New Zealand

If you are wondering whether New Zealand is the right destination to study for you to pursue further studies, doubt no more. New Zealand is fast becoming a first choice of international students who wish to get quality education at affordable cost. Here we outline some of the main reasons why international student population in New Zealand has grown tremendously in recent years.

New Zealand (or Aotearoa – land of the long white cloud), truly is one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. A small island nation of just over 4.5 million people, New Zealand is made up of two major land masses (North Island and South Island) and a number of smaller islands including Stewart Island located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The two main islands are divided by a 22km stretch of water called the Cook Strait. New Zealand is located approximately 1,500km east of Australia and about 1,000km from the Pacific Islands. Due to its relative remoteness and being water locked, New Zealand was one of the last countries to be found and settled. The country is made up of some of the worlds most spectacular landscapes, from vast mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines. It is a natural playground for thrill seekers and adventurers and those who simply want to visit for the culture and landscapes.

New Zealand university system is research-based as it is based on the British education model. This means there are a lot of similarities between the two systems, such as the teaching methods. The fact India also follows British education system makes it easier for Indian students to adjust. The academic staff is expected to be researchers as well as teachers. This ensures a high quality learning experience. New Zealand Vice-Chancellors' Committee, the universities' representative body, has legal responsibility for course approval and moderation.

Cost of education– one of the crucial element to be considered when deciding on a study abroad destination. A majority of students who go abroad for higher studies either study MBA or Engineering. And many of international students choose USA, UK or Australia to give wings to their dream. However, on the other side there are aspirants who want to save some money. For those aspirants, New Zealand with its affordable tuition fee is the clear choice. The cost of studying in New Zealand varies from undergraduate degree to postgraduate degrees. Generally, an undergraduate degree may range anywhere between NZ$ 18,000 to NZ$ 25,000 each year while a PG course may cost between NZ$ 10,000 to NZ$ 30,000 annually.

New Zealand offers a wide range of study opportunities including primary state administered schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities and private training establishments. The eight universities that make up the country’s education system include The University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato among others. Also the top universities in New Zealand have the greatest impact on international students when deciding whether to study in New Zealand or not.the country also boasts 20 institutes of technology and polytechnis where students hone their vocational skills. These institutes offer vocational courses across different fields at undergraduate and graduate level. The country also boasts 20 institutes of technology and polytechnis where students hone their vocational skills. These institutes offer vocational courses across different fields at undergraduate and graduate level. The number of foreign students flying to New Zealand for higher studies has jumped in recent years. Thanks to the eight world ranking universities along with some top programme that the country has to offer. So what are the top courses responsible for attracting large number of international students to New Zealand? Masters of Business Administration (MBA) tops the chart of top courses to pursue in New Zealand. When it comes to giving an aspirants’ career an edge, there are not many programmes that can compete with MBA. Apart from MBA, the other degrees that has caught the attention of both domestic and international students: Master of Professional Accounting, Engineering, PG Diploma in Agricultural Science and Master of Tourism among others.

The visa acquisition process is incredibly simple, and unlike many other countries, you will not be rejected right away. You get to talk to people and tell them your side of the story if there is something that may prevent you from getting a visa to come into the country. If you can explain why you’ve decided to go down there and your international studies program helps you to create a Statement of Purpose (a statement you give to the visa officer to tell them why you are coming to New Zealand to study), you will usually get a visa. The country is welcome to immigration, more so than almost any other country in the world. The last advantage is that, after you graduate, as mentioned above, you can work in the country for up to a year. If the job you are working at is related to the degree that you received, you can actually apply to get permanent residency, which you will most likely get within 6 months of your application.

There are plenty of work opportunities available for international students. On a student visa, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week through the semester; during vacations you can work up to 40 hours. So, instead of having to worry about finances, you get to supplement your education with income. You may even be able to nab internships and other practical work. The international studies office at your university can help you find a job to sustain you during your time in New Zealand. Another great thing is that you can get a permit at the end of your degree program and work for 12 months in the country under a special “work permit” that is alongside your student visa, which is what we’ll look at closer in the last point.

The eight institutions that make up the university system in New Zealand are located across the two main islands, the North and the South. This distribution gives students a chance to pursue opportunities in study and culture. Although all the universities offer degrees in the arts, business, science, each college also has its own niche and distinct courses to offer.Unlike many other countries, New Zealand universities do not have a lot of competition to get admitted for a university degree. That is because the New Zealand government has invested heavily in higher education over the years. Because of that New Zealand universities have more capacity than the number of students. Students with moderate grades can get entry to most Bachelor degree programs easily. Hence the entry requirements are minimal compared to most of the top universities in the world.

International students are welcomed warmly in New Zealand society for the cultural diversity they bring and their contribution to the economy. New Zealander citizens are well travelled and are interested in people from other cultures, so international students feel more welcome. Campuses have students from all across the globe studying together. Students come from Europe, South East Asia, UK, Asia, among many others.It also provides a perfect mix of a modern cosmopolitan society that exists in perfect harmony with the country’s outdoorsy lifestyle. Replete with all kinds of natural landscaped ranging from snowcapped mountains and steaming volcanoes to rolling green hills, golden sandy beaches and lush rainforests. Living in New Zealand provides every student a chance to grow with its multi-cultural society and natural wonders all at once. Education in New Zealand is truly an all-encompassing experience.

A scholarship is a great way to help pay your study and living expenses. Gaining a scholarship - whether undergraduate or postgraduate - may mean you don’t have to find part-time work, giving you more time to focus on your education. Many scholarships for international students - including PhD scholarships and scholarships for Masters’ degrees - are offered by the New Zealand Government, other governments, educational institutions and philanthropists.