Qualifications and Exams

New Zealand’s education system follows the British model, so qualifications earned in New Zealand are recognised worldwide.  Assessment is usually monitored throughout the year by use of assignments and in class exams, and subject to an end of year examination.


Secondary School

Students in years eleven to thirteen who wish to attend university study under the National Certificate of Educational Achievement programme (NCEA).  This is a credit based programme that students can tailor to suit their strengths and desired post secondary studies.  Subjects studied during these years earn students credits.  Entrance to tertiary study requires a minimum of 42 credits at Level Three.  They must additionally fulfil specific subject, literacy and numeracy requirements.


Tertiary Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications can range from certificate level to doctorates.  The level of tertiary study you should undertake will depend on your chosen professional field.
Certificate level study is usually undertaken as a foundation course for students who wish to study at university level but do not have the qualifications.  Some apprenticeships require certificate level study.  Diplomas are often similar (but not equivalent to) university qualifications.  In most cases, certificate and diploma level courses are significantly shorter than university studies.

Undergraduate university degrees take three to four years to complete.  Many professions, such as teaching and medicine, require an undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate graduates may wish to increase their knowledge by undertaking postgraduate study.  Postgraduate degrees take form as a Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree or Doctorate.

Assessment takes many forms.  Depending on the degree, students will be asked to hand in assignments, do presentations, participate in laboratory or field work and undertake work experience throughout the semester.  Some classes may give you marks for attending classes and participating in discussion.  At the end of each semester, students must complete an examination for each subject.  Exams can be multiple choice, short or long essays or a combination.