Most secondary schools are state-established but there are also a number of other schools which have special philosophical or religious traditions . These schools are either private or integrated schools. Integrated schools were privately funded in the past, but are now funded by the state. The entry requirements, courses and educational standards of all secondary schools are similar and they prepare students for the same national qualifications. Twenty-five institutions in New Zealand are part of the polytechnic system and provide education and training in a broad range of industry and occupation based vocational studies .
Many polytechnics now offer under-graduate degree programmes as well.
Specialised training for teachers is available at colleges of education that provide studies in early-childhood, primary and secondary education . Additional university studies may be undertaken as part of the courses. All colleges offer specialist courses for trained teachers. All universities offer a broad range of subjects for degrees in commerce, science and the arts. Each university has also developed its own specialist subjects, such as engineering, computer studies, medicine and agriculture.