Know About the New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country with two distinct main landmasses called North Island and South Island, surrounded by more than 600 smaller islands. The languages used in New Zealand are English and Maori. New Zealand has an advanced market economy ranking 16th on the 2018 Human Development Index. The currency used is New Zealand Dollar which is sometimes informally known as Kiwi Dollar. The climate is similar to Australia and seasons follow the reverse pattern of the Northern hemisphere (where India is situated). And while Rugby Union is the national sport, New Zealandians enjoy sports like cricket, football, tennis, and netball.
​
Quick facts:
-
Capital: Wellington
-
Major cities: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
-
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
-
No. of Provinces and Regions: 6 Provinces and 16 Regions
-
Official Languages: English and Maori
-
National Anthem: God Defend New Zealand
-
Time Zones: UTC+12 (NZST). Summer (DST): UTC+13 (NZDT)
-
Climate: Predominantly a temperate maritime climate, with mean annual temperature ranging from 10 °C in the south to 16 °C in the north.
Education System
Education in New Zealand finds its roots in the British education system. It has 8 government-funded universities. New Zealand's education system is known for its high standard and they keep conducting regular checks to ensure that the standards are not compromised and the students receive the best at all times. Generally, New Zealand education is student-centric, focusing on problem-solving, fostering creativity and innovation in the student. The universities encourage healthy, open debates to help students make their own discoveries. New Zealand has 10 levels of university education which is divided as:
​
-
Level 1 -4: Certificate: These are short-duration courses designed to nurture skills in a student. As the level increases, the complexity and knowledge increase.
-
Level 5-6: Diploma: Duration for this program is usually 1 year.
-
Level 7: Bachelor's degree and graduate diplomas: Generally, it is for 3 years to complete depending on the program and the eligibility to take admissions is 12th standard or equivalent. If done with Honours, it can take 4 years.
-
Level 8: Postgraduate certificates and diploma, and bachelor’s degrees with honors: It is for the duration of 1 year which helps to build on their skills on their bachelor’s degree.
-
Level 9: Master’s degrees: Students with a bachelor's degree are only eligible to apply for a Master’s. The program length can vary from 1 year to 2 years.
-
Level 10: Doctoral degrees: Students who complete their Masters can go for a Doctoral which takes 3 years.
Universities
New Zealand has 8 universities that are all government-funded. There are several private institutions as well as polytechnic colleges which are known for their excellent vocational training. They are:
1. University of Auckland
2. University of Otago
3. University of Canterbury
4. Victoria University of Wellington
5. University of Waikato
6. Massey University
7. Lincoln University
8. Auckland University of Technology
​
Below is the list of New Zealand Government-owned and funded polytechnic colleges which are usually preferred for applied courses:
1. Eastern Institute of Technology, Hawkes Bay
2. Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland
3. Otago Polytechnic, Auckland
4. Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland
5. Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Auckland
6. Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Wellington
7. Wellington Institute of Technology, Wellington
8. Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington
9. Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson
10. Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth
​
Our team of counselors at Soham Learning, can you help you shortlist universities basis the course you desire and your future career plan.
Admission Requirement or Eligibility
There is a possibility that the university you apply with might have specific requirements for admissions, however, the general eligibility required for different programs:
1. Bachelor Degree: 65% or above in 12th standard with an overall IELTS score of 6 bands OR 79 in TOEFL OR 50 in PTE.
2. Master’s Degree: 55% or above in Bachelor with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 bands OR 88 in TOEFL OR 58 in PTE.
​
For taking admissions in MBA programs, 2-3 years of work experience is needed.
​
The Admissions requirements in New Zealand include:
-
Academic transcripts.
-
Letter of Reference from your professors or employers.
-
SOP or a personal statement.
-
Valid IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score card.
Cost
Most students while planning their higher education are concerned about financial support. Although there is financial aid available, it is good to know an approximate cost of living. Below points will give you a general idea about the funds required for getting a New Zealand University degree:
​
-
Annual tuition fees in New Zealand for undergraduates can be anywhere between NZD 20,000 – 25,000. While annual fees for post-graduation can be between NZD 10,000 – 30,000. Exact fees can be verified on the university’s website you choose and the program you shortlist.
-
The cost of living per annum for a student varies according to their chosen field of study. For example, arts and humanities students have their annual expense between NZD 10,000-12,000 while for science and technology it goes up to NZD 14,000-18,000.
-
Other costs involve your IELTS Test fees, Visa fees, Air tickets which can be between NZD 1800 to NZD 2,100.
Post Study Work
After completing your studies with acceptable qualifications, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years. The duration of your Post-Study Work visa is dependent on the level of your qualification and from where you completed your study. Additionally, your partner can also apply for a work visa and your dependent child can have a fee-free education just as any domestic students.
Work Permit for Students
New Zealand Universities allow their students to find part-time jobs during their term or during holidays. It would be a good idea to have an updated CV and reference letters from your employees before leaving for New Zealand. Below are some points to note while choosing your part-time job:
1. International students can work up to 20 hours every week during their term, while they can work for unlimited hours during their holidays
2. Check the condition of your visa before applying since Study Visa with less than 120 credits does not allow students to work. If you still wish to work you must apply to change the conditions of your visa.
3. On completion of their studies, students can opt for 1 year of Job Search visa which can convert into 1 to 2 years of Work Permit with a valid job offer.
Scholarship
As an international student in New Zealand, you are allowed to apply to various Government-sponsored scholarships as well as university-sponsored. You can check the college website or with your university officials on how to apply for it. Most of these scholarships are awarded on merit and need-based. Do make sure to apply with all the necessary documents such as SOP, LoR, IELTS/TOEFL scorecard, etc. before the deadline to be eligible for the scholarships. They are awarded looking at your academic and extra-curricular accomplishments
Student Visa
Once you have received your offer letter from the university, you need to apply for the Student Visa as soon as possible. Below are the documents required:
-
University offer letter
-
Health insurance receipt
-
You may require to show Health and character certificates
During the interview, you may be required to show documents for your financial and academic proof
​
-
Academic transcripts
-
English proficiency test scorecard
-
Financial support proof while staying in New Zealand
Family/
Dependent Visa
If you are a student of Level 7 and above, your spouse or family member can join you in New Zealand. The duration of their stay can be as long as yours. Under this visa, your spouse can work and also study for up to 3 months. Additionally, your family can also come to visit and their visa validity will be as long as your student visa duration.
Lifestyle
Moving to a new country can be full of anxiety and it always takes some time to adapt. Below are a few tips that can help a student get used to New Zealand’s lifestyle sooner:
​
-
Working hard and being ambitious is considered a good virtue here.
-
The New Zealand community believes in balancing working hard with socializing and spending time with their family and friends.
-
They make optimum use of the recreational activities be it outdoor sports or spending time in arts and cultural activities.
-
Colleges offer a range of extra-curricular activities like music, drama, literary societies as well as an opportunity for outdoor learning.
Process Flow
The process to apply for Australia Student Visa is detailed below:
1. Choose your Course, Institute, and understand their requirement: This step will be useful in planning your documents and next steps as per the requirement. Ensure that you mark the deadlines for application and prepare for the requirements well in advance of the deadline.
​
2. Take the language proficiency test: As per college and province requirements, you will need to take the test in English to gain admission. Institutes accept scores of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE. Ensure your scores meet at least the minimum requirement of the college.
​
3. Start applying with the universities: Choose your institutes well and back your application with all the necessary documentation, well-written SOPs, and a letter of reference. It helps to complete the application well in advance and not wait until the deadline. After this, it is the crucial waiting period for receiving the offer letter.
​
4. Offer letter and Student Visa: Once you receive your acceptance letter and have paid your college fees. Use this to start applying for Visa, complete your medical, and gathering your financial support documents. Visa is granted after the success of the interview with the Visa officials. The passport and other documents are sent to your home after the Visa decision has been made.
​
5. Travel and Study: After this, you will receive your Visa and you are ready to fly to your new student life. Once you complete your study you can apply for PSW and then opt for PR or return to your home country.
​
The Soham Learning team is dedicated to assisting you right from step 1 to the time you fly away. Even after your study, we can help you process your further permits and help you work and settle in New Zealand.
Free Services
University Short Listing
Assistance in shortlisting colleges and universities appropriate to your career goals and aspirations.
​
Admission Process
Guidance throughout the process from collecting relevant documents in the correct format to submitting applications to tracking the updates.
​
SOP Assistance
Assistance in writing a well-crafted SOP that meets the requirement of the university and helps you get your visa processed without delays.
​
Interview Preparation
Special sessions and workshops with our experts to prepare you for the interviews before the date.
Education Loan
Provide guidance and counsel for the best way to get financial aid through education loans and other options, if available.
​
Air Tickets
Assistance in booking your flights once you have your visa approved.
​
Travel Insurance
Guidance to get the best deal on travel insurance suitable for the country you plan to study.
​
Airport Pick-up
Provide assistance with arranging for a pick-up for you at the airport once you land in the country you plan to visit.
​
Accommodation
We can help get you accommodation in a new country.