New-Zealand
Why Study in New Zealand?
Studying in New Zealand offers a unique blend of high-quality education, life, and employment opportunities for international students. With lower costs and global recognition, New Zealand provides the “Best of Both Worlds” in terms of qualifications. The education system, based on the esteemed British model, includes a range of options such as state-run primary and secondary schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges, and private training institutions.
New Zealand polytechnics are particularly known for their practical programs that prepare students for the job market. Additionally, seven out of the eight universities in New Zealand consistently rank among the top 500 globally. After completing their studies, students are granted a visa to search for employment and have good prospects for migration.
Top Courses
New Zealand offers a diverse range of courses across its universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. For Indian students looking to study in New Zealand after completing their 12th grade, some of the popular courses include:
- Animation
- Agriculture
- Construction Management
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Cookery/Culinary Arts
- Highway Engineering
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Business Studies
- Forestry
- IT and Computer Science
- Art and Design
- Nursing
- Trades
- Business Management
- Health Care
- Sports Management
These courses provide excellent opportunities and cater to a wide array of interests and career goals.
Career Opportunities
Industry
New Zealand’s key sectors include:
- Computer software development
- Film, television, and commercial production
- Banking, finance, and advertising
- Property, tourism, and hospitality
- Food processing
Employment
International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time (40 hours per week) during summer holidays. The minimum wage is NZ$18.90 per hour, with additional pay for annual and public holidays, as well as rest breaks.
Graduates from New Zealand courses that meet the Skilled Migrant Category points may apply for a job search visa. Eligible students’ partners may also apply for a work permit valid for the duration of the study course.
Future Scope
New Post-Study Work Rights:
- Level 4 to 6 and non-degree Level 7 qualifications:
- Earlier: A one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: The two-year employer-assisted work visa is removed. A one-year open work visa is retained, and students studying outside Auckland can get a two-year open work visa.
- Bachelor Level Qualifications:
- Earlier: A one-year open work visa and a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: Replaced with a three-year open work visa.
- Post-Graduate Level Qualifications:
- Earlier: A one-year open work visa followed by a two-year employer-assisted work visa.
- After Change: Replaced with a three-year open work visa.
Occupations in Demand
Immediate or Long-Term Skill Shortage List:
- Analytical Chemist
- Architect
- Building Project Management
- Cardio/Respiratory Technicians
- Civil CAD Designer
- Clinical Research Associate
- Construction & Maintenance Managers
- Film Animators
- Dietitian
- Early Childhood Education
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electronics Product Engineering
- Chef
- Farm Management
- Food Technologist
- Graphic Artist
- Information Technology Specialist
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Medical Radiation Technologist
- Mining Engineer
- Montessori Teacher
- Nursing
- Orchard Foreman
- Physiotherapist
- Power Systems Engineer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Petroleum Specialist
- Secondary Teachers
- Social Workers
- Traffic Planner
- University Lecturer
- Viticulturist
- Veterinarian
Education Cost
Tuition Fees
Studying in New Zealand offers high-quality education at a lower cost compared to other destinations. Costs vary by city and program. Here is an estimate of annual tuition fees:
Undergraduate Programmes
Programme | Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
Arts / Humanities / Social Science / Commerce / Administration Management | NZ$ 20,000 – 26,000 |
Computing / Mathematical Science | NZ$ 20,000 – 24,000 |
Engineering & Technology | NZ$ 24,000 – 28,000 |
Postgraduate Programmes
Programme | Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
Arts / Humanities / Social Science | NZ$ 24,000 – 28,000 |
MBA & other Management programs | NZ$ 35,000 – 50,000 |
Engineering | NZ$ 30,000 – 40,000 |
Note: These figures are approximate and may vary.
Living Expenses
The cost of living in New Zealand includes accommodation, food, clothing, transport, and entertainment. Students can expect to spend around NZ$ 20,000 per year. Visa authorities generally require proof of NZ$ 15,000 for living expenses.
Accommodation
Educational institutions often assist in finding accommodation. Options include:
- Halls of Residence / Student Hostels
- Homestay
- Private Apartments / Flats
Check your institution’s website for specific accommodation details.
Health Insurance
We strongly recommend that all international students obtain medical insurance. Most temporary students are not eligible for publicly funded health services. Student visas require adequate health insurance coverage, typically costing between NZ$ 500 – NZ$ 600.
Scholarships
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
The NZEA offers scholarships across all eight universities in New Zealand, providing Indian students with an opportunity to experience excellence in various fields.
- Funding: Education New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand universities
- Number of Scholarships: 28 for Postgraduate (PG) and 3 for Undergraduate (UG)
- Value: NZ$ 5,000 for PG courses, NZ$ 10,000 for UG courses
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
Indian students applying for a master’s degree or PhD can apply for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). This scholarship covers:
- Tuition Fees
- Living Expenses
- Travel Costs
- Health Insurance
- Establishment Allowance
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
These scholarships are funded by the New Zealand government for Indian students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand. Benefits include:
- University Tuition Fees
- Associated Student Levies
- Living Stipend: Up to NZ$ 25,000 (tax-free)
- Health Insurance: Up to NZ$ 600 annually
- Duration: Three years (may vary by provider)
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship
The NZ-GRADS program, supported by the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions, is for students pursuing a PhD in agriculture emission science. It covers:
- Duration: 36 months (3 years)
SEG Scholarship
Funded by the Soshi Educational Group, this scholarship supports the study of geophysics and related geosciences for:
- Undergraduate Programs: A and B scholarships
- Other Programs: C scholarships
Application Procedure
Intakes
To study in New Zealand, you need to be aware of the academic year, which runs from mid/late February to early November. Most universities have two semesters with a four-week break in June. Each university has slightly different dates, and some offer summer school from November to February. Intakes are generally in February, July, and occasionally September.
English Language Requirements
International students must be proficient in English to succeed in New Zealand universities. While many courses are available to improve English language skills, a typical requirement is a band score of 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate courses and 6.5–7.5 for postgraduate courses in IELTS/TOEFL/PTE. As education consultants, we can help with potential waivers for these tests.
Documents Required
When applying, you’ll need the following documents:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Mark Sheets & Certificates: X, XII, and any relevant degree transcripts
- Certificates of Extracurricular Activities
- Passport Copy
- Birth Certificate
- Two Reference Letters: From colleges and/or employers
Education System
Undergraduate Study in New Zealand:
For Indian students, undergraduate studies in New Zealand generally take place at universities. A Bachelor’s degree program includes a specific number of units, papers, or courses. Subjects are usually divided into three levels: first-year (Stage I or 100-level), second-year (Stage II or 200-level), and third-year (Stage III or 300-level) courses. You must complete Stage I courses before progressing to Stage II, and Stage II courses before advancing to Stage III.
Postgraduate Study in New Zealand:
To pursue a Master’s degree in New Zealand, a student must first complete a Bachelor’s degree. A Master’s degree may be awarded with honors, recognizing the difficulty of the program and the student’s academic performance.
Postgraduate Diploma:
This is a one-year, full-time program for graduates. It builds upon the knowledge from the student’s previous degree.
Graduate Diploma:
This is also a one-year, full-time course designed for graduates. It may not require previous knowledge or experience in the subject area of the diploma.
Master’s Degree:
A Master’s degree is available to students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree. It usually involves one or two years of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. The coursework builds on prior knowledge from the Bachelor’s degree and may involve advanced teaching methods such as seminars. Many Master’s programs also include a research component, often culminating in a thesis. Some programs may be research-only, especially if the student has completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree with honors.
Doctorate:
Doctoral programs in New Zealand are primarily research-based and typically take at least three years of full-time study to complete. International PhD students pay domestic tuition fees, which is a significant cost benefit. Scholarships are also available, based on academic merit and research ability. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health insurance, books, and thesis costs.
Visa Information for Studying in New Zealand
If you’re planning to study in New Zealand for more than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa. There are specific rules and requirements that all international students must meet. Before applying, it’s important to check if you meet New Zealand’s student visa policy requirements.
Key Points to Consider:
- Application Timing: We recommend that students in New Zealand apply for a visa at least 4 weeks before their course begins. Ensure all necessary documents are included in your application, as missing information can result in delays.
- Extending Your Visa: If you’re already in New Zealand and wish to extend your student visa, this may be done online, provided your educational institution is registered with the Students Online system.
International students must enroll with an approved education provider and cover the full cost of their courses. Studying in New Zealand gives you access to high-quality teaching and internationally recognized qualifications.
Basic Visa Requirements:
You must be able to demonstrate that you are:
- A genuine student.
- Enrolled in a recognized full-time course.
- Financially able to pay for your course and support yourself.
- Intending to follow your chosen course.
- Planning to leave New Zealand after your authorized stay ends.
Visa Application Process:
- Online Submission:
- Step 1: Gather the required documents.
- Step 2: Submit your application online.
- Step 3: Wait for a decision on your visa.
- Paper Submission:
- Step 1: Collect all necessary documents.
- Step 2: Submit your application via mail.
- Step 3: Wait for the visa decision.
FAQs for Studying in the UK
1. What benefits do international students receive in the UK?
- NHS Coverage: International students studying in the UK for 6 months or more are eligible for NHS health care. A nominal fee for this service is included in the visa application fees.
- National Union of Students (NUS): Free NUS membership provides discounts on books, stationery, food, clothes, travel, and entertainment, reducing financial strain.
2. Will I get a refund if my visa is refused?
- Yes, if your visa is refused, your deposit paid to the university will be refunded. You must send the institution a copy of your visa refusal letter. Some institutions may deduct a small administrative fee, usually no more than £100.
3. How can I fund my studies in the UK?
- You can finance your education through family funds, bank loans, scholarships, bursaries, and sponsorships. Many nationalized banks offer student loans at competitive rates, often requiring collateral. International bank loans are also an option. For more details, consult an NEF GLOBAL counsellor
4. Should I pay a deposit to secure admission?
- Yes, some UK universities require a deposit to secure your admission and positively support your student visa application.
5. How are universities in the UK rated?
- There isn’t a formal ranking system, but the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education monitors university standards. The Research Assessment Exercise evaluates research activity every five years, with departments graded from 1 to 5*. Newspapers like the Sunday Times and Financial Times also publish league tables.
6. How do I calculate the cost of studying in the UK from India?
- The cost includes tuition fees and living expenses. For the first year, plan for approximately GBP 1,015 to GBP 1,265 per month for tuition and living expenses. If your program is less than 9 months, calculate proportionately.