Study in New Zealand
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Overview
New Zealand, ranked second on the 2019 Global Peace Index, stands out as one of the safest places for students to study abroad. This peaceful nation offers an ideal blend of opportunities, rich culture, strong economy, and pleasant climate, providing Indian students with an environment to thrive. New Zealand’s universities are globally recognized for their excellence, offering a responsive education system that caters to diverse learning styles. Moreover, the country’s breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty add a touch of adventure and serenity to the educational journey, making the experience truly worthwhile.
Why New Zealand
New Zealand is not just known for its stunning landscapes, although its beauty is undeniable. It has swiftly risen to become one of the top choices for Indian students seeking to study abroad.
New Zealand offers a plethora of advantages, including a world-class education system, globally recognized credentials, abundant research opportunities, and an unparalleled quality of life.
While studying here, you can expect a welcoming, friendly community and top-notch international student support services. Here are some compelling reasons to consider continuing your studies in New Zealand:
Global Peace Index Ranking: According to the Global Peace Index 2018, which assesses political stability and social tolerance, New Zealand ranks second. This peaceful environment fosters a conducive atmosphere for learning.
Multicultural Atmosphere: New Zealand’s vibrant multicultural atmosphere seamlessly blends with its active outdoor lifestyle. From rolling green hills to golden sand beaches, snow-capped mountains to volcanic peaks, and lush rainforests, New Zealand is a wanderlust’s paradise.
Cultural and Natural Diversity: Living here offers the chance to grow while experiencing the rich cultural diversity and natural beauty of the region.
Academic Excellence: All eight of New Zealand’s universities consistently achieve top positions in the QS World Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings. Degrees obtained from these institutions are globally recognized, opening doors to opportunities worldwide.
NZQA Authorization: The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures that institutions are authorized to enroll international students and meet stringent qualification standards.
Research-Based Education: New Zealand places a strong emphasis on research-based instruction. You will learn to approach situations in an organized and systematic manner, developing both individual and teamwork skills.
Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and benefit from engaging student-teacher interactions.
Problem-Solving Skills: Applying classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, you will develop diverse problem-solving strategies. This is especially beneficial for PhD students, who have numerous research opportunities.
Work Opportunities: As a student, you can work full-time while pursuing your degree, helping to offset tuition costs. This is a significant advantage, as international students can pay the same tuition fees as residents.
Studying in New Zealand offers not only a high-quality education but also a transformative experience that encompasses personal growth, cultural exploration, and academic excellence.
“Study abroad is the single most effective way of changing the way we view the world.”
– Chantal Mitchell
Admissions
The admission process varies among colleges in Canada, but certain documents and general requirements remain essential for higher education admission:
Academic Records: Transcripts of your previous academic records, including 10th and 12th-grade marksheets.
English Language Proficiency: For international students, proof of English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL is usually required.
Letter of Intent: A statement of purpose or letter of intent outlining your reasons for choosing the program and university.
Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three letters of recommendation from teachers or employers who can speak to your academic or professional abilities.
Standardized Test Scores: Some programs may require standardized test scores like SAT, GRE, GMAT, or others, depending on the program’s requirements.
Resume/CV: A detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular activities, and skills.
Portfolio: If applying for programs in art, design, or architecture, a portfolio showcasing your work may be required.
Application Form: Completing the university’s application form, often done online through the university’s official website.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee, which varies among universities.
Choosing the right intake can be crucial and involves considering factors such as program availability, academic performance, admission exam results, acceptance rates, employment prospects, and program readiness. While the July intake is popular among Indian students, some programs also have a February intake. If you don’t have your scorecards yet, it’s advisable not to rush and instead apply for the next available intake. This allows sufficient time to prepare your application and meet all requirements thoroughly.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
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Universities
he University of Auckland retained its position as the top university in New Zealand for 2021, surpassing seven other institutions to take the 81st place globally.The QS World University Rankings 2021, which were just released, place the top universities in the world according to six main metrics: international faculty, international students, international faculty, faculty-student ratio, and citations per faculty.The University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, and Massey University are some of the universities in New Zealand which hold positions in the Top #300 Universities in accordance with the Global ranking.
“Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation.”
John F. Kennedy
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Courses
New Zealand has emerged as a rapidly growing study abroad destination, particularly popular among Indian students. Mumbai, the vibrant "city of dreams" in India, has seen a significant number of students opting to pursue their education in New Zealand. The country's appeal as a study destination extends beyond Mumbai to other major cities in India, drawing students with its various advantages.One key draw is New Zealand's robust educational system, which mirrors the UK's renowned system. Degrees obtained in New Zealand are widely recognized internationally, offering students a solid foundation for their future careers. Additionally, New Zealand allows students to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks, providing valuable work experience. The country boasts a plethora of job opportunities, particularly in fields like engineering, management, and business. Moreover, the affordability factor plays a significant role, with lower tuition fees and housing costs compared to many other study destinations. These factors collectively make New Zealand an attractive option for Indian students seeking quality education and promising career prospects abroad.
“There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”
James Truslow Adams
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Finances
Financing your education in New Zealand is a crucial aspect to consider when planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of the average costs per year for different levels of education:
- Undergraduate Degree: $20,500 - $25,000 annually
- Graduate Degree: $19,000 - $29,000 annually
- Doctoral Degree: $6,500 - $9,000 annually
These figures give you a rough estimate of the tuition fees you can expect to pay. However, it's important to remember that these costs can vary depending on the university and program you choose.
Apart from tuition fees, you'll also need to budget for living expenses. Here's a typical breakdown of weekly average costs in New Zealand:
- Rent: $400 to $530
- Food and Groceries: $136.50
- Transportation: $79.50
- Entertainment: $64.20
“Education is not the means of showing people how to get what they want. Education is an exercise by means of which enough men, it is hoped, will learn to want what is worth having. ”
Ronald Reagan
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Scholarships
Planning ahead and applying for scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying in New Zealand. Many Kiwi universities and colleges offer various scholarships for international students, providing financial support for their studies. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition fees, depending on the requirements, course of study, and institution.
Here are some scholarships available to Indian students:
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS): These scholarships are for international students seeking doctoral degrees in New Zealand. They cover full tuition fees, a living stipend, and health insurance.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships: Offered to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, these scholarships cover full tuition fees, a living allowance, and travel costs.
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA): These awards are for high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. They cover partial tuition fees.
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship: This scholarship supports international doctoral students in agricultural greenhouse gas research. It covers tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel costs.
SEG Scholarship: The Science and Engineering Research Scholarship is for international students pursuing doctoral studies in science or engineering fields. It covers tuition fees and a stipend.
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for students from Palmerston North's sister cities, including Pune in India. It covers a portion of the tuition fees.
Be sure to carefully review the requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship before applying. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in New Zealand, making it a more affordable and attractive option for Indian students.
“Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education...appears to be an object of vital importance...”
Abraham Lincoln
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Accommodation
When considering housing options during your studies in New Zealand, you have several choices to explore based on your needs and budget. These options include hostel or residence halls, private boarding, homestay, or independent housing.
On-campus accommodation:
- Traditional residence halls within institutions are popular, especially for foreign students arriving in New Zealand for the first time.
- Living on campus provides convenience and proximity to university facilities. Some packages may include meals, computer access, laundry, and cleaning services.
- Cost: Typically ranges from NZ$100 to NZ$700 per week.
Off-campus accommodation:
- Homestay: Students live with New Zealand families, offering a safe and culturally enriching experience. Rooms are usually fully furnished, and meals are provided.
- Cost: Approximately NZ$110 to NZ$370 per week.
- Private Rentals: This option involves renting a property not affiliated with the university and often shared with housemates.
- Offers greater independence but requires students to manage household responsibilities such as cleaning, groceries, and bills.
- Cost: Generally ranges from NZ$300 to NZ$600 per week.
- Homestay: Students live with New Zealand families, offering a safe and culturally enriching experience. Rooms are usually fully furnished, and meals are provided.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”
Aristotle
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Visa
If you're an Indian student planning to study in New Zealand, the first step is to apply for a student visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the type of education you're pursuing and the duration of your stay. Here are the various types of student visas available for Indian students over 18 years old who plan to study in New Zealand for more than six months:
Fee Paying Student Visa:
- Allows you to work part-time while studying full-time for up to four years.
Exchange Student Visa:
- Valid for up to four years of full-time study for a recognized student exchange program.
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa:
- If you have a loan or scholarship from a foreign government, you can study full-time for up to four years on this visa.
Pathway Student Visa:
- Allows you to take three courses on a single student visa, with a total duration of up to five years. You are also eligible to work part-time.
To apply for a student visa, you will need to meet certain requirements and provide necessary documents such as proof of acceptance from a New Zealand educational institution, evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses, a valid passport, and health insurance coverage. It's important to carefully review the specific requirements for each type of visa and submit a complete application to the New Zealand immigration authorities.
“The Best way to predict your Future is to create it.”
Abraham Lincoln
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Careers
Indeed, for students with in-demand skills and a desire to stay in New Zealand long-term, the Skilled Migrant visa is an attractive option. This visa allows individuals to work and live permanently in New Zealand, provided they meet the criteria and score enough points in the visa application process.
Moreover, students can also take advantage of internship opportunities while pursuing their educational courses in New Zealand. These internships not only provide valuable work experience but also allow students to establish networks within their field of study.
New Zealand has a significant demand for graduates, particularly in sectors such as engineering, agriculture, farming, information and communications technology (ICT), and health. Graduates with qualifications in these fields often find ample job opportunities and pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand.
“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
Oprah Winfrey
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FAQ's
The official Study in Zealand website estimates that international undergraduate students will pay between NZ$22,000 and 32,000 (about $14,900 and 21,700) per year, with higher costs for courses like medicine and veterinary science. Three years on average are needed to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The following basic criteria must be met in order to apply for a PR Visa in New Zealand:
Age is under 55 years old
Excellent mastery of the English language and fluency
Good physical and moral health
Received a job offer (in case you have applied for a sponsored work visa)
Being able to demonstrate your intention to stay in the country
In New Zealand, one may apply for a PR visa under a number of categories, namely the categories for skilled immigrants, partners, and business and investment.
One of the top destinations for Indian students wishing to study abroad is quickly becoming New Zealand. One can opt for the following courses to study in New Zealand:
Animation.
Engineering.
IT and Computer Science.
Agriculture.
Medicine.
Business Studies.
Engineering Forestry.
Hospitality.