University education in New Zealand is closer to the British than the American system, therefore you will find bachelor degrees to be three years long and the education more focused rather than "liberal". The academic year extends from late February or early March to November with a long summer vacation from mid-November to mid-February. For each course you are required to attend a given number of lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods per week. These are supplemented by personal reading and research. With this style of education, you develop independent study skills with a minimum of professional supervision. The grades you receive for tests, assignments and practical work count toward your final grade for a course.
New Zealand
