Australia is a popular choice for international students, with over 1,000 schools and 20,000 courses. For students in New Zealand, there's a fairly well-established and supported route to studying in Australia through NCEA. Much like New Zealand has NCEA, Australia has the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This framework links primary, secondary, and postsecondary education into a cohesive structure.
There's a broad spectrum of options for international students in Australia, whether you're looking for vocational education, English language courses, or tertiary education at universities and TAFE (Technical and Further Education) colleges.
Let's see how New Zealanders can access these education pathways.
Studying in Australia with NCEA
In Australia, educational standards are regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) for universities and by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for VET providers. These agencies manage course registration and accreditation, so you'll likely interact with them in some way, either directly or indirectly.
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and the National Code of Practice ensure that international students, including New Zealand students, get a quality education while in Australia.
Thanks to a formal agreement between Australia and New Zealand, NCEA qualifications are recognised in Australia for university admissions. The Australasian Conference of University Admission Centres (ACTAC) allows New Zealanders to apply directly to Australian tertiary institutions.
That said, it's still important for New Zealanders to choose the right NCEA subjects for the courses they'd like to do in Australia. Entry requirements are set by each institution and state, which usually means you need to make sure that you:
- Meet New Zealand University entry criteria
- Achieve a strong ATAR
- Satisfy English competency criteria
To give yourself the best possible chances, you should aim for excellence or merit in your Level 3 Courses, particularly in University Entrance-approved subjects. There may also be English-specific credit totals, with some Australian states requiring up to 20 credits in English.
In Australia, ATAR is the standardised ranking method used across states to evaluate Year 12 students. In January, New Zealand's NZQA released ATAR scores for qualified students, which allowed them to apply as domestic students to Australian institutions through Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs).
When you apply, you must include your National Student Number (NSN) and confirm with your Principal Nominee that your privacy flag is set to "Yes" in the school's management system. This will allow Australian institutions to access your academic results.
If your results are updated after the January release, your ATAR will be automatically recalculated, allowing institutions to see your most recent achievements.
Applying to Study in Australia
Thanks to the agreements above, the process for applying to study in Australia is fairly streamlined for New Zealanders. That said, you could always look into studying in the US or even the world's top university, Harvard.
Here are the steps you should take to ensure you end up on the right course.
Step 1: Research and Decide on Potential Courses
The first thing every student should do is carefully research the best courses and universities. Many New Zealanders choose Melbourne and Sydney but remember that what's right for one student mightn't necessarily be right for another.
Research more than the best places for students and universities, and check which institutions offer the best courses in particular subject areas.
Step 2: Shortlist Courses and Institutions
Naturally, your search will start more broadly. First, try to shortlist viable universities and institutions, and then narrow down your choices.
To simplify this process, we recommend filtering the results based on your budget, lifestyle, and academic preferences.
Make a wishlist for courses and institutions, and ensure each institution meets your requirements.
Step 3: Apply to Courses
The application process is usually the longest part of getting onto a course in Australia, so it's always worthwhile only applying to viable and recommended courses.
Remember that some institutions require an English proficiency test, especially if English isn't your first language. These tests take time, so check if they'll be needed before applying.
Applications can take a few weeks; if accepted, the institution will send you an offer letter. This offer letter will include conditions, so read it carefully to understand them.
If you're lucky enough to be accepted to multiple institutions, you can choose the best option.
Step 4: Prepare for Life in Australia
Even if English is your first language, it's worthwhile making sure that you're familiar with some Aussie English. Watch shows, read books, listen to podcasts, and look out for Aussie slang!
New Zealanders do not need a student visa to study in Australia. They will pay domestic student fees rather than international student fees. However, they are not usually eligible for Australian student loans.
Why Should New Zealanders Study Abroad in Australia?
There are plenty of good universities and academic institutions in New Zealand, so why would a New Zealander consider going to Australia?
Australia is a Popular Destination for Students
For one, Australia is the third most popular study-abroad destination for English-speaking students worldwide after the US and the UK, though many New Zealanders also opt to study in Europe.
As for Australia, students are drawn to the stunning landscapes from the Outback to Coastal cities. They also enjoy the country's cultural diversity, welcoming residents, and top-tier education system.
Australia Offers Top-Notch Education
Australian institutions are known worldwide for their high academic standards and reputation, which makes their graduates highly employable.
Australia is a leader in scientific research and technology. Many Australian universities invest heavily in research facilities and resources, and students who study there will have access to some of the latest technologies and research opportunities.
Students in Australia Can Work
Beyond the education standards, Australian living standards are also very high, and the living costs and tuition fees are more affordable than those of the United States and the United Kingdom, the two other most popular destinations.
New Zealanders can work part-time while studying in Australia, which allows them to offset their living expenses while gaining work experience. This isn't automatically possible in other countries. They can work up to 20 hours per week.
Funding and Finance Options for Students
There are also scholarship and funding options available from Australian institutions specifically for New Zealanders.
The cost of university education in Australia can vary quite wildly depending on the institution and course, so funding options are essential for many students.
How to Make the Most of Studying Abroad in Australia
Any opportunity to study abroad is a life-changing experience. For many students, this may be the first time they've lived in a country other than New Zealand, and it'll give them opportunities to explore different cultures, make new friends, and explore Australia while also getting a high-quality education.
Australia's flexible education system allows New Zealanders to immerse themselves in the Australian lifestyle while also preparing for future career success.
As with any opportunity to study abroad, remember to make the most of your time in another country and explore and experience as much as your new home has to offer.
However, remember that you're also there to study. It can be very tempting to enjoy living in a new country so much that you forget that you must study. Take your studies seriously, but also enjoy any new opportunities and experiences living in Australia will offer you.
Get the Most Out of Studying in Australia with a Private Tutor
Studying in Australia, the US, Canada, Europe, or anywhere else, can be challenging. Whether you need extra support with your studies or are looking to get the best possible results, a private tutor can help.
No matter what you choose to study, there are tutors on Superprof in New Zealand, Australia, and worldwide.
Whether you get a tutor in New Zealand and learn online or find a local tutor in Australia, private tutoring has plenty of advantages.
While Australia certainly offers high-quality education, students can still require extra support, especially if the teaching approach isn't ideal. In classes with multiple students, teachers have to compromise.
A private tutor, on the other hand, can adapt their sessions to you, what you want to learn, and how you best learn. If any of your classes at an Australian university are causing you problems, they can help.
Luckily, many of the private tutors on the Superprof website offer the first session for free. You can try a few before choosing the right one for you and your learning goals.
Just search for what you want to learn on the Superprof website today and start shortlisting potential tutors before contacting them for a free taster lesson.
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