New Zealand

Placement Information

• Partner Organization: Fulbright New Zealand
• Eligible Program Dates: 3-5 months from February 1 – June 1, 2026. 
• Host Institution Expectations: Participants will be hosted at Victoria University of Wellington – Te Herenga Waka 
• Language Requirement: None
• Monthly Allowance: Between $4,700 - $5,000 (exact amount to be confirmed at a later date). 
• Dependent Information: An allowance of $2,000 per eligible dependent will be provided as part of the Fulbright grant. Grantees 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. US Teacher Grantees are responsible for acquiring a Work Visa for New Zealand and appropriate visas for any accompanying partners or children. A grantee’s spouse/partner and children under five years of age are granted Visitor Visas for the same length of time as the grantee’s Work Visa. Generally, children aged five to seventeen are granted Student Visas. University age children apply for a Student Visa and need to show they are enrolled at a university and have paid their fees. Dependent children of work visa holders are regarded as domestic students for the purpose of all tuition fees at primary and secondary schools for the period of the parent's work visa. Please note that tuition support for dependents is subject to availability and requests for funding are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to research schooling options for their dependents during the application phase. 

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 NZ 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 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. The Ministry gives effect to the government’s priorities for education to ensure that desired educational outcomes are achieved. It does this by working with parents, schools and communities.

More detailed information about the profile and structure of the New Zealand education system is available at https://www.education.govt.nz/.  

Possible Topics of Interest for U.S. Educators

• Addressing teacher workforce challenges.
• Digital and hybrid teaching and learning.
• Health and safety systems for schools and Early Childhood Education services.
• Learning support.
• Lifting the quality of initial teacher education provision.
• National Standards.
• Ngā Whanaketanga Rumaki Māori: te reo matatini (literacy) and pangarau (numeracy).
• Performance measurement.
• Professional learning and development.
• Scaling up successful pilots for system change.
• School partnerships with parents.
• Science, technology, and innovation.