Why study in New Zealand?
Colleges in New Zealand offer a wide variety of courses and New Zealand welcomes international students from all over the world. New Zealand Government has strong national quality assurance systems, designed to help institutions maintain the quality and consistency of training and assessment programmes.
New Zealand has never been closer to the rest of the world. Online communications and advances in international transport mean local institutions and industries can easily participate in world markets. New Zealand is a compact country and highly responsive to the changing needs of global communities and international business. The country is keen observers of emerging trends and is inclined to adopt new technologies early and successfully.
In the education sector too, the country has shown significant growth, the country has eight institutions that makes up the New Zealand University offering students with diverse natural environment to pursue the course of their interest. Although all the universities offer core degrees in the field of Arts, Business and Science, each also has its own distinctive profile. For example, Auckland and Otago have the country’s two medical schools, featuring hospital-based learning, whereas Canterbury and Auckland have an international profile for their engineering courses.
The campuses in New Zealand are highly global, with students from Europe, South East Asia, the UK, North Asia, Japan, South America, India, and Australia, amongst many others residing together in harmony. New Zealand also has a well-developed system of pastoral care for international students, backed by a government-monitored Code of Practice. This means you will be well looked after during your time studying there.
New Zealand overview
New Zealand is located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean comprising of two main land masses the North Island and South Island and a number of as smaller ones. It has a mountainous centre with hot springs and volcanic peaks. New Zealand offers a huge variety of shopping from exclusive design stores. Scenic beauty and the nightlife is good in New Zealand.
Adventure is part of life for a New Zealander. Being in New Zealand you can also have a stint with adventure sports like mountain biking, hiking across a glacier, skiing down the volcano or set your adrenaline rushing with bungy jumping. You can also try kayaking and enjoy the scenic beauty of New Zealand. New Zealand will also offer you scenic flights, geothermal hotpools, galleries and museums. Don't forget to visit a cultural centre or marae and be captivated by our Maori heritage.
New Zealanders are passionate people and love enjoying themselves. So, if you have decided on New Zealand as your country for studies then be ready to keep your leisure time free for festivals like ‘Wild Food Festival’, ‘Wearable Art Show’ and many more
Apply to New Zealand colleges
Education system in New Zealand
New Zealand higher education has 10 levels of study with level 1 being a certificate and level 10 a doctoral degree. Each level is progressive. Below are the levels and their corresponding qualifications:
- Certificates: Levels 1-4
- Diplomas: Level 5 & 6
- Bachelors degrees/ graduate Diplomas: Level 7
- Honours Bachelos Degree: Level 8
- Masters Degree: Level 9
- Doctoral Degree: Level 10
The levels of higher education are further explained below:
Undergraduate level
An undergraduate course in New Zealand can be between 6 months and 4 years depending on the specialization selected by a student. There are around 44 universities offering 540 undergraduate programmes offering ample options for students.
Graduate courses in New Zealand are equivalent to Masters Degree and can be of 2 years duration. Few courses also have compulsory internship and thesis. The country offers varied range of courses to choose from. There are a wide variety of specialisations with more than 500 courses.
Doctoral level
A doctoral degree in New Zealand is of three years duration in the fields like Engineering, Education, Arts and Science.
Eligibility to apply to universities in New ZealandThe academic year in New Zealand is from mid/late February to early November. Most of the universities in new Zealand have 2 semesters with a 4 week holiday in June. While the operating dates of various universities vary, roughly, most of the intakes happen in February, July and sometimes in September.
Once you have evaluated and decided on the universities where you would like to apply, you can begin with the application process, which primarily comprises of 3 steps:
- Application Forms through email: You can complete your applications through the forms available online at the university's website. Most universities have tis provision on their website so that students can apply online to request application material.
- Application Forms through Air Mail: Another way is to send out a request for application material by airmail. You should accompany your request with a brief description of your educational background, academic objectives, source of financial support, English proficiency and standardized test scores.
- Download from University's Official Website: You can apply to a univeristy through a downloadable and ready to print versions of the online application forms on the net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
- Coaching centres: The last option will be to approach coaching centres and consultants based in India. Please check the credentials of the organisation before application.
The documents required for admissions in New Zealand universities include resume, statement of purpose, marksheets & certificates of X, XII, till Graduation or relevant degree transcripts in specific cases, certificates of extracurricular activities and passport copy, birth certificate & 2 reference letters from colleges & employers.
Job prospects in New Zealand
New Zealand has an open migration policy and welcomes foreigners with warmness. New Zealand has a mixed economy which operates on free market principles. It has sizeable manufacturing and service sectors complementing a highly efficient agricultural sector. Exports of goods and services account for around one third of real expenditure GDP. With a strong economy, the country is a good destination to wear your white collar.
New Zealand is one of the popular education destinations for Indian students. A degree from New Zealand is of high repute and will get you a respectable work profile back here in India. However, it is always advisable to check the validity of a degree.
Cost of study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a three-tier system of education – primary, secondary and tertiary or post secondary which includes universities, private institutes, colleges and polytechnics. If you want to study in New Zealand, you will need to clear either the TOEFL or IELTS exams first.
Cost of Education in New Zealand The tuition fees to study abroad in New Zealand vary from course to course and university to university. An undergraduate or Bachelors degree can cost anywhere between NZ$ 18,000 and NZ$ 25, 000 approximately per year. The cost of studying a Diploma or Post-Graduate Diploma in New Zealand may cost NZ$ 10,000 to NZ$ 20,000 approximately per year, while cost of studying for a Post Graduate Diploma may be anywhere between NZ$ 15,000 and NZ$ 30,000. The estimated living cost or living expenses in New Zealand can be NZ$10,000 and NZ$ 12,000 approximately per year.
Here are some details of course fees for studying for a Bachelor’s/ Under Graduate Degree in New Zealand:
| Arts/ Humanities/ Social Studies | NZ$ 10, 000 – NZ$ 12, 000 per year |
| Commerce/ Administration/ Management | NZ$ 10,000 - NZ$ 12,500 per year |
| Computing & Mathematical Sciences | NZ$ 13,000 - NZ$ 15,000 per year |
| Engineering | NZ$ 14,000 - NZ$ 16,000 per year |
| Master of Business Administration | NZ$ 18,000 - NZ$ 24,000 per year |
| Engineering | NZ$ 18,000 - NZ$ 24,500 per year |
Here are some details of course fees for studying for a Master’s/ Post Graduate Degree in New Zealand:
| Arts / Humanities / Social Sciences | NZ$ 10, 000 – NZ$ 12, 000 per year |
| Commerce/ Administration/ Management | NZ$ 10,000 - NZ$ 12,500 per year |
| Computing & Mathematical Sciences | NZ$ 13,000 - NZ$ 15,000 per year |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
New Zealand cost of living can vary anywhere between NZ$ 7,000 to NZ$ 12,000, depending upon the student’s lifestyle. As a foreign student in New Zealand, we Indians need to explore the various options with regard to accommodation and food to bring down the living expenses in New Zealand.
Some of the accommodation options for students studying in New Zealand include:
Student Hostels/ Halls of residence: NZ$ 200 approximately per week
Home Stay/ Private Board: NZ$ 180 approximately per wee
Flat Accommodation: NZ$ 120 approximately per week along with a bond.
Health Insurance for Studying Abroad in New Zealand
All foreign students are required to have a health insurance while studying in New Zealand. Students can avail the medical insurance from his/her native country or through the institution they are studying at. The approximate cost to get a student health insurance in New Zealand can be around NZ$ 399 per year or NZ$ 33.25 per month.
Since the cost of education can turn out be fairly expensive, students should aim to get scholarships in New Zealand for their education and bring down the cost of studying in New Zealand.
New Zealand with a cost effective education system and cheap accommodation offers a huge number of courses for international students. The cost for courses differs from institute to institute and subject to subject. To attract more international students and strengthening its educational partnership with other countries, New Zealand offers many international scholarships. A wide variety of scholarships offered to international students in New Zealand are provided by the government, educational institutes, private funding source or foreign governments.
New Zealand Visa & immigration
New Zealand Visa and Immigration
New Zealand is a very people friendly country and special impetus is given to education, thereby encouraging foreign students to study here. The Visa process in New Zealand is simple. A temporary visa holder with validity of 24 or more months, can study more than one course for up to three months in total, in the 12-month period. If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa. Besides the Visa regulations, students who come to study in New Zealand from overseas must meet certain rules and requirements.
If you are studying in New Zealand by virtue of an approved exchange scheme, you may apply for a student visa for the duration of your exchange, provided you meet the health and character requirements and are a genuine exchange participant. Generally, you should apply for your student visa before you travel to New Zealand. Only in very special circumstances (as determined by Immigration New Zealand) will a student exchange visa be granted if you are already in New Zealand.
Documents to be submitted: The education provider's name and contact details
The name of the course and the minimum time required for completing it, and
Proof that the course and course provider meet New Zealand’s requirements for international students,
The amount of the fee for the complete course, or if the course is longer than one year, the annual fee,
whether you have to pay course fees,
Whether the fees are domestic or foreign fees,
Whether you are studying full time or part time,
Confirmation all requirements under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students are met (including accommodation for under 18 year olds and course prerequisites).
Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the end of your stay.
Life at New Zealand
Fast Facts:
Climate: New Zealand largely has a temperate climate, it is in the southern hemisphere so January and February are the warmest months. The average New Zealand temperature decreases as you travel south. The average maximum temperature ranges between 20 and 30 degrees C and in winter 10-15 degrees C.
Culture: New Zealand has a very unique and dynamic culture. The culture of it indigenous Maori people affect the language, arts and even the accents of all the New Zealanders. The world’s largest Polnesian festival, Pasifika is an annual event in Auckland. Besides the local festivals, Diwali and Chinese New Year are held in several of the larger cities.
Cuisines: New Zealand cuisine draws inspiration from Europe, Asia and Pacific Islands of Polynesia. Flavours are fresh, spicy or subtle. Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city has more than 900 restaurants spread throughout its sprawling coastal environment. The Kiwi wine industry has a growing reputation for its new world wines, to name a few, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
Transport: New Zealand has a state highway network of 10,895 km, linking to 82,000 km of local authority roads. It is a car dependant country. The bulk freight still continues to be transported by coastal shipping and by rail transport. There are future attempts to reintroduce public transport as a major transport mode in the larger population centres.
Time Difference:New Zealand has two time zones:
The main islands use New Zealand Standard Time (NZST): 6:30 hours +IST
Chatham Islands use Chatham Standard Time (CHAST): 7:15 hours + IST
New Zealand is 6.5 hours ahead of India.
Phone Code: 00+64+city area code + number
Capital City: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Languages Spoken: Maori is the official language of New Zealand, although English, Samoan, Cantonese, Mandarin are also quite liberally used.