Overview

The New Zealand educational system is based is on several values including: 

      - Culturally appropriate early childhood services
      - Primary and secondary education that is free for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents
      -  Reasonable and affordable access to tertiary education
      - Quality guaranteed and portable education qualification

Education is compulsory for 10 years for children between ages 6 and 16. Most children attend school from the age of five years old. Education in early childhood is non-obligatory for children 0 to 5 years of age.

Kindergartens provide an early childhood education for children age 3 to 5. All children can be placed on a list from the age of 2 years old. Most Kindergartens are open from 8.45am to 11.45am and from 11.45am to 3.30pm during the week days. They do not charge fees but a donation is generally expected.

Primary and secondary school is free of charge and government funded for all scholars. However, all parents are responsible to cover some minor costs such as school uniforms, books and stationary.
The school hours are from 9.00am to 3.00pm with a break in the morning and afternoon and one hour for lunch. Primary Education (also know as high school, college) starts at Year 1 and continues until Year 8. Secondary education covers Year 9 to Year 13 (age 13 to 16-17).

New Zealand has 8 universities which offer general undergraduate and graduate degrees and diplomas in particular disciplines. There are also 25 Polytechnics and numerous Colleges of Education and Private Training Establishments offering a wide range of academic and professional courses. Everyone who wants to come and study in New Zealand needs to meet requirements for an international student.

There is no age limit for people who wish to go and study in New Zealand. There is also no time limit on how long you can spend in New Zealand as a student. To obtain most Degrees in New Zealand, it will take approximately 3 or 4 years and all New Zealand degrees are recognised internationally.

A number of English Institutes and private English Language Schools are also located throughout the country for those overseas students that wish to learn English.