EDUCATION SYSTEM NEW ZEALAND

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. These 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.

UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ZEALAND :

University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition to the British university system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance: In addition to a centrally co-ordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and programme level, each university undertakes internal quality checks. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science. Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Sports-Science, Biotechnology, Architecture etc. Bachelor's Masters and Doctoral degrees are offered by all New Zealand universities. A range of under graduate and postgraduate diplomas is also available, along with honours programmes (usually requiring an additional year of study).

POLYTECHNICS IN NEW ZEALAND :

New Zealand Polytechnics, and Institutes of Technology, are state funded and provide education and training at all levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. A few of them offer PG programmes as well. 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. Polytechnics offer diverse courses like Arts and Design, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality etc.