New Zealand

Placement Information

• Partner Organization: Fulbright New Zealand
• Eligible Program Timeframe: January – May 2028 
• Language Requirement: None
• Monthly Allowance: Between $5,400 - $5,700
• Eligible Thematic Areas:
  • Super Intelligence (SI) and Technology Innovation in Education
  • Effective Civics Education through Comparative Pedagogy
• Host Institution Expectations: Participants will be hosted at Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka 
• Dependent Information: Education is free in New Zealand for state schools and state-integrated schools, but there can be additional costs for things such as school uniforms, stationery, trips outside of school hours and extra-curricular activities. Participants are responsible for all costs for dependents while in New Zealand and must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available to support their dependents while in New Zealand for visa purposes. The Ministry of Education website provides resources about schools for any accompanying K-12 dependents attending school in New Zealand, which includes school term dates, and Education Counts provides information about schools in and around Wellington, where all participants will be based.

Country Overview

Fulbrighters are immersed in a country of unparalleled beauty and friendly people with a myriad of outdoor activities and vibrant city life at their fingertips. During academic breaks, weekends, and public holidays, grantees have opportunities to engage with New Zealand’s culture and history via museums, galleries, performances, national parks, sporting events, libraries, restaurants, cafes, and much more. Fulbright New Zealand is a hands-on commission, and Fulbright participants will receive ongoing support throughout their time in New Zealand.  More information about New Zealand can be found below:  

• New Zealand Culture, History and Society
• More New Zealand History
• Maori History and Culture
• New Zealand Tourism
• New Zealand Government

Educational System Overview

New Zealand's education system has three levels - early childhood education, schooling (primary and secondary level education for Years 1 to 13), and tertiary education - across which students can follow a variety of flexible pathways. Education is compulsory for all students aged between six and 16 years (generally up to Year 11), though most students begin school at age five. Early childhood education (ECE) is for children under five and is characterized by strong quality assurance and a world-leading national curriculum. 

The Ministry of Education (the Ministry) is the central government agency responsible for guiding the education sector to deliver a world-leading education system that equips all New Zealanders with the knowledge, skills, and values to be successful citizens. Separate education agencies are responsible for qualifications and quality assurance. 

More detailed information about the structure of the New Zealand education system, as well as current initiatives for schools is available at https://www.education.govt.nz 

New Zealand has a national curriculum framework which applies to all state schools and state-integrated schools, covering all years of schooling. https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz 

Links to other relevant central education agencies are below: 

• TeachNZ
• The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

• The Education Review Office