Study In New Zealand

New Zealand is located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean and consists of two main Islands as well as a number of smaller ones. The principal Islands are the North and South Islands which are separated by the Cook Strait.

North Island has a mountainous center with many hot springs and volcanic peaks. South Island is much more mountainous with the Southern Alps, which has some 350 glaciers, running across the length of the Island. Much of the lowlands are broken and hilly while plains are not prominent on either Island.

 

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 polytechnics.

Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16. Post-compulsory education is regulated within the New Zealand National Qualifications Framework, a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training.

The academic year in New Zealand varies between institutions, but generally runs from late January until mid-December for primary and secondary schools and polytechnics, and from late February until mid-November for universities.

School Education
Most schools cater for primary, intermediate, secondary school students:

  • Years 1–6: Primary School (Ages 5–10)
  • Years 7–8: Intermediate School (Ages 11–12)
  • Years 9–13: Secondary School (Ages 13–18)

Tertiary Education

Universities There are eight government-funded universities providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in academic and professional studies. All universities offer degrees in a broad range of subjects like commerce, science and arts etc. Universities also have specialist subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine and Agriculture.

The quality of a New Zealand university education is well recognized internationally. Many New Zealand graduates have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology There are 23 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology in New Zealand. Programs offered in these institutions can be both academically and vocationally focused. Some institutions offer Year 1 of a degree program, with subsequent years being completed at a university.

Private Tertiary and Training Establishments There are a growing number of private tertiary and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer a range of programs including professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, the hospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management, ecotourism and others.

New Zealand National Qualifications Framework (NQF) The NQF is made up of nationally endorsed standards and qualifications. NQF standards and qualifications are developed by nationally recognized standard setting bodies (SSBs) and quality assured by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

All Qualifications within NQF are divided into levels based on the complexity of the skills and knowledge imparted. The levels do not equate to ‘years spent learning’ but reflect the content of the qualification.

New Zealand International Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand. These scholarships reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening educational partnerships with other countries and regions.

Scholarships for International Students

NZIDRS (New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships)

Funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by Education New Zealand, the New NZIDRS, provides financial support for international students undertaking doctoral degrees by research in New Zealand universities. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.

Domestic Fees for PhDs
International PhD students who are accepted for enrolment at a New Zealand university pay the same fees as New Zealand domestic students.

New Zealand University Scholarships
These scholarships are available to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students enrolled in the universities in New Zealand. These scholarships are administered by NZVCC (New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee).

Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan
Commonwealth Scholarships are available for candidates from developing countries to study in New Zealand at Masters or doctoral level. Approximately 10 new Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded each year by the New Zealand Government.

Full name: New Zealand
Population: 43,73,146 (2010 estimates)
Capital: Wellington
Largest city: Auckland
Area: 268,021 sq km
Official languages: English, Māori
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women)
Monetary unit: 1 NZ dollar ($NZ) = 100 cents
Main exports: Wool, food and dairy products, wood and paper products
GNI per capita: $25,200 (World Bank, 2008)
Internet domain: .nx
International dialing code: +64

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