New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you.

The country is a land of great contrasts. New Zealand is a small island nation with a temperate climate. You are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In fact all of the larger cities are on the coastline, with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Further inland are the mountains, the backbone of the two major islands (North and South Island) with tramping all year round and skiing for up to six months of the year.

New Zealand Education

New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions - universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.

Universities

There are eight government-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Some also offer foundation programmes. Whilst all offer a broad range of degree subjects, each university has its own specialised courses.The quality of a New Zealand university education is well recognised internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field. Many of the international students from developing Asian nations, who have studies at New Zealand universities, have since served as senior administrators, including cabinet ministers in their own countries.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology

A popular option is to study at one of the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose from a short course teaching a specific skill, or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree. Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree programme, with subsequent years being completed at a university  

Accommodation and Cost of Living

Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange homestays for international students.Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live off campus and will seek advice from the student support services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help with arranging home stays or give advice on finding student flats. It is generally recommended that international students allow NZ$9,000 to $10,000 per year for living and accommodation costs. This includes accommodation, food, travel, textbooks and limited entertainment.

For more information visit http://www.educationnz.org.nz