New Zealand has a good education system and qualifications gained here are accepted as equal to the best in the world. For more than one hundred years it has had a state system which is 'free, secular and compulsory'. At the same time there is a strong degree of tolerance which enables communities to build and operate private schools along religious or cultural lines.      
      
Universities: There are 22 institute and 8 government -funded universities in New Zealand and all have internationally respected academic and research standards. A university education is open to anyone who meets the common entrance qualification prescribed by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors Committee (NZVCC) of a three C Universities Bursary Examination grades.    
      
Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology: There are 22 polytechnics, many of which are called institute of technology. They provide a wide range of courses, up to and including degree-level. Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology are efficient tertiary providers offering programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. Due to their active engagement with industry, employers and government agencies they provide programmes which are of a high academic standard and are relevant to the rapidly changing workforce on a global basis     

College of Education: These train teachers as well as other occupational groups such as social workers. 
      
Private Training Establishments: There are over 800 private education providers, many offering short-term English language courses for international students   
      
Distance Education: Distance education is one offer on a full-fee basis in New Zealand to international and New Zealand students from the Correspondence School, the Open Polytechnic and Massey University. Other tertiary providers offer some of their courses by distance also   
      
Quality Assurance: To ensure that both the Government and individuals are investing in quality education, training and assessment, the Government has set up nationally recognised processes of quality assurance. There are a number of government appointed bodies responsible for approving qualifications in New Zealand and for the quality that determines the delivery of qualifications. There bodies are:     
      
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA): responsible for approving and registering all courses and national qualifications offered at polytechnics and private training establishments   
      
New Zealand Vice-Chancellor's Committee (NZVCC): responsible for approving all diplomas, undergraduate and graduate programmes offered by New Zealand universities   
      
English Language Requirements: All students must be fluent in English language if they are to succeed at university in New Zealand. There are many courses available at public and private institutions in New Zealand and elsewhere to assist international students reach the required level of English language competence. All students should take up IELTS or TOEFL since it is required by the Immigration Services. A band of 6.0 / 6.5 for undergraduate & 6.5 / 7.5 for postgraduate courses is desirable     

Private Training Providers (PTEs): Private training establishments are registered and their courses approved by NZQA. Institutions and schools in this sector provide a range of courses including English language, aviation flight training, air traffic control, english, business computing, dance, design and arts, religious studies, travel and tourism and training for the hospitality industry.