New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (commonly called the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands.
Education
Education in New Zealand follows the three-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and/or polytechs. The Programme for International Student Assessment ranks New Zealand's education as the 7th best in the world.
ACADEMIC YEAR
The University academic year of most universities is divided into two semesters.
Semester 1 Late February - end June
Semester 2 Early July - mid November
Almost all undergraduate degree courses must be commenced with Semester 1. For more details of the academic calendar, contact the respective university.
Accommodation
Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange homestays for international students.
Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. 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.
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 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.
Orientation
Before the beginning of the academic year, the International Office of most universities runs an orientation programme for international students.
This programme covers such things as course advice, a tour of the campus and information about living in New Zealand.
The orientation programme is free and provides an excellent opportunity to meet other students and make new friends. Another orientation programme is run at the beginning of the second semester
Welcome to New Zealand
