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Study in New Zealand

Higher Education Structure in New Zealand

Study In New Zealand

In the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is an island nation that is situated between Fiji and Australia. Although it is a developed country, its economy is smaller than average. New Zealand is one of the few nations that is the safest for studying, coming in at number two on the 2018 Global Peace Index. A student can experience the ideal balance of culture, nature, and opportunities thanks to internationally renowned institutions and an interactive educational system. A perfect fusion of untainted nature, adventure, and serenity can be found in New Zealand because it is an island nation and one of the last inhabited countries.

When you decide to study in New Zealand, you can expect to have a blast and earn a degree that is recognized worldwide. New Zealand has replaced Australia as the preferred destination for foreign nationals after losing the battle against the coronavirus. One of the safest places to study is New Zealand, which boasts the second-best ranking on the Global Peace Index. 

In New Zealand, educators encourage their students to ask questions, be adaptable, and look for their own solutions through research projects and hands-on learning. This young nation has progressed from beautiful landscapes to cutting-edge education. Over 30,000 Indian students are enrolled in universities in New Zealand, a country that is becoming more popular with Indian students. 

The Perks of Studying in New Zealand

International students are encouraged to pursue higher education in New Zealand for a variety of reasons, including academic and employment opportunities after graduation. These are a few of the primary reasons, along with the following ones as well, for choosing New Zealand, including the fact that tuition costs are lower, numerous scholarships are available, and it is simple to find work and work while living there:

  • International students are able to find employment anywhere in the world because all credentials from New Zealand are widely recognized.
  • Employing skilled labor, the engineering and healthcare sectors must pay their employees nearly 25% more than Australia does.
  • The quality of the New Zealand educational system makes it simpler for Indian students to learn there.
  • Additionally, New Zealand's cost of living is nearly 12% less expensive than Australia's.
  • International students have many advantages when pursuing higher education and research in New Zealand, including PR, stipends, and cost-of-living exemptions.

Higher Education Framework in New Zealand

There are 8 public universities in New Zealand. Each university has a wide range of degrees available, with a focus on specialized professional degrees. International acclaim is enjoyed by each university. They collaborate on research and teaching projects with universities abroad, and they conduct research and development projects with businesses in New Zealand and abroad.

Various institutions or levels of education are designated for higher education in New Zealand. The types of courses that these institutions offer to students in New Zealand or the nature of the education they provide vary. More information on the various types of postsecondary education that New Zealand offers to both domestic and international students is provided below:

Certificate and Diploma Programs:

A career path or university admission can be made possible with a vocational education and training (VET) degree. Information technology, business services, art and media, tourism and hospitality, childcare, transportation and logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing, and rural industries are just a few of the fields where there are a wide variety of vocational training programs available. In addition to 600 private training facilities offering certificate and diploma programs, the nation has 18 polytechnic institutions.

Undergraduate Programs

To earn an honors degree, you must complete an additional year of study after completing your bachelor's degree in three years. But not all degrees follow this 3 + 1 year pattern; there are exceptions. There are some four-year degrees that do not necessarily confer honors, as well as some unique bachelor's degrees that require more time to complete. A first class, upper second class, lower second class, or third class is given as the designation for an honors degree. This division is merely a general one that varies to varying degrees.

Postgraduate Programs

Typically, a master's degree comes after a bachelor's degree. A master's degree with honors can be given to a candidate even if they don't already have a bachelor's degree with honors. A master's degree typically takes one year to complete for students who have received an honors diploma at the undergraduate level. If they don't graduate with honors after their undergraduate degree, they can get one by spending two years pursuing a master's.

Doctoral Programs

Student researchers have many options available to them. In New Zealand, PhD students also benefit from additional advantages. These include the ability to pay domestic student fees and maintain full-time employment while pursuing a degree. A PhD earned in New Zealand will be acknowledged globally, establishing you as a specialist in your field. Gain a competitive edge in a knowledge-based global job market by developing transferable skills like independent thought, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Popular disciplines and courses available in New Zealand

Students in New Zealand have access to a wide range of courses. Not only are these courses accepted everywhere, but they are also reasonably priced in comparison to other nations. Here are the top programs offered by universities in New Zealand:

Master of Science (MS)Artificial IntelligenceCloud Computing
MBAHotel ManagementAccounting
Civil EngineeringMechanical EngineeringSports Management
AgricultureComputer ScienceAccounting
MedicinePublic HealthNursing
Animation Web DesignArchitecture
BiologyData ScienceCommerce
Information technology  

Popular Cities in New Zealand with the Best Universities

One of the top locations worldwide for studying abroad is New Zealand. It's stunning to look at, with a mixture of hip, sophisticated cities and enthralling landscapes through mountain ranges, lush forests, and golden beaches. There are many top-notch universities with affordable tuition there, and everyone is incredibly friendly. Some of the best cities in New Zealand with top reasons to study there are mentioned below.

Name of the CityReasons to study there
WellingtonThe Victoria University of Wellington In 19 subject areas, it is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, and 20% of all students are from other countries.
AucklandThere are five prestigious universities in Auckland. Actually, there are five reasons to study in Auckland, but let's be a little dishonest about it. The largest and most prestigious university is the University of Auckland, which enrolls over 40,000 students. 
HamiltonInternational students should definitely consider the University of Waikato. Additionally, it supports a "buddy system," whereby international students are paired with local tour guides to show them around. This enables them to participate in homestays with local families to aid in their integration. 
ChristchurchThe University of Canterbury, which is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in New Zealand, is well known for its expertise in the natural sciences, including biology, ecology, and geology. Basically all the -ologies! Therefore, if you enjoy science, it might be the right place for you.
DunedinLet's talk about the University of Otago in keeping with the literature theme. The six libraries there will make for a great time for the bookworms among you! Additionally, the student housing is well-known, offering 15 residential communities, some of which are in stunning old heritage buildings and some of which are reserved especially for international students!

Average Monthly Expenses in New Zealand for International Students

A master's degree costs between NZD 26,000 and NZD 37,000 for a full academic year, while a PhD may cost between NZD 6,000 and NZD 9,000 depending on the amount of funding they receive in New Zealand for their studies. An undergraduate degree typically costs between NZD 22,000 and NZD 32,000. According to the official rules, the immigration department requires the applicant to demonstrate their ability to support their studies by having at least NZD 10,200 in their account.

The cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle and where you live in the nation. For instance, due to lower housing and transportation costs, living in a small town may be more affordable than in a big city.  

According to estimates from the Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Auckland, and the University of Otago (located in Dunedin), annual living expenses range from $20,000 to $27,000. These figures serve as an example of how much one should budget.

Students’ Visa Requirement

All Indian students are given the opportunity by the New Zealand government to study there, but you must first apply for a student visa. Depending on the type of education you want to pursue and the length of your planned stay in New Zealand, you will need a specific type of visa.

Type of Student Visa in New Zealand

The following is a summary of the different student visas available to applicants over the age of 18 who intend to study in New Zealand for longer than six months:

Student visa categoryExplanation
Exchange Student VisaIn a recognized student exchange program, you can pursue full-time studies for up to four years.
Foreign Government Supported Student VisaUp to four years of full-time study may be supported by a loan or scholarship from a foreign government.
Fee Paying Student VisaFour years of full-time study with the option of part-time employment
Pathway Student VisaObtain a single student visa, which allows you to enroll in three courses back-to-back for up to five years, and be permitted to work part-time.
Here is the list of documents students need to have to apply for a student visa in New Zealand.
  • A proposition from New Zealand universities. Additionally, if you are requesting pathways courses, you must submit a Pathway student visa cover letter that has been authorized by the Pathway education provider.
  • Proof that you have paid the tuition.
  • Evidence of earnings and the source of those earnings.
  • Identity pages of the most recent passport, copied.
  • Police-validated character reference letter
  • A certificate of good health attesting to your wellbeing
  • Educational records, diplomas, and certificates of completion
  • Documentation of previous employment
  • Evidence that you are financially self-sufficient
  • Details (including relationship) about your financial guarantor
  • IELTS scores, or other results from an English language proficiency test
  • Pan or Aadhar card
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you can typically work both full- and part-time jobs while you are studying and during set breaks, like the summer vacation. You should check the requirements of your specific visa because there might be limitations on the kind of work you can do.

You will have to apply for a new visa to continue your studies in New Zealand if your student visa expires before you finish your course of study. You might need to present more proof of your financial stability and English language ability in order to do this.

International students must provide documentation proving they have NZD 20,000 ($20,000) per year of tertiary, English language, or other non-compulsory school study, or NZD 1,667 ($1,667) per month if their study is less than a year.

Each country has advantages, including Australia and New Zealand. There is no definitive answer to the question of which country is the best, but Australia outranks New Zealand in terms of the range of available courses, universities, and scholarships. However, New Zealand is a preferred option in terms of post-study options, employment opportunities, and better pay.

International students have a variety of options for higher education in New Zealand, including private training establishments (PTEs), institutes of polytechnics (ITPs), English language schools, and universities.