Study in New Zealand: A Brief Guide

The picturesque island country of New Zealand, which lies in the southwestern pacific ocean comprises of two islands -North island and South island, and the New Zealanders are affectionately referred to as “Kiwis’’. It is known for its tourist attractions and their official language is Maori, English and New Zealand sign language. The country has a population of around 4.5 million people and Wellington is its capital city.

Globally recognized institutes with degrees that appeal to companies all over the world are two good reasons to consider pursuing your higher education in New Zealand. The education system rewards students for both practical and academic achievements. It is known for its affordability and good standard of living. As a student, part time jobs are available to you, and you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to four years after graduating. The chances of gaining permanent residency in the country are quite good as well.

New Zealand is home to eight state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and around 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools. Universities offer higher degree-level education and programs are research-led and generally academic rather than vocational. ITPs and a few larger PTEs offer vocational degree-level education. PTEs tend to offer specific vocational programmes, mainly at certificate and diploma level. Here are Top Cities and scholarships in New Zealand.

There are two semesters in one academic year -

– January – February

– June – July

And Some institutes offer multiple intakes to students in September and November

Undergraduate Degrees – 22,000 – 32,000 per year

Postgraduate Diplomas – 26,000 – 37,000 per year

Masters’ Degrees – 18,000 – 37,000 per year

Living Costs including Accommodation – 15,000-27,000 per year

1.Halls of Residence – Halls of Residence are generally located a short walk from campus. Rooms are single or twin share, with communal laundry, lounge room and dining hall.

Average Cost – Around NZ $ 150-220/wk

2. Homestay Or Private Board – Homestay means you stay with an NZ family in their home – usually with a room of your own. The family provides you with meals and helps you with day-to-day life in NZ.

Average Cost – Around NZ $ 300/wk

3.Flatting / Independent – It is the term for renting an Apartment or Flat. This option gives you the flexibility to live with as many people you want. Flats can range from 1 bedroom to 4-5 bedroom homes. Usually, a bond of 2-3 weeks is paid to your landlord and it is returned when you move out.

Average Cost – Around NZ $ 120-230/wk plus (food, electricity, water, phone, etc)

Getting a visa for New Zealand is very easy. All that is required is providing the right documents, which are as follows -

• Passport or travel document
• Offer letter from the College or University
• Financial Documents
• Financial Undertaking Form/s (If there is more than one guarantor)
• Affidavit/s of Support from Guarantors
• Authorization letter/s from guarantors submitted to Immigration New Zealand so they can verify their financial documents on their behalf
• The students should provide evidence of funds to cover courses that encompass two academic years or less, inclusive of living expenses (NZ$ 15,000 per annum)
• Health tests as listed in the visa application
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Student Visa application form and the supplementary information form
• Photograph
• Visa Application Fees
• Covering letter
• Educational certificates (with translations if required)
• English language requirement
• Evidence of Employment
• Application Received in Principle

1. New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS)

2. New Zealand ASEAN Scholars Award

3. Commonwealth Scholarships

-UC international first year scholarships

-University of Otago international research postgraduate scholarships

-University of Waikato international scholarships

Applying for a scholarship can help you manage your finances. Part-time work options can also help cover your living expenses during your course of study.

Students are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week on study visas and full-time during vacations. Students need to abide by the strict rules regarding employment contracts. For example a student can’t be self-employed while studying in New Zealand. Research students, who are pursuing their doctoral studies at universities in New Zealand are allowed to work full-time. Also, every student who earns through their part-time or full-time work is liable to pay tax.