New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and over 700 smaller islands.

A developed country, New Zealand ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, education, protection of civil liberties, government transparency, and economic freedom. 

New Zealand has an advanced market economy, ranked 13th in the 2021 Human Development Index, and fourth in the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom. It is a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$ 36,254.

New Zealand’s education system has three levels – early childhood, school and university. Students can progress through a variety of flexible pathways in the system, supported by a range of institutions that offer a variety of courses and programs. University is the highest level of education and qualifications at all levels are governed to ensure students gain a relevant and meaningful qualification.

New Zealand has eight state-funded universities. Each university offers degrees in a large choice of subjects and has strengths in specialised professional degrees. All of the universities are well recognised internationally. They work with universities in other countries on research and teaching programmes, and with the business community in New Zealand and overseas on research and development.

Students attend university to undertake bachelor degrees or postgraduate courses (including certificate, postgraduate diploma, master and doctoral programs). Vocational courses focus on practical skills and industry training. Vocational training courses are offered in government-funded institutions, including TAFE (Technical and Further Education), or other private institutions. Many colleges offer students credit towards university courses.