International students who are seeking a unique educational experience and want to expand their outlook on the world should consider undertaking a year studying abroad at university in New Zealand. As well as the rewarding personal experience of spending a semester abroad, it will look good on graduate or MBA school application or CV.

New Zealand's educational institutions are well regarded around the world with a great range of educational opportunities available to international students. Study abroad in New Zealand is a great way to see the country whilst you build new knowledge and skills. Living and tuition costs compare well with other countries.

New Zealand offers high quality schools, English language schools, and internationally respected universities. Most international students must pay foreign student fees at New Zealand colleges and universities.

The main co-ordinating body for New Zealand Universities is the New Zealand Vice Chancellors' Committee (NZVCC). This committee looks after the interests of the 7 NZ universities in Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury, Waikato, Massey, Lincoln and Otago.

All NZ universities offer Bachelor's, Masters and Doctoral degrees which usually take between 3-6 years to complete. Postgraduate diplomas generally take 1 year of study after the Bachelor's degree has been completed and a Master's degree will require two years of work after a Bachelors degree has been completed. The Ph.D. usually takes at least 3 years of full-time study and research and is awarded on the basis of the students thesis.

Enrolling for a study abroad year in New Zealand is a similar process to the United States and Canada. Once you have chosen your desired course you undertake the normal application process. You can earn credits during your study abroad year which can be transferred to your home university.

Key findings from a recent report on Study in New Zealand include:

-New Zealand's tertiary tuition fees at a Bachelors level are markedly less than UK and USA, and generally less than Australia and Canada

-Doctorate study costs are significantly less due to New Zealand's international fees policies at this level

-Masters level costs are not generally less due primarily to differing course lengths across countries

-New Zealand secondary school costs are lower than other countries

-English language costs are competitive

-Canada has the most competitive price structures along with New Zealand

-UK and USA are generally significantly more expensive than Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

To study in New Zealand students need to have fluent English language skills. There are many English language colleges in NZ to assist international students reach the level of English language competence requried for university studies. For example NZ universities have minimum levels of competence in IELTS which is 6.0 or 550 in TOEFL. This applies to most undergraduate degrees.

The New Zealand academic year goes from February to November with a long summer break from late November to early February with most universities operating on a two-semester system.

Study abroad students in New Zealand are able to combine study and travel, exploring the great outdoors of New Zealand. There are literally hundreds of different activities that can be undertaken throughout the seasons of the year. Students can also combine study and working if you have a Working Holiday Visa.

Alternatively students can enrol in a long-term study abroad course and get a world-class degree at one of New Zealand's highly regarded polytechnic and universities.