Education system
The education system in New Zealand is ranked as being one of the best in the world according to several studies. It is managed primarily by the state Ministry of Education.
Primary and secondary education is state funded and compulsory for all students aged between 6 and 16, however most children begin school at the age of 5 (on the day of their 5th birthday) and all students have the right to remain in education until the age of 19. The level of schooling is based on a year system. Years 1 through 6 cover primary education, intermediate school runs until year 8 and secondary education then covers years 9 through 13.
During secondary school students work towards achieving the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), which is the main qualification preparing students for entry into higher education.
New Zealand has in total eight state funded universities offering general undergraduate and graduate degrees, 22 Polytechnics offering a wide range of academic, vocational and professional courses as well as three and four year degrees and 4 Colleges of Education (or Teacher Training Colleges).
