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 state funded. The entry requirements, courses and educational standards of all secondary schools are similar and 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 undergraduate degree programmes as well.
Specialised training for teachers is available at colleges of education which 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. New Zealand has seven national universities offering degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in academic and professional studies. All universities offer a broad range of subjects for degrees in commerce, science and the arts.