All new Zealanders from age six to sixteen years are required by law to undergo schooling, although in practice almost all children start school at five. Children in isolated areas or who cannot attend school for medical or other reasons can receive education by mail through the Correspondence School. Most schools are part of the state system. State schools provide a free education.
Private schools get some government funding but income is mainly from fees.
Integrated schools, which may be run by a church or follow a particular philosophy, are partially state-funded. Children begin their education by attending one of the country s 2000 primary schools, where they stay for six to eight years. Around the age of 13, children enter one of about 350 secondary schools, known as colleges or high schools. The Government meets much of the core tertiary study, but students must pay about a quarter of the cost through fees. Student loans are available to assist with fees and living costs, and student allowances are available for students from lower-income families.