The quality of a New Zealand education is well recognised internationally and because the education programmes and degrees are based on the British education system, it is possible to do an undergraduate degree in New Zealand and a post-graduate degree in another English-speaking country.

In developing countries of Asia it is not unusual to find senior executives and administrators, including cabinet ministers and even prime ministers, who have been educated in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority, part of the Ministry of Education, keeps the register of all quality assured qualifications available in New Zealand tertiary institutions.