Most polytechnics and institutes of technology also have their own English language centre which means students coming from overseas, for whom English is not a first language, are able to obtain language programmes plus ongoing support for their study.  Academic programmes require an approved English language pass as all classes are taught in English and students need to be competent in both spoken and written language in order to succeed in their studies.

Academic Year

The academic year extends from February to November with some programmes having a mid year intake in July. The major holiday period is December to February .Other holiday breaks depend on the programme being undertaken.

The following table provides a general guide to the tuition fees, for long term courses ie. 1 year or more, at New Zealand polytechnics and institutes of technology. There are also many short-term courses with much lower tuition fees. Tuition fee can be obtained directly from the polytechnics.

THE LAND, THE PEOPLE, THE CLIMATE, THE LIFESTYLE

The Land and the People

New Zealand is a unique country. Its scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world while its people have a reputation for friendliness, strength and independence. There is abundant beauty and diversity in scenery, lifestyle and culture. From rolling green farmlands to barren volcanic desert areas, from golden beaches with clear blue water to majestic snow covered mountains, New Zealand offers a sample of every possible landscape within a relatively small country.

New Zealand is a Parliamentary democracy, offering a safe political environment for international students and visitors. It has a population of only 3.8 million and is similar in size to the United Kingdom or Japan. New Zealand is primarily a European culture which has absorbed many of the rich and historic cultural elements from the Maori and Pacific Island heritages, and now from its rapidly growing multi-cultural Asian communities.

With a well-educated population New Zealanders excel in many areas-arts, science, technology and manufacturing. Schooling is compulsory until the age of 16, but a steadily increasing number of students remain at school to gain qualifications for further study at tertiary institutions.