New Zealand is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses the North Island ,and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)−and around 600 smaller islands.
New Zealand has an advanced market economy, ranked 16th in the 2018 Human Development Index and third in the 2018 Index of Economic Freedom. It is a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$36,254. The currency is the New Zealand dollar, informally known as the “Kiwi dollar”; it also circulates in the Cook Islands (see Cook Islands dollar), Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands.
It is a known fact that New Zealand universities are known for their world-class education with all of the eight universities being in the top 3% in the world. The qualifications acquired at NZ are globally recognised and respected which consequently opens up the world to all students.As per the Global Peace Index, 2017, New Zealand is world’s second most peaceful country with high political stability and lowest rates of corruption.When it comes to scenic beauty, NZ tops the list which is sure to offer students an experience of a lifetime. The New Zealand universities and other institutions are known for the excellent teaching methods which includes practical, hands-on learning techniques.
New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Study in New Zealand
The education in this South Pacific island nation is considered to be world class and highly progressive. University education in New Zealand finds its roots in the British university system and was established in 1870. New Zealand is home to eight state-funded universities that are respected for their academic rigour around the world.
The country has a strong system that checks the quality of education at the level of both, the institution as well as the program. Qualifications earned in New Zealand universities are recognized around the world. More importantly, education institutions here offer a wide array of courses and opportunities to interested students. There are five types of government-owned tertiary institutions: universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, specialist colleges, and wÄ nanga, in addition to private training establishments.
Cost of studying in New Zealand is almost 50% less than that of studying in a country like, say, USA or UK, it is even cheaper than studying in Canada or even Australia for that matter. Studying in a country like New Zealand can not only give you the international exposure and learning experience you need for world markets but is also a great deal easier on your bank accounts.
The system offers a range of courses from arts, commerce and science with a multitude of specialized branches. Bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees are all provided at these universities. There are also honours programs that require an additional year of study. Polytechnic courses in New Zealand are also quite famous and find a lot of takers every year.Bachelor’s degrees here can last for up to three years and a postgraduate degree will take you another year.
The New Zealand Qualification Authority, or NZQA, ensures that the quality of programs offered by institutes in the country are always of the highest possible standards. This maintains the international standards of education that New Zealand has come to be synonymous with. Moreover, the country offers some of the best balance of academics and welfare in the world. The curriculum offered is highly balanced and is relevant to the current processes followed in work spaces the world over.
Cost of Education
The costs of studying in New Zealand depends on the institution and the level of study you choose.
Pursuing an undergraduate degree program in New Zealand can cost something between $20,500 to $25, 000 approximately. Similarly, Postgraduate diploma and degree can cost something around $19,000 to $29,000 annually.
For MBA and also PhD coursework, the scholarship offered ranges from $3,000 to $29,000 (approx). As per a study, studying humanities, education and art courses are cheaper in New Zealand. On the other hand, studying courses like medicine and engineering courses can be comparatively expensive.
The main intake dates for admissions to New Zealand start from mid/late February to early November.
In language proficiency a student needs to secure at least 6.0 to 6.5 bands in their IELTS for an undergraduate course, or 6.5 to 7.0 for a postgraduate course. The country and its universities and educational institutions also offer a number of courses for you to reach the level of English competency required.
Documents mainly required but not limited to are — resume, statement of purpose, marksheets, and passing certificates from the 10th standard onwards. The student must also provide two reference letters from their last college and/or employer along with a copy of their passport and birth certificate. For post graduate courses a degree, of three years or more, from a recognised university is mandatory.
ANU will assist you at every step in preparing your application to your desired college.
A student visa to New Zealand generally has a duration of 4 years. Anybody hoping to study in New Zealand for more than three months needs a student visa. To get a student visa you need to fulfil the following conditions:
- Have an offer from an educational institution authorised by New Zealand Qualifications Authority, NZQA.
- If you are under 18, you will need a written guarantee from an individual or institution that you have a place to stay.
- For courses shorter than three months all you need is a visitor visa.
- If you are studying at a course lasting for 12 months or more you can work up to 20 hours per week.
- Evidence of funds for you to live on while studying.
- A return air ticket or proof of funds enough to buy you one.
- You will need to be screened for tuberculosis if you are spending more than 6 months in New Zealand.
- A police certificate to show that you are of good character is mandatory if you are over 17 years of age.
- There are four different categories of student visa, namely, Fee Paying Student Visa, Exchange student Visa, Foreign Government supported student visa and Pathway student visa.
ANU will guide you through every step of the visa application process to ensure a successful outcome .
Almost all universities offer funding, some of which are offered to all international students and some to students with good academic records.
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) – NZIDRS is funded by the New Zealand government and are available to Indian students planning to pursue Ph.D in New Zealand. This scholarship covers university tuition fee and all associated student levies along with a living stipend of up to NZ$25,000, which completely tax-free and a health insurance coverage of up to NZ$600 annually for three years.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships – This scholarship is applicable for Indian students applying into Master’s or Ph.D programs. This covers the students’ tuition fee, living, travel and establishment allowance along with health insurance.