New Zealand has become a popular study destination as it is the safest place to live and is ranked second on the Global Peace Index, 2022. With its stunning landscapes, warm climate, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that more and more international students are choosing to study in New Zealand.

The country offers an excellent quality of life and education. The education degrees acquired in New Zealand are on par with degrees from Canada, the US, the UK, or Australia. Agriculture, engineering, healthcare, physics, geology, computer science, astronomy, and other areas are some of the courses which the universities focus on.  

When studying in New Zealand, you can be sure to have an outstanding experience. It’s perfect for students seeking adventure, a welcoming community, and endless beautiful surroundings to discover. New Zealand makes significant investments in its public transport system. The high standard of living in New Zealand is because of the low crime rates, easy availability of healthcare facilities, and consistent warm weather.

New Zealand universities and colleges receive thousands of applications every day. New Zealand universities and colleges, known for their excellence in education, are among the top destinations for students worldwide. The high demand is a testament to their reputation as the top universities in New Zealand. It suggests that you will be competing with a flurry of overseas students for admittance as well as work possibilities alongside education and after that. Professional assistance might be very helpful in achieving your goal of studying in New Zealand in this situation. In addition, we hope to give you all the information you require through this guide. 

Studying abroad can be a stressful task for students who are not prepared. So proper research must be done before deciding on your journey abroad. We hope that this information regarding living arrangements, costs, transportation, and facts about well-known colleges and places will be useful to you as you consider studying in New Zealand. 

 

New Zealand Study Visa Requirements:

A study visa is required for the student to pursue higher education in New Zealand. The following is a summary of a few student visas available to candidates over the age of 18 who want to study in New Zealand for longer than six months: 

New Zealand Student Visa Type	Explanation
Fee-Paying Student Visa	Up to four years of full-time study combined with an eligibility to work part-time.
Exchange Student Visa	Up to four years of full-time study in a recognised student exchange programme
Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa	On a loan or scholarship from a foreign government  fund your studies for up to four years
Pathway Student Visa	On a single student visa, you can take three courses that last for up to five years while also being eligible to work part-time.
Post-Study Work Visa	You can apply for a post-study work visa once your programme at a Kiwi university is finished. Depending on the level of your qualifications, this visa is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.

Because the application process can take some time and so many people are applying for offer letters, the seats at the institutions fill up quickly, so it is crucial to get started as soon as possible.

New Zealand study visa in 4 steps: 

Step 1: Applying for a College/University

You must submit an online application for admission on the university or college’s official website. 

You will be required to submit a few necessary proofs while applying for the New Zealand study visa. Complete the application procedure by submitting the required paperwork. 

Step 2: Obtaining a medical certification and a police clearance certificate (PCC)

Once you receive the offer letter from the educational institution, you must get a medical certificate by going through a comprehensive medical examination. Additionally, you must apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) at the local Regional Passport Office. 

Step 3: Filing the visa application

You must now submit your visa application along with the necessary paperwork. On the New Zealand immigration website, you may view the required documentation for each type of study visa.

Step 4: Pay the tuition fee 

After submitting your visa application, you will be given the “Approval in Principle (AIP) from the website of Immigration New Zealand. The first year’s tuition must be paid to the relevant institution or university.

The immigration NZ officer will immediately provide you with your study visa if your application is approved.

Cost to study in New Zealand 

Several factors, such as the school, program, location, and the student’s lifestyle preferences, can affect the cost to study in New Zealand. The following expenses are frequently estimated for by international students:

Tuition fees- 

New Zealand’s public universities charge a tuition fee. The total cost varies according to the kind of degree, level of education, and duration of your study. Some degrees in disciplines like medicine or veterinary science can be more expensive. For tuition, you’ll need between NZ$ 22,000 and NZ$ 35,000 per year.

Accommodation- 

Most of the universities in New Zealand offer on-campus housing facilities to international students known as the Halls of Residence. On-campus accommodation is the most affordable option for students. Halls of Residence cost around $210-$555, Hostels cost $140-$210, Shared Rental cost $120, and, Private flats cost $180. 

Food & Groceries-

 In New Zealand, the weekly average cost of food and groceries is roughly $136.50. 

Transportation- 

In New Zealand, the average weekly cost of transport is around $79.50. 

Health- 

In New Zealand, the weekly average cost of healthcare is roughly $34.90. 

All the above costs are estimates. However, it is vital to keep track of your spending when you are a student living abroad to prevent overspending.

Scholarships for Indian Students in New Zealand:

You should begin looking for and submitting applications for New Zealand scholarships as soon as you submit your university applications. Some of them may be provided by the universities themselves, while others may be funded by the public or by private organizations. Additionally, pay particular attention to the deadline. Here are some of the top universities in New Zealand that give out scholarships for Indian students 

1. University of Auckland– University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

2. Lincoln University– Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

3. University of Wellington– Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington

4. University of Auckland– ADB Scholarships at the University of Auckland

5. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship– University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship

6. University of Canterbury– Owen Browning Scholarships in Forestry at the University of Canterbury

7. University of Otago– University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship

Intakes in New Zealand

 These are the following intakes students can opt for when studying in New Zealand: 

January and February intake- 

The semester often begins at the start of the year. Application for the January semester should be submitted before November officially starts.

July intakes-

Whether they are enrolling for a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or short-term courses, international applicants must submit their applications by April or May to be taken into consideration for admission. 

Rolling Intakes-

Anytime during the year (Vocational courses are provided in institutes and colleges in February, March, April, May, and July)

Popular Courses for International Students in New Zealand:

Pursuing higher education in a foreign land is a daunting task. So the student must choose the right course before leaving. Here are some of the courses the students can choose in New Zealand. 

1. Master of Tourism Management in New Zealand- This degree is among the best degrees to pursue in New Zealand universities.
2. Master of Professional Accounting in New Zealand- This course is quickly moving to the front of the list of required courses for the sector due to the shifting dynamics of the corporate world. A chartered accountant, tax consultant, business consultant, business analyst, etc. are among the career options. 
3. Master of Information Technology in New Zealand- There will be employment prospects in the fields of architecture, database administration, e-commerce, and software development.
4. Masters in Business Administration in New Zealand- Students who enroll in the full-time course will learn about business administration. 
5. Diploma in Animation and Graphic Design in New Zealand- The graphic design course helps students in acquiring the necessary skills for employment in the animation and graphic design industries.

Top Universities in New Zealand for international students

The following list of the top universities in New Zealand for students is based on the 2023 QS World Rankings.

1. The University of Auckland 

ranked 87th position in QS rankings. 

2. The University of Otago 

ranked 217th position in QS rankings.

3. Victoria University of Wellington 

ranked 236th in QS rankings.

Academic Requirements for Education in New Zealand

The admission requirement for studying in New Zealand has the following prerequisites:

1. English Proficiency Test- 

All New Zealand universities and courses have mandated language requirements and examinations. The most widely used English language competency tests in the country are IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. 

2. Evidence of sufficient funds- 

You need to provide proof that you have the money on hand to pay for your studies and living expenses while you’re in New Zealand. 

3. Education requirements: 

You must have completed 12 years of formal education to apply for a bachelor’s degree. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 50 to 60% is required if you are seeking a master’s degree.

Most Popular Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in New Zealand

There are several opportunities, be they full-time or part-time jobs for Indian students in New Zealand to work. The following are a few of the most well-liked and lucrative part-time occupations that students opt for while studying in New Zealand:

• Supermarket Assistant
• Kitchen Hand
• Call Centre Worker
• Office Clerk
• Cook
• Retail Sales Assistant
• Sales Worker
• Tutor

If you have excellent hard skills as well as soft skills, your job prospects will surely be better than those of the average individual.  

To conclude,

Studying in New Zealand can be a life-changing experience and that is exactly why millions of international students strive for this opportunity. With a world-class education system as well as a welcoming culture, New Zealand is a great destination for international students. This guide can be used by you as a starting point to help you navigate the application process and make your dream of studying in New Zealand become a reality.   

We highly recommend that students seek out the aid of professional education agents and we at Silver Fern Education Consultants are always ready to cater to each and every need of our students in terms of making a successful admissions application, seeking out suitable accommodation, and planning for future employment to make their overseas education memorable and fruitful.