Introduction
New Zealand is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean. The country mainly comprises of two islands, the North Island and South Island, although there are also numerous smaller islands. The closest countries to New Zealand are Australia and the Pacific island nations: Fiji, New Caledonia and Tonga. Despite its isolated location, New Zealand is a developed nation with great connections with the rest of the world. There are frequent international flights as well as fast internet connections that connect New Zealand with the rest of the world. When you study in New Zealand, you’ll discover a unique country – the ultimate outdoor playground with excellent study opportunities. It’s a safe and welcoming community with a world-class reputation for cutting-edge research and creative energy. New Zealand is an attractive destination for international students and the country’s educational institutions are well regarded throughout the world so it’s not surprising so many people wish to study in New Zealand. The whole of New Zealand’s educational system is based upon the prestigious British system, which is similar to Singapore. New Zealand’s universities offer numerous opportunities for research and internships, where students can build practical skills needed in their future career and academic life.
- Quality of education
- Travel opportunities
- Employment prospects
- Low cost of education and living
- Ideal lifestyle
International students can gain admission to New Zealand universities in the following ways: For admission to study at the first-year level:
By completing in their home country a qualification which is recognized in New Zealand as equivalent to the New Zealand university entrance standard. By attending secondary school in New Zealand and achieving the university entrance standard. By completing a foundation programme at a university in New Zealand. By completing a recognized* university foundation programme offered by a non-university provider in New Zealand. * Programmes must be recognized by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara.
How long is a term in college? A trimester system divides the academic year into three terms which can be as short as eight weeks or as long as 16 weeks each. A quarter system divides the academic year into four terms, up to 12 weeks each, and generally counts the summer as one of the terms.
How long is the academic year? It divides the academic year into four quarters, each of which is usually 12 weeks long. Three of the four quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring, operating from September until June or from August until May) are thus equivalent to two 18-week semesters.
What is the winter semester? The German academic year is divided into two semesters: the summer semester starts in April and ends in September and the winter semester runs from October to March.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. To study in New Zealand you only need the following:
For 1 year course – Approximate fees of Rs.5 – 6 lakhs + living expenses of Rs.3 lakhs = Rs.8 – 9 lakhs = VISA!
Q. Am I allowed to work while studying?
A. All students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
Many New Zealand institutions offer a student employment service called ‘Student Job Search’ to help you find work. Upon the successful completion of their studies they are allowed to apply for a 12 months Graduate Job search Visa and subsequently for permanent resident status.
Q. How long will it take to process my application?
A. All undergraduate applications take upto two weeks to finalise the enrolment. Postgraduate applications may take upto four weeks. During the busy season over the months of May-June and November-January all Postgraduate applications may take upto six weeks to process.
Q. Can I apply for Permanent Residence after my studies in New Zealand?
A. You don’t have to come back to India if you successfully complete your studies in New Zealand. You become eligible for a guaranteed 12 months job search visa. This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand and work full time in any job. But the important thing is that in these 12 months you have to find a job relevant to the course you just completed.
Q. What is the minimum wage?
A. The minimum wage (at the time of printing this information) is NZ$13 per hour.
Q. What is the cost to live in New Zealand?
A. The total cost depends on each students spending habits. However a student should be able to live in New Zealand for a total cost of living of between NZ$10,000 and NZ$15,000 a year including accommodation, transport and entertainment.
Q. What is GST Tax?
A. GST stands for Goods & Services Tax. All goods and services in New Zealand including tuition fees have GST Tax of 15% included in the fee. There are some items that do not have GST and these include bank fees and residential rental payments.
Q. Is there an age limit to study in New Zealand?
A. There is no limit on the age of a person wishing to study in New Zealand however the New Zealand Immigration Service needs to be satisfied that the applicant is a genuine student when they process the student visa application.