New Zealand was chosen as the location to film The Lord of the Rings! Doesn’t that tell you how incredibly spectacular a place New Zealand is! Located to the southeast of Australia, this place is fabulously diverse and home to miles and miles of unspoiled scenery. It’s a country that’s made up of two main islands in addition to a bunch of smaller ones. From beaches, offshore islands, and subtropical forests in the north to large flat plains, lakes, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains in the south with volcanoes, fjords, hot springs, and beautiful rolling green pastures - New Zealand is truly like no other place on the planet.
It’s a sparsely populated country, with most of the people living in one of the five major cities. Auckland happens to be the largest city that has about a third of the country's population concentrated there. That does leave a lot of area in between towns for people to explore. The country has an amazing road network. You find an information Centre in just about every town to help foreigners needing directions or any advice regarding the local attractions or on where to go for low-cost short stays in the area. The locals here are called Kiwis and these are generally a friendly bunch of people - exceptionally welcoming to students, visitors, travelers.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you won’t be in want of exciting activities, ever! You can go skiing, surfing, snowboarding, swimming, tramping, kayaking, sailing, horseback riding, caving, parachuting, and much more - all, probably within a 100-mile radius and if you’re too spirited, then maybe on the same day too! Did we tell you that the bungee jump was invented and then made famous right here in New Zealand?
Not just tourism, but the education system of this country is also a feature that is highly looked up to. Thousands of students come to New Zealand, every single year, to grab an opportunity for pursuing their higher studies and bettering their career opportunities. By being home to some of the best known universities, New Zealand has established itself as one of the most eminent study destinations for International students from across the globe.
New Zealand currently has no less than eight universities that have consistently ranked high in various Internationally-accredited ranking platforms, including Times Higher Education Rankings as well as QS World Rankings. Studying in any good ranked institute globally-acclaimed institutes would not only increase your employment prospects enormously but also open the doors to some extremely high-profile career opportunities. Plus, the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) is there to ensure that every institution is registered to enroll students from foreign countries while fully complying with the qualifications standards.
The current education system of New Zealand bears a lot of similarities with that of the United Kingdom, which is highly research-based. The pedagogical style in New Zealand is very organized and systematic in nature, wherein they teach you to work both independently as well as at a team-level. You will be encouraged to think critically and will find that traits like curiosity are always appreciated. The student-teacher interactions, in addition to the classroom discussion on various subjects and their respective case-studies, will prepare you to develop various innovative approaches to solve many a real-life problem in future.
If you're interested in doing research New Zealand will prove to be a great choice. With ki dearth of expert faculty, access to state-of-the-art technology, well-equipped laboratories, the opportunities this country presents in the fields of physics, biology, healthcare, astronomy, computer science, geology, engineering, agriculture, and so on, are simply magnificent. And the number of Nobel Prizes that New Zealand has in its kitty doesn't hurt either!
The Global Peace Index 2018 ranked New Zealand second, which in itself speaks volumes about how stable and peaceful the Kiwi society is. So, you shouldn't have to worry about safety in this country.
In New Zealand, you will find this amazing multicultural environment, wherein people from various countries, ethnicities, races, and so on, exist with each other, and with the unique outdoorsy lifestyle offered by this place, in complete harmony. Landscapes that ranging from snow-capped mountains to extraordinary volcanoes to lush green hills, golden sandy beaches and beautiful rainforests, New Zealand absolutely screams wanderlust! Living here is sure to provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to grow within the realm of its diverse culture and bountiful natural beauty.
If you do decide to study in New Zealand, rest assured, it will be a fantastic choice. While you're there as an International student, you will also be able to work up to 20 hours per week during your semesters, and full-time when you have study breaks. But, if you're pursuing a doctoral degree or committed towards research, you'll be allowed to work full-time.
❖ Students in New Zealand start their education between the ages 3 and 5.
❖ The primary, as well as secondary education for students in the country, starts from age 5 and it goes till about they reach 19 years of age.
❖ The primary, as well as secondary schools, are considered to be the second level of education in New Zealand, with schooling being compulsory for every child, starting from age 6 till they are 16.
❖ The education system in the schools here is made up of 13 year-wise levels. A child starts his/her primary education when they turn:
1 and goes till they’re 8 years old (which is around 5 to 12 years of age). This child then goes through secondary education, starting from age 9 up to 13 years of age (this is an approximation - a student finishing their secondary education could be anywhere between 13 and 17 years old).
❖ Further education:
Understanding the levels of tertiary education in New Zealand for students intending to get higher education:
Levels | Education Gained | ||
Level 5 | First Year of College | Certificate | Diploma |
Level 6 | Second Year of College | Certificate | Diploma |
Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree | Graduate Certificate | Graduate Diploma |
Level 8 | Bachelor's Honours Degree | Postgraduate Certificate | Postgraduate Diploma |
❖ Level 9:- Master Degree
❖ Level 10:- Doctoral degree
If you want to work full time while you’re studying a course worth 120 credits or more for at least one academic year, full time, you can do so during your scheduled breaks in the university, such as Christmas and New Year holidays. For PhD and Masters by research students, there is no restriction on the number of hours they can work.
For part-time work, English language students in New Zealand can work for up to 20 hours per week while having a valid Student Visa, and the course meeting certain conditions. If you’re taking a course full time, that will last 6 months or longer, and it’s a study programme to improve your English proficiency, then you are eligible to work part-time. The work application, in this case, will need to be accompanied by an IELTS score certificate. Your overall band score should be no less than 5.0 and the certificate should be no more than 2 years old. For English language courses that last 14 consecutive weeks or longer with a premium university, students are allowed to work part-time.
There are a lot of part-time job opportunities available in areas, such as hospitality, retail, banking, finance, and so on. There are students who even find a part-time job at their own university.
International students require to complete their course within the time duration stated in their acceptance letter. If you do not have an offer letter from any company in New Zealand, you can submit an application for a post-study work visa. The visas thus granted get expired after a period of 12 months. So, the applicant is allowed a year to work a temporary job, which also serves as the time to keep looking for a permanent one in their field of interest.
Once you have completed your studies, you can put in an application for a New Zealand work visa. This visa gives you up to three years before it expires - that is, anywhere between one to three years depending on your educational qualifications as well as the university where you got your higher education degree from.
The process of visa acquisition in New Zealand is rather simple, and compared to so many other countries, the probability of visa getting outright rejected is quite low. If you feel there’s something that you’d like to say with respect to acquiring a visa, you will get a chance to talk to the authorities and bring them up to speed on your side of the story. If the explanation behind your decision to go to the country is plausible, and also if your international studies program provides help in creating you a Statement of Purpose (this is your statement, informing your visa officer as to why you’d like to study in New Zealand), there’s a good chance you will get a visa. The other benefit is, after you complete your graduation as we’ve said before, you will be eligible to work in the country for up to 12 months. Moreover, if the job that you choose to work at is related to your graduation degree subject, you can even apply for permanent residency. New Zealand usually processes its PR requests within 6 months of the date of application.
Admission Intakes:
⮚ New Zealand usually has two intake periods - January and July. Though, there are a few universities there which offer to take multiple intakes during September and November.
⮚ It is advisable to begin your admission process about six months before you reach the deadline of your application submission.
⮚ If you are looking to get an admission into one of their vocational courses, then you may find admissions open every year during March, April, May, and/or July
❖ Three secure English language tests are listed
⮚ IELTS(academic), TOFEL, PTE (academic) (PBT, IBT)
Program level | IELTS(academic) | TOFEL (PBT) | TOFEL (IBT) | PTE (academic) |
Certificate at level 3 | 5.0 bands overall with no bands less than 5.0 | Score of 500, with an easy score of 4 TWE | Score of 35, with a writing score of 20 minimum | Score of 36 minimum |
Certificate at level 4 | 5.5 bands overall with no bands less than 5.0 | Score of 530, with an essay score of 4.5 TWE | Score of 46 with a writing score of 20 minimum | Score of 45 minimum |
Certificate or diploma at level 5 | 5.5 bands overall with no bands less than 5.0 | Score of 530 with an essay score of 5 TWE | Score of 46 with a writing score of 20 minimum | Score of 50 minimum |
Certificate or diploma at level 6, diploma or degree at level 7, graduate certificate or diploma at level 7 | 6 bands overall with no bands less than 5.5 | Score of 530 with an essay score of 5 TWE | Score of 60 with a writing score of 20 minimum | Score of 50 minimum |
Postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate at level 8, bachelor honours degree at level 8, master’s degree at level 9, a doctoral degree at level 10 | 6.5 bands overall with no bands less than 6 | Score of 590 with an essay score of 5 TWE | Score of 79 with a writing score of 21 minimum | Score of 58 minimum |
1. Passport copy (at least one-year validity)
2. Mark sheets (10th, 12th, diploma, degree if applicable)
3. Transcripts (all educational documents)
4. Recommendation letters
5. English proficiency tests scoreboard (IELTS/PTE)
6. IF applicable
• Experience letters
• Appointment letters
• Salary Slips
• ITR
7. SOP (statement of purpose)
8. 4 passport size photographs(white background (35mm * 45mm))
1. Passport copy(at least 1-year validity)
2. Completed student visa application form(IN231012)
3. Mark sheets (10th, 12th, diploma, degree if applicable)
4. Transcripts (all educational documents)
5. Recommendation letters
6. English proficiency tests scoreboard (IELTS/PTE)
7. If applicable
• Experience letter
• Appointment letters
• Salary Slips
• ITR
8. 4 passport size photographs(white background(35 * 45mm))
9. Application fee payment receipt (also required to pay 295N2D + RS 690(approximately)) before your Interview
10. An offer letter from a New Zealand institute/ university
11. Letter from your current institution confirming status as a study abroad student
12. Health insurance receipt
13. May be required to show health and character certificate to prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine
14. Financial documents, bank statement, (bank balance 3 months old, fixed deposit, ITR of parents, student ITR(if applicable), genuine loan latter)
Counselling at Keshavam International Pvt. Ltd.
(assistance related to course selection, fee structure & university, scholarships for international students and many more)
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Applying for admission in university of choice
(assistance to create an organized file of every document required)
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Receiving an offer letter from the university
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Need to show required funds in your bank account
(balance should be 3 months old)
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Undertake medical examination
(need to undergo a medical examination by one of the doctors approved by the Immigration New Zealand)
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Get PCC
(police clearance certificate)
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Get approved in principle (ATP)
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Go for the FTS (fund transfer scheme)
(under the FTS scheme you need to transfer the living expanse of the year to a bank account (ANZ bank)in New Zealand)
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Pay the university fees
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Get a successful visa
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Fly to your dream destination
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, and as expected, it is beautiful in every way possible. Some of the most well-known universities, such as Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University are located in Wellington. Thousands of International students, therefore, choose to come here every year. House to picturesque sandy beaches and pleasant sunny weather, in addition to an amazing bunch of people, the students find this city truly welcoming.
The University of Auckland, which is located in Auckland, happens to be New Zealand’s largest as well as the highest ranked university. And International students coming to study every year are neither disappointed by the university, nor by the city. Auckland is the largest city in the country, and owing to the many lush green forests, beaches, waterfront areas, and restaurants, shopping zones, and much more - it has been rated as the third most liveable city in the whole world. There are sports events, concerts, cultural festivals, and what not to make a student choose the city for further studies!
If someone talks about a city that’s culturally, historically, as well as geographically rich in New Zealand, they might be talking of Dunedin. It’s the mild, yet lovely summers, the cool, yet mostly sunny winters, and especially the frosty weather and beautiful snowfall during late winters that attracts most of the International students to the city. The fact that Dunedin is home to the University of Otago - the oldest higher education institution in the country - also helps a lot. Plus, the low cost of living and good, prompt transportation facilities do not hurt either!
Undergraduate: NZ$18,000 – NZ$20,000 Per Annum
Post graduate: NZ$25,000 – NZ$40,000 Per Annum
In addition to your tuition and in insurance fees. Students need between NZ$20,000 (NZ$350 - NZ$400) per week.
Rent = NZ$200 - $900/month
Groceries = NZ$100 - $150/week
Milk = NZ$3/liter
Lunch from university food hall or campus café = NZ$7 - $12
Taxi 5km ride = NZ$10 - $12
Movie ticket = NZ$10 - $14
Visit to doctor = NZ$45 - $85
Note: - these costs are just an approximation; the real expenses vary from person to person.
⮚ Textbook
⮚ Stationary
⮚ Insurance fees
⮚ Weather appropriate clothing
⮚ Weekend Trips
⮚ Suppose student not to have university accommodation. You will have extra charges such as bond fees, utility bills, phone & internet etc...
The education system of New Zealand is known for its first-rate quality, across the globe. QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings for 2016 saw the higher secondary education of this country ranked 16th. It has been noted that the average size of a typical class in a New Zealand university is small, compared to many others; hence, the students here find learning a much more comfortable process. The NZQF (New Zealand Qualifications Framework) is the primary source of encouragement behind the country’s education system that’s showcased such remarkable quality, time and again.
Home to many universities, out of which 8 were featured in the QS World University Rankings for 2018, New Zealand has 18 Polytechnic universities dedicated to technology with a varying set of length and levels of their vocational courses, hands-on experience, and practical skills.
Here are the top 5 universities of New Zealand:
1. University of Otago
2. University of Auckland
3. Victoria University of Wellington
4. University of Canterbury
5. University of Waikato