About education organisations

Information about the types of education providers and how to find them

An education organisation is any organisation supplying education, training or assessment services to learners. A wide range of programmes and qualifications are offered in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Education organisations can be accredited to deliver programmes leading to the award of recognised New Zealand qualifications, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Before applying for accreditation, private and government training establishments must be recognised by NZQA. This helps us ensure quality in the non-university tertiary sector.

Types of education organisations in New Zealand

Primary school and kura

Primary school and kura takes children from year 0 or 1 (age 5) to year 6 or year 8, depending on the school.

Intermediate school and kura is for children in years 7 and 8, where their primary school does not go to this level.

The primary curriculum is known as The New Zealand Curriculum and the Māori language edition is Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.

Secondary school

Secondary education runs from Year 9 to Year 13, or for students from 12 to 18 years old.

Students generally work towards the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) when they begin level 1 in Year 11 and work through to level 3 in Year 13.

Māori provider

Some registered providers identify themselves as Māori providers.

These educational institutions deliver Māori subjects, conduct their courses in a Māori environment, or focus specifically on the needs of Māori learners.

University

Universities are diverse with a wide range of teaching and research areas, especially at a higher level.

This teaching and research maintains, advances, assists and shares the application of knowledge, and develops intellectual independence.

Wānanga

A teaching and research institution that maintains, advances and shares knowledge, develops intellectual independence, and assists the application of knowledge regarding āhuatanga Māori (Māori tradition) according to tikanga Māori (Māori custom).

Te Pūkenga

Te Pūkenga delivers technical, vocational and professional education. It also promotes research, particularly applied and technological research for social and economic development.

Private training establishment (PTE)

A privately owned and managed organisation providing education or training.

Government training establishment (GTE)

A government-run organisation providing education or training.

More information

About qualifications and credentials

How the New Zealand education system works

Find an education organisation

Use our search to find an education organisation.

Search directory

Making choices about your tertiary education

These pages explain what you should look for when choosing an education organisation or qualification, especially if you’re looking for a private training establishment:

Choosing a tertiary education provider

Choosing a tertiary course, qualification or credential

More information

About tertiary education in New Zealand

Information on how tertiary education works

More on tertiary education

Statutory actions

Actions we take to make sure education is high-quality

View actions

Qualifications and credentials search

Find a qualification or credential

Go to search

Study and training options

Explore options on careers.govt.nz

Go to careers.govt.nz

The reform of vocational education

Information on the changes and what it means for you

About changes to education

Studying in New Zealand

What to expect as an international student in Aotearoa

Learn more

Get more information or give us feedback