2026 International ACAC Conference Session Proposal Form

The ANZAC Spirit—representing shared history, values, and cooperation—extends to the deep educational ties between Australia and New Zealand as Commonwealth countries with aligned academic standards, similar qualifications frameworks, and rigorous quality assurance systems. This session uses Australia as a familiar reference point to illuminate New Zealand's distinctive higher education landscape, helping counselors understand how New Zealand's system both mirrors and diverges from its larger neighbor while fitting within the broader Commonwealth education ecosystem. Key topics include university structures and rankings, admissions requirements, academic calendars, competitive-entry medical programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), post-study work rights, student visa pathways, and critical differences in scale, selectivity, and institutional fit. Where relevant, the session will draw parallels with the UK and other Commonwealth destinations to provide additional context for counselors' advising strategies. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: - Articulate key similarities and distinctions between Australian and New Zealand higher education systems - Identify when New Zealand offers strategic advantages for specific student profiles - Advise confidently on applications, timelines, and post-study opportunities in both countries - Position Australia and New Zealand as complementary destinations within a cohesive global advising framework