How long is college in New Zealand?

Answer 1

In New Zealand, the word 'College' can be used to refer to an education institution at any level, and is most commonly used to refer to a high school /secondary school, and occasionally to a Tertiary institution (such as a University, Wananga, or Polytechnic or Trade School) or even to a particular department of a Tertiary institution.

College is not used to refer to the level of education, rather to a name of a particular institution.

Generally the ages and years spent attending for the different education levels are:

• Preschool ages 3-4 :2 years (not compulsory)
  
• Primary Education ages 5-12 :8 years (compulsory)
• Secondary Education ages 13-17 years old :5 years (compulsory up to age 16)
• Tertiary Education 18+ years old :courses can be anything from some months for a diploma to several years for a degree. A Bachelors degree is the shortest degree and takes 3 years (Tertiary education is not compulsory)