Refers to former students or graduates of that university.
Associate Professor
Academic ranking immediately below full professor.
Chancellor
The Chancellor is elected by and chairs the University Council of a university. They are an independent member of the Council.
DVC
Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Faculty
An academic section of the University devoted to a particular area of knowledge eg, Faculty of Science.
GPA
Grade Point Average.
Level 1-3
Equates to National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) levels 1-3 (ie years 11-13 / previously called 5th, 6th and 7th form at secondary school) but can include a range of certificates through the tertiary education system.
Level 4
A 6-12 month certificate of some sort.
Level 5-6
Diploma- pre-degree level.
Level 7
Bachelors degree – a three year undergraduate degree, or a graduate diploma eg Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce.
Level 8
Honours degree – this varies between universities but it is usually a one-year full-time programme, taken after completing a Bachelors degree. Some honours degrees take two years.
Level 9
Masters degree – a post graduate degree that involves a combination of coursework ie attending lectures and classes, completing assignments, and individual research and takes 1-2 years (varies between universities).
Level 10
A Doctorate (PhD). A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is the highest academic qualification available within a university and takes at least three years of original and sustained research under academic supervision.
Polytechnic
A tertiary institution offering courses, especially vocational and technical education. Some offer degree level courses.
Post-graduate
Post-graduate study is optional study that can be undertaken at the successful completion of a Bachelors degree.
Pro-Chancellor
The Chancellor’s deputy in governance and ceremonial roles and, on occasion as required, acts on the Chancellor’s behalf.
Professor
The highest rank for an academic.
Professor Emeritus
Universities may award of the title of “Professor Emeritus” to a retired member of the academic staff who held the office of professor immediately before his or her retirement.
Pro-Vice Chancellor
The executive manager and academic leader of a College.
Provost
A non-teaching, high ranked, university management role.
PTE
Private training establishment (PTE). New Zealand has over 240 PTEs providing education and training including Bible Colleges, Colleges of Chinese Medicine, English language and flying schools.
Semesters
There are two semesters in the academic year of about 15 weeks each which includes about 12 teaching weeks and about three weeks for study and examinations. In addition there is a mid-semester break of up to two weeks.
Student Allowance
A payment for living expenses to some full-time students by StudyLink. Entitlement depends on factors including but not limited to a student's age, income and, if applicable, parental income.
Student Loan Scheme
A government scheme available to students who are New Zealand citizens and to qualifying Permanent Residents living in New Zealand. Other eligibility criteria apply.
TEI
Tertiary education institution (TEI). Under the Education Act TE institutions include colleges of education; a polytechnic; a specialist college; a university; or a wananga. The Crown has an ownership interest in TEIs.
TEO
A tertiary education organisation (TEO) is any organisation that supplies tertiary education and/or training and/or assessment services - these include adult education, industry training courses, private training establishments as well as universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, and wanaga.
Undergraduate
An undergraduate degree is the first degree that you will study. Once students have completed their first degree they are a graduate and can go on to post-graduate study.
University Council
Under the Education and Training Act 2020, New Zealand’s universities are each governed by a Council. The Council of up to 12 members is made up of a mix of Ministerial appointees, external appointees and elected staff, students, and graduates. The Vice-Chancellor is also a member of the Council.
Vice-Chancellor
The chief executive of the university, responsible for managing its academic and administrative affairs. The Vice-Chancellor is the employer of all University staff and provides the link that connects university governance (Council) and management functions.
