STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿

Why study in New Zealand ?

New Zealand is an excellent international student location, with a world-class educational system. All of its educational institutions comply with and surpass international standards, which are constantly tested and overseen by the government to ensure a consistently high standard regardless of where you choose to study. New Zealand features a dynamic, responsive education system that combines traditional teaching principles with innovation and technology to produce internationally recognised and valued credentials.

New Zealand is a signatory to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, which implies that its certificates, diplomas, and degrees are accepted in all of the 50 signatory nations.

Global standing

Choosing the appropriate option is always difficult when there is so much to choose from. Given the diversity of each student, course, and university, it’s a critical decision to make, with research indicating that course preparation has a significant role in foreign students’ satisfaction.

University rankings are a useful tool for comparing important performance characteristics across institutions. Fortunately, all eight universities in New Zealand are listed in the 2015-16 QS World University Rankings, which is remarkable for a country with a population of just under five million people!

Workplace advantages
International students in New Zealand have several unique working benefits, including the freedom to work full-time during vacation time and the possibility of applying for a six-month work visa to earn points toward a residency application.
Natural Beauty
New Zealand has some of the world’s most magnificent scenery and is an excellent choice for anyone seeking adventure. During the week, study and spend your spare time doing things like bungee jumping, skiing, hiking, rafting, or learning about the local culture.

THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN NEW ZEALAND

Everything you need to know about New Zealand's educational system

New Zealand’s education system is incredibly diversified and one of the greatest in the world, with consistently high levels in mathematics, and science, with consistently high global rankings.

Wide employment markets, an increasingly mobile network of teaching personnel, researchers, and a well-traveled student population are all influencing New Zealand education to become more international.

How does it work?

The education system in New Zealand is divided into three levels: early childhood, school, and university. Students can proceed through the system via a variety of flexible pathways supported by a variety of institutions offering a variety of courses and programs. University is the highest degree of education, and all qualifications are regulated to ensure that students receive appropriate, practical and valuable credentials.

Students go to university to pursue bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees (including certificate, postgraduate diploma, master and doctoral programs). Practical skills and industry training are the core of vocational courses. Government-funded institutions, such as TAFE (Technical and Further Education), and private institutions both offer vocational training programmes. Many institutions offer students college credit that can be applied to university courses.

Framework for Qualifications
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is the educational system’s foundation. This framework lists all certifications, ensuring quality that is recognised and trusted around the world.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FEES

Scholarships and fees

New Zealand is an excellent country to study because of its world-class education and high quality of life, but there are various costs to consider before studying abroad. International students’ tuition expenses vary depending on the nature and length of the degree. New Zealand’s universities determine their own tuition costs, which vary depending on the subject and level of study.  The cost of an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree in New Zealand ranges from NZ$22, 000 to NZ$30,000 a year. The average annual cost of a postgraduate degree in New Zealand is between NZ$25,000 and NZ$35,000 per year.
Styles of teaching and learning

New Zealand provides a very welcoming environment for international students. In comparison to other Western countries, the number of pupils per classroom is frequently lower, allowing for more intimate learning and individualized attention. 

Support for international students extends beyond the classroom, with the New Zealand government becoming the first in the world to develop a code of practice that sets a standard of care for international students both inside and outside of the classroom.

You can study at all levels of education, from vocational education and training (VET) to English language courses, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET) are both part of tertiary education in New Zealand.

Higher Level Education
Students can enroll in higher education courses to gain an advanced degree and continue their studies in New Zealand. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees are the three primary categories of higher education. Large group lectures and small group tutorials are the most common modes of instruction at universities.
VET
A Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate can help you get into the workforce or go to university. Information technology, business services, art and media, tourism and hospitality, childcare, transportation and logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing, and rural industries all provide a variety of vocational training courses
Pathway Programs
For overseas students, there are numerous pathways to higher education, including foundation courses and English language preparation programmes. These ensure that students get the extra help and support they require to succeed
Academic Year

Secondary school in New Zealand begins in late January or early February each year, while vocational and university students begin in late February or early March. Universities and technical institutions have two semesters, but most secondary schools have three or four periods.

Exams are held at the conclusion of each semester (June and November), with 2-4 week intervals in between each semester and a longer break from November/December to February over the summer. 

You may be able to select a course that provides a summer programme, allowing you to complete a third semester during the year.

English as a second language (E.S.L)

When it comes to arranging your education in New Zealand, learning English is definitely the most crucial component. If you have a limited command of the English language, you may be advised to enroll in an English language school before beginning your degree.

Courses are offered by a variety of organizations and educational institutions, and they can be full-time or part-time. Private English schools provide a wide range of courses for students of all ages, with a business or adventure focus! A Certificate of Attainment in English Language is a full-time study offered by some universities.

Your English will be assessed when you arrive, and you will be placed in the appropriate level.

After graduating

New Zealand’s government provides opportunities for recent graduates to live and work in the country. You may be able to stay and work in New Zealand for up to four years at first, depending on your field of study.

Your graduate path consists of two steps: a post-study work visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months while looking for work in a related field, or an employer-assisted work visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand for two or three years while gaining work experience related to a specific job with a specific employer.

Postgraduate education

How do you know if postgraduate study in New Zealand is the right next step for you once you finish your bachelor’s degree?

Choosing to pursue postgraduate studies is a significant step. It involves giving up more time and staying out of the workforce for a little longer, but it’s a long-term investment that can pay off handsomely in the long-term.

LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

Now that you’ve decided on New Zealand, let’s get started;

Because of its high quality of life and closeness to other Pacific countries such as Australia, Fiji, and New Caledonia, New Zealand is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for students.

The benefits of studying in New Zealand are numerous. As one of the world’s smallest and most culturally varied developed countries, you can expect to study in small classes with a diverse range of nationalities, giving you plenty of one-on-one attention from the teacher and the opportunity to bond and feel at home amid many different cultures. 

The country also has one of the lowest crime rates and one of the lowest living costs in the developed world, making it ideal for students seeking a world-class education while studying abroad.

Health Services and Support

Moving to a new nation is a significant shift. There are numerous support options available if you are having difficulty adjusting or believe you have been treated unfairly. 

We are here to support you if you require it.Your educational institution, as well as government departments, can supply these services.

Culture and people

You’ve decided to relocate to New Zealand. Here’s what to anticipate.

The North Island and the South Island are the two primary islands that make up New Zealand. The North Island, which also houses the country’s capital city, Wellington, is home to more than 90% of New Zealand’s population.

New Zealand’s landscape is extraordinary in its natural beauty, despite the fact that it is a country with no land borders in the Pacific Ocean. Its terrain, which includes towering mountains, long and meandering rivers, broad plains, spectacular coastlines, and vast swathes of pastoral lands, provides the ideal setting for healthy lifestyle and recreational activities.

Maintaining your health while studying

It’s possible that you’ll require medical assistance while you’re studying.

Call 111 if you require immediate medical assistance. It’s a free call that connects you to emergency services such as the police, fire, and ambulance.

You can locate health service centers or medical clinics for general medical assistance on-campus or in your neighborhood. When you first arrive in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to register with a local doctor or medical center.

All visitors to New Zealand are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation for personal injury and accidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Although the government subsidizes the public health system, when private providers are engaged, there may be some payments required for services. Before seeing the doctor inquire if there will be any additional charges when arranging an appointment.

You can also look for a dentist online, but keep in mind that dental care is not covered by government health insurance, so you may need to purchase additional insurance to cover your dental needs.

New Zealand's cost of living and currency

Make the best use of your funds.

You must demonstrate that you can meet your living expenses while studying in New Zealand as part of your student visa application. If you plan to study in New Zealand for more than a year, you’ll need to show that you have at least NZ$15,000 in your bank account to cover your living expenses for the first year.

Knowing how much money you’ll need for day-to-day living expenditures is a good place to start, but keep in mind that the cost of living in New Zealand varies slightly depending on the city you live in.

The cost of rent varies depending on where you reside in New Zealand. Generally, accommodations will cost you anywhere from NZ$200 to NZ$350 each week.

The New Zealand (NZ$) dollar is the currency used in banking and payments in New Zealand.

New Zealand also has a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is applied to the cost of almost everything you buy.

If you have any questions regarding your consumer rights, you may get additional information from the New Zealand Consumer Protection website.

Tuition Fees

Costs for bachelor’s degrees range from $22,000 to $32,000, with additional fees for fields like medicine and veterinary science. A lot of bachelor’s degrees can be finished in three years. 

Fees for postgraduate degrees range from approximately NZ$26,000 to NZ$37,000, with higher fees for fields like medicine and veterinary science.

For most disciplines, international PhD students pay the same as New Zealand PhD students, which is roughly NZ$6,500 to NZ$9,000 per year.

Banking

When it comes to money management, you have a variety of options. You can open a bank account with any of the national banks or credit unions in New Zealand, which you can do either before or after you arrive. You’ll need your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), Letter of Offer, and other forms of identification to set up your account.

 A New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number may also be required, which you can obtain by visiting the Inland Revenue website. Many banks provide ‘student accounts,’ which can include free banking, interest-free overdrafts, and travel discounts.

Phones and Internet

Most educational institutions offer free Wi-Fi, which you can use with your student ID and password. If you can’t use your own laptop or computer to access the Internet, you can typically locate a service in the student library, or at an off-campus public library or Internet café. 

Although some public areas may have free or low-cost Wi-Fi, it is critical to evaluate the network’s security before connecting. International calls can be very expensive compared to domestic ones.

Most convenience stores sell international calling cards that can be used to make international calls. Alternatively, you can save money by using online services like Skype or FaceTime. 

To call a New Zealand phone number from another country, dial +64, followed by the area code, and finally the phone number. To call another country from New Zealand, dial 00, then the country code, the area code (if applicable), and finally the phone number.

Employment while you study

Earn while you learn

International education can be a strain on a student’s budget. Most students enrolled in a 12-month or longer study in New Zealand can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and during vacation times.

This not only helps to maintain funds in the bank account, but it also serves as a great way to integrate into the community and meet new people.

Looking for employment after graduation
You’ll need to apply for a new visa if you wish to stay and work in New Zealand after you finish your study. There are two types of visas: a tourist visa and a business visa.
  • The post-study work visa (open) allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months.
  • The post-study work visa (employer-sponsored): this option allows you to work for an additional two years in a specified employment that must be related to your education.
  • You can apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa if you want to stay and work in New Zealand permanently and meet the requirements. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for additional information.
It’s vital to keep in mind that you’ll likely face stiff competition for jobs following graduation, from both international and domestic students. Studying in a field where there is a skills shortage can help you acquire a job. This means that if you have in-demand talents and are offered a job in New Zealand, obtaining a work and residency visa will be easier. Agriculture and forestry, engineering, health and social services, and science all have skills shortages. For the most up-to-date list, go to skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz.

VISA Requirements

Everything you need to know about New Zealand visas

The sort of visa you’ll require is determined by the type of study you intend to pursue and the length of time you plan to stay in New Zealand. A valid passport and the appropriate visa are essential for a smooth transition.

It’s critical to keep your Fee Paying student status while studying in New Zealand. This status refers to the reason for your visit to New Zealand.

Documentation
You must have the following documents ready to apply for a visa:
  • A valid passport which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand.
  • A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand education provider which states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee and whether the tuition fee is in domestic and foreign currency. The course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Additional documentation may also be required such as:
  • Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates.
  • Current application form – Student Visa Application form.
  • Correct visa application fee.
  • Tuition fee receipt showing payments to date.
  • Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout the periods of your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month.
Evidence of sufficient funds can be proven through:
  • Bank statements.
  • Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs.
  • A scholarship program.
  • Evidence that you are leaving New Zealand after the completion of your course. This can be in the form of flight tickets, however this is optional.
  • A police certificate if you are aged 17 years or over and plan to study for more than 24 months. A police certificate is a document which is used as evidence of good character.
  • An X-ray certificate – you will need to have a chest x-ray if you are staying in New Zealand for more than six months, or if you’re a citizen of a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, or if you’ve spent more than three months in the last five years in a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis.
  • Full medical examination
You can find out more about each of the different types of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.

ALL SET TO BEGIN YOUR GLOBAL CAREER?

We are here to help
Scroll to Top