Capital: Wellington

Background: The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.

Higher Education: New Zealand is fast emerging as the first choice for foreign students willing to go for higher studies. The educational institutions in the country are highly regarded the world over for their excellence in imparting quality education. A range of opportunities in higher education makes the country an important destination for those willing to pursue higher education. Moreover, the people of the country are well traveled and it is the reason why they accept people from different culture with great hospitality

The country has a progressive education system with excellent facilities on offer. There are support services available for international students. A range of academic, professional, and vocational courses is available to students. New Zealand, at present, has more than 20000 international students pursuing different courses at different levels. In fact, the institutions in the country are known for producing top-notch professionals.

New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions - universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.

Twenty-one tertiary education institutions, which are known as polytechnics or institutes of technology, form the New Zealand polytechnic system. These institutions are state-funded and provide education and training at many levels, from introductory studies to full degree programmes. Most universities have agreements which recognise the successful completion of a course of study at a New Zealand polytechnic or institute of technology as an entrance qualification. Some students are able to enter a university programme with credit towards their chosen degree programme.

There is an increasing number of private tertiary education providers in New Zealand. These offer a wide range of programmes including English language study options. International students often enrol in these programmes either to improve their English language prior to commencing university study or to pass examinations required for university entrance.

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 coordinated 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 subject in arts, commerce and science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as medicine, engineering, veterinary science, computer studies, agriculture or environmental studies.