Education System in New Zealand

What type of education system is there in New Zealand, what are the rules and regulation for international students? How complete education system is divided out there, please explain me in detail?

Education system in New Zealand

In New Zealand, higher education is being offered by universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. Different type of Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions. Private training establishments in New Zealand are registered and their courses approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). All the universities in New Zealand are financed by the Government. The academic year, beginning in March, consists of either two semesters or three terms. The degrees acquired from universities of New Zealand are recognized in most of the countries for the purpose of pursuing further studies and getting employment. New Zealand polytechnics and institutes of technology are funded by the state. They provide education and training at all levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes.

In New Zealand universities, duration of studies to acquire a Bachelor's degree is three years but for honours degree it is of four years and for professional degree it is up to six years. For post graduation you have to study for two years further after graduation. At the polytechnics you can complete either first or first two years of graduation and then get transferred to a University. The academic year at the polytechnics consists of two terms. The first term starts in February and ends in June and the second begin in July and ends in November. Admissions are made in February but in a few restricted cases in July.

Admission requirements

A basic eligibility criterion for admission to various courses varies for different universities. The New Zealand universities may be contacted for specific details. However, some basic common requirements are: Academic records-To meet the general requirement for admission you should have the International Baccalaureate (It is a two-year pre-university qualification for a diploma which is a recognized qualification for entry into higher education in all countries) or A level Exams by any of the examining bodies of the U.K. You should have secured all A level passes at the same sitting. Competence in English: Most higher education institutions require competency in both spoken and written English. IELTS qualifying score of 6.0 or 6.5 and a minimum of 550 marks in TOEFL is required.

Visa requirements
Immigration New Zealand, known as Department of Labour, is the
government authoriry responsible for issuing visas and permits to enter
New Zealand. They have branches around the world.

Visa application requirements:

To get a student visa and permit, you have to be enrolled in an approved
course at an institution that has been accredited to offer that course.

Your visa application will need:
-Recent passport-size photograph
-Payment of a non-refundable application fee
-An offer of place from an educational institution, which states that you have been accepted by the institution.
-The name of the course,
-The minimum time required completing the course, and whether a course fee must be paid or the student is exempt from the fee (e.g. scholarship students). This will be sent to you by the institution confirming your enrolment
-Evidence of payment of the fee or exemption from the fee (not necessary if your application is being approved in principle)
-A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand
-evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are studying
-a return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.

Hi All,

When will the Admission Openings for 2012 PG Degrees.. Pls reply ASAP..!!