Free education for Children
Free Public School Education
In New Zealand, if parents hold citizenship, permanent residency or a work visa, their children can receive free education at public schools from Year 1 to Year 13. For long-term early education where parents accompany their children, one parent can study whilst the spouse receives a work visa, and through that work visa, accompanying children can access free education at public schools. Through this approach, you can reduce early education costs and potentially pursue New Zealand permanent residency in the future.
Conditions for Spouse Work Visa Support During Study
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When studying Level 9 or Level 10 courses (master's or doctoral courses)
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When studying Level 7 or Level 8 courses on the Immediate Skill Shortage List with full-time enrolment, starting before 7 September 2022
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When studying Level 7 or Level 8 courses on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list or on the Green List
Examples of Accompanying Children's Tuition Exemption
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When one parent studies a course equivalent to an MBA, business master's or IT master's or higher commercial course, the spouse's work visa allows accompanying children to access free public education
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When one parent studies a bachelor's course on the Green List (architectural studies, architectural sciences, electrical and electronics engineering, etc.), the spouse's work visa allows accompanying children to access free public education
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When one parent studies on the Qualification Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list (Graduate Diploma in Teaching primary education, construction diploma, etc.), the spouse's work visa allows accompanying children to access free public education
Advantages of Free Education
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Economic benefit of long-term tuition savings when two or more children receive free education for the cost of one tuition fee
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Spouse can work with a work visa
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Economic activity possible during the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa period after study and continuous free education for children
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Help for future career through obtaining a New Zealand degree and improving English proficiency
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Opportunity to apply for permanent residency when employed in related industries after studying in New Zealand
Recommended Programmes
- Green List programmes: construction engineering, architectural accounting, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, food engineering, early childhood education, etc.
- Master’s: business, accounting, IT, etc.
Free Education for Children at New Zealand Kindergartens and Preschools
New Zealand has a system called ECE20, which allows not only children of New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, but also children of parents holding work and tourist visas to receive free education at New Zealand kindergartens and preschools.
Regardless of parents’ visa status, the government guarantees 20 hours per week of free education to ensure that pre-primary school children aged 3 to under 5 receive a minimum level of education. With pre-primary school children under 5 years old, whilst residing in New Zealand short-term, you can experience high-quality early childhood education at New Zealand kindergartens without the burden of education costs.
What is a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser?
The immigration adviser system, implemented from 4 May 2009, aims to protect migrants through accurate legal advice from advisers verified by the Immigration Advisors Authority under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and to facilitate fast and efficient immigration processing through cooperation between immigration advisers and Immigration New Zealand. Therefore, when seeking immigration advice or applying for visas in New Zealand, it’s important to first verify that your adviser is a New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser.
Licensed immigration advisers can be searched on the Immigration Advisors Authority website.
Verify New Zealand Government Licensed Immigration Adviser →
We hope you will safely pursue your study-to-immigration or immigration consultation with Education New Zealand-certified consultants who hold New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser qualifications, and achieve your dreams in New Zealand together.
