New Zealand, more fondly referred to as, ?The Land of the Long White Cloud? by the Maori natives, is situated in the South Pacific Ocean. With North Island and South Island comprising the major land area of this beautiful country, the much smaller islands of Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Chatham and Kermadec are no less scenic.

Having an area about the size of Colorado (USA), New Zealand enjoys a majestic mountainous landscape alongside some large coastal plains. The north of New Zealand has sub-tropical climate, and as one travels south, the temperature starts decreasing giving the southern regions a much cooler temperate climate. The average maximum temperature ranges between 20?C and 30?C during summer and 10?C and 15?C during winters.

The ethnic mix of Europeans, Maoris, Asians, Pacific Islander and others, adds to the vibrant colours of the country, reflecting the welcoming socio-economic environment. With a flourishing developed economy, New Zealand?s current per capita GDP stood at an estimated US $27,300 in 2007. To add to its economic progress, New Zealand has a brilliant network of transportation with 121 airports, 4,128 km of railway connectivity and 92,931 km of roads.

Quick Facts:
Capital: Wellington
Population: 4,173,460 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality: New Zealander(s)
Climate: Temperate with sharp regional contrasts
Official Language: English, Maori, Sign Language
Govt. Type: Parliamentary Democracy
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (Varies between Rs 32 and Rs 34)
Calling Code: +64
Time Difference: 12 hrs ahead of UTC/GMT (6 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST)

Education System in New Zealand:
The emphasis on education in New Zealand is made evident looking at the literacy rate of 99% (age 15 and above can read and write). With world-class educational institutions having state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, New Zealand can be seen as every student?s heaven. ?International students are provided with the best study opportunities and support services in a safe learning environment. Besides primary and secondary schooling (which is free till the age of 19 years), there are eight government-funded universities along with another 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology.. The average course duration lies between six months and three years.

Popular courses:
Arts, IT, medicine, business, IT, Design, horticulture, architecture, information technology, business administration, fashion studies, dental therapy , nursing, social and community work, music, dance, computer science, mathematics and many more etc.

Benefits of studying here:

• High standard of living
• High quality of education
• Wide range of courses
• Stable democratic political environment
• Outdoor adventure sports

Approximate tuition fees:
Under-graduation: NZ$ 18,000 to NZ$ 25,000
Post-graduation: up to NZ$ 40,000

Approximate living expenses: (in NZ$)
8000-10,000-per year

Work permit options:International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week during terms and full-time during vacation. And after studies students are give open job search visa for one year. Within this duration students are required to find a job after in a related area in order to extend their stay or apply for permanent residency.