If you are thinking about studying abroad, why not consider New Zealand? New Zealand has a lot to offer international students — from beautiful scenery and adventure to internationally recognized qualifications and a low cost of living. Some reasons to study in New Zealand are:

•  Quality of education
•  Travel opportunities
•  Employment prospects
•  Low cost of education and living
•  Ideal lifestyle

New Zealand has eight universities that offer academic programmes, rather than vocational. All New Zealand’s universities offer a broad range of subjects for undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in commerce, science and the humanities. Some universities offer degrees in specialist fields – such as medicine, agriculture, engineering, etc. A number of universities have more than one campus, often located in different cities, and some have overseas programmes. New Zealand also has 18 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs). They provide professional and vocational education and training ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programmes. Many ITPs also offer English language training and postgraduate study options, including up to Doctoral (PhD) level. Courses are more vocationally oriented, emphasizing practical experience and application to work situations. A degree from one of these institutions has equal status with a university degree. There are three Wānanga in Aotearoa New Zealand. These tertiary institutions offer teaching and learning environments that are based on Māori values and principles. Many offer qualifications in te reo Māori (Māori language), teaching, nursing, business, health, English language and Māori arts. Wānanga offer many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including master’s and doctoral (PhD) level qualifications.

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.