand School, the
curriculum, qualification, top NZ schools, fees,
accommodation options and more.

Student in classroom lisening

Study in New Zealand
School for Indian Students

Are you planning to Study in New Zealand School? Find out what it’s like to Study in a New Zealand School, the curriculum, qualification, top NZ schools, fees,
accommodation options and more.

On this Page

On this Page

01

Preparing students

New Zealand is ranked the #1 English-speaking country in the world in preparing students for the future (Economist Intelligence Unit).

01

Student wellbeing

New Zealand was the 1st country in the world to have an international student wellbeing strategy.

03

Global Peace Index

New Zealand is ranked the third most peaceful country in the world (Vision of Humanity).

A well-rounded education

Comprehensive Curriculum

New Zealand offers high-quality education which is world class. Learning in New Zealand is not just from books. It’s very important for children to experience the real world, not just study knowledge. From Year 1 to Year 13, New Zealand schools focus on excellence across key learning areas, including English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, languages other than English, technologies, and health and physical education. Secondary schools also offer some vocational subjects, such as tourism and computing.

Holistic Skill Development

Skills taught include communication, teamwork, and personal development. The News Zealand school curriculum encouraging the student to think and be proactive, which will make them a better adult in the future. The New Zealand school system gives students the skills and qualifications to succeed anywhere in the world.

Discover Innovative Learning
in New Zealand Schools

New Zealand Education Levels

A complete New Zealand school education spans 13 years and includes:

  • Primary schools: is from year 1-6 (ages 5-10)
  • Intermediate schools: is from years 7-8 (ages 11-12)
  • Secondary school: or high school or colleges is from year 9-13 (ages 13-18)

There are different types of schools in New Zealand, including:

  • State Schools (government)
  • State-integrated schools which are faith-based schools (e.g. Catholic or Islamic schools)
  • Private or independent Schools (non-government)
  • Schools that cater for students with special needs

Overview of Qualifications Provided by
New Zealand Schools

Secondary schools offer a great range of qualifications that are accepted by universities in New Zealand and around the world.

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

NCEA is the main qualification for high school students in New Zealand. It can be used towards future study in New Zealand or overseas

When completing senior secondary school (Years 11-13), students sit for exams, receive an official certificate of senior secondary qualification and receive a score. The score indicates the ranking of a student’s academic results in relation to others in their year group. The NCEA score is used by universities for entry into higher education courses. Student achievement is assessed through a mixture of project work and exams. Assessments are either internal (set by the school) or external (set by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority).

NCEA is very flexible. In Year 11, students usually work towards Level 1, and progress to Level 2 in Year 12 and Level 3 in Year 13. Some schools focus on Level 2 across years 11 and 12. It’s not unusual to be working at a mix of different levels, depending on your learning programme. For example, you might be doing mostly Level 2 courses, but start something new at Level 1 or study a course at Level 3 because you are good at it. You don’t have to finish one level of the NCEA qualification before starting to work towards the next one.

Find out more about the NCEA in the video.

New Zealand education system
Understanding NCEA: A Quick 5-Minute Guide for Indian Parents and Students
International Baccalaureate (IB)

Approximately 25 New Zealand schools offer the IB, an internationally recognised school curriculum taught in 140 countries.The IB program is designed to help students become independent and critical thinkers, effective communicators and active global citizens.

The Cambridge Examinations

Approximately 40 New Zealand secondary schools offer this qualification. It can be attained at 3 levels in either year
11, 12 or 13, and uses a range of assessment methods with the emphasis on external exams.

Admission Criteria for Indian Students:
No IELTS, Just Your Goals and Strengths

New Zealand schools offer a unique approach to education that focuses on your child’s academic dreams, goals, strengths, and passions, rather than solely on test scores or exam results. The entry criteria are designed to help students align their studies with their core strengths and interests, giving them the opportunity to thrive in subjects they are passionate about.

The school year in New Zealand begins in January/February and ends in November/December, divided into four terms of approximately 10 weeks each, with 2-week holiday breaks between terms. Students can choose from around 40 different subjects, providing a wide range of opportunities to explore and develop their talents.

Importantly, there is no English language test requirement, such as IELTS, for admission. Instead, our schools focus on supporting students in areas where they excel and nurturing their passion for learning, ensuring a fulfilling and successful educational experience in New Zealand.

Fees & Conditions

  • Fees are usually paid for a maximum period of 1 year
  • Fees are approximately INR 9,00,000 per year.
  • Living cost is approximately INR 8,75,000 per year.
  • Homestay fees can be refunded if unused, in accordance with the school refund policy
  • Parents may come to New Zealand to live with their children who are under 18 years. See guardian visa details below.

New Zealand was the first country to introduce a code of practice to ensure international students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.

What is it like to live in New Zealand?

Hear what our student have to say. If you have more questions, contact us on info@nzea.in.

Your Child’s Safety and Wellbeing in New Zealand

New Zealand is committed to the safety and wellbeing of international students, being the first country to establish a dedicated Code of Practice for their care. This ensures that schools provide a secure and supportive environment for your child. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) monitors schools to guarantee these high standards are met.

From the moment your child arrives, they are welcomed and cared for by experienced staff and supported by a network of
specialists, including counselors, health professionals, and bilingual teachers. Schools offer robust orientation programs to help students adjust quickly to their new environment. Homestay families are carefully selected and provide a safe, nurturing home, offering your child a chance to immerse in New Zealand’s culture while being well looked after.

New Zealand’s schools are equipped with strong support systems, ensuring your child is not just academically successful, but also happy, healthy, and safe throughout their educational journey.

Homestay - Issac

A secure environment

New Zealand is ranked one of the most peaceful and least corrupt countries in the world.

Homestays welcome students into a Kiwi family, while education providers provide pastoral care to help students feel happy and well-supported.

Accommodation Options for
Students in New Zealand

New students always feel at home in New Zealand. There are plenty of options available.

Live with your Relative
  • Parents may appoint a close family friend or relative to be the homestay caregiver
  • The Code of Practice calls these caregivers Designated Caregivers
  • They have the same obligations as homestay parents

 

Homestay

With a homestay you live with a New Zealand family in their home, usually in a fully furnished room of your own. They’ll provide you with meals and help you to settle in to day-to-day life in New Zealand.

  • A homestay is a great way to get to know some friendly New Zealanders, develop your Kiwi English skills and get a close-up look at New Zealand’s way of life and culture.
  • Most school students live with homestay families
  • All adults living in the homestay and over the age of 18 are police vetted
  • Students will be invited to participate in the life of their homestay family and make an effort to do things with them
  • Students should try to discuss their day at school with the family
  • If students do not like some foods they should not be afraid to tell their homestay parent.
  • If they are missing a certain food they could ask their homestay parent if they could provide it.
Guardian Visa: Live & Work​

As a parent, you have the opportunity to come to New Zealand with your child under a special visa called the “Guardian Visa,” which allows for multiple entries. This visa is granted to individuals who are the legal guardians of a foreign fee-paying student in New Zealand under the following conditions:

  • The student holds a current student visa and is 17 years old or younger, or
  • The student holds a current student visa and is enrolled in school years 1-13.

Even if your child is 18 years old but is enrolled in Year 13 at high school, you may still be eligible to apply for the Guardian Visa.

With the Guardian Visa, you can also work part-time and earn money in New Zealand while your child studies at school. This allows you to support your child’s education while experiencing life in New Zealand together.

Why studying in New Zealand Schools is an Ideal Choice After Completing 10th Grade

Still have questions?

What level of English does my child need to study in New Zealand?

Most schools welcome students with all levels of English and many also offer English language classes. The school will likely assess your child’s English language level and offer the required support.

Universities and higher education providers specify English language requirements for each programme. Check for details on their website.

Read more about learning English.

How easy is it to make friends in New Zealand?

New Zealand is welcoming of people from different cultures and backgrounds and is one of the friendliest places you can choose for your studies.

One of the best ways for your child to make friends and meet Kiwis is to get involved in student clubs and extra-curricular events and activities.

What is it like to live in a homestay?

With a homestay, your child lives with a New Zealand family in their home, usually in their own fully furnished room. They’ll provide your child with meals and help them to settle in to day-to-day life in New Zealand.

Contact Us

NZEA, a New Zealand registered company with offices in Auckland and Mumbai, provides advice on studying in New Zealand. We are defined by ethical practice and ensuring our students make the right choice to pursuing education goals. NZEA is with you all the way… guiding you throughout your academic journey.

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