STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND

Overview

Thinking of studying in New Zealand? This country really seems to have it all - world-class universities, high quality of life, diverse communities, vibrant cities, stunning natural scenery and an unbeatable range of outdoor pursuits - and all within a relatively compact area.
Cities such as Auckland and Wellington offer no shortage of cultural activities, while for those with a passion for the great outdoors, the range of terrains to explore is mind-blowing - including glaciers, mountains, rainforest and of course coast.
As for the universities, New Zealand has eight universities in total, of which seven feature in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings - not at all bad considering the country's population is only around 4 million.
The highest ranking goes to the University of Auckland (83), followed by the University of Otago (133), University of Canterbury (221), Victoria University of Wellington (237), Massey University (308) and the University of Waikato (374).
Meanwhile, Auckland University of Technology entered the rankings for the first time in 2012, with a good first-time position in the 451-500 range. In addition, there are 20 institutes of technology and polytechnics, which offer vocational courses of varying lengths and levels.

Search universities in New Zealand >

Fast Fact

• Capital city: Wellington
• Largest city: Auckland (a third of citizens live in and around Auckland)
• Made up of islands - the main two are simply called ‘North Island’ and ‘South Island’
• Population of just 4 million (compared to 62 million in the similarly sized UK)
• Parliamentary democracy, modelled on the UK governmental system
• People from New Zealand are commonly known as ‘Kiwis’
• More than a third of people living in Auckland were born outside of New Zealand
• Main languages: English and Maori
• Major exports include: wool, dairy products, wood, paper, fish, meat and chemicals
• Currency: New Zealand dollar
• Located to the south-east of Australia
• Known for national rugby team, the ‘All Blacks’, who perform the traditional haka dance before matches
• Indigenous ethnic group, the Maori, today make up about 15% of the population
• More than 20% of New Zealand's land territory is categorized as national parks, forest areas and reserves; there are also 34 marine reserves

Lifestyle

Discover some of New Zealand’s top student cities...

Study in Auckland

On the east coast of North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and home to its highest ranking university, the University of Auckland. It also offers Auckland University of Technology and several institutes of technology and polytechnics, while Massey University’s Albany campus is less than 20km north of the city center.

Auckland is known for its especially multicultural community, and (though this is true of the whole country) for the wide range of high-adrenaline activities available in and around the city. Jet-skiing, canyoning, surfing, abseiling, bungee-jumping, snowboarding, climbing, diving – you get the idea. Or of course you might choose to simply relax on the beach!

Study in Wellington

On the south coast of North Island, capital city Wellington is home to the University of Wellington, and one of Massey University’s three campuses, as well as three institutes of technology and polytechnics.

It’s generally accepted as being more attractive than rival Auckland, and has a good selection of culture, cuisine and nightlife within a relatively compact area. And of course, stunning natural scenery is never far away in New Zealand – here, you’ll find beaches, forests, islands, hills and vineyards all within reach.

Study in Christchurch

South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is located on the east coast and is home to the University of Canterbury (New Zealand’s second highest ranking) and Lincoln University, as well as a selection of specialist colleges, many of them private.

The city is currently in the midst of major redevelopment projects, following damage from earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and the general consensus seems to be that it’s just as lively as before the natural disasters struck.

Marketing itself as the ‘Garden City’, Christchurch prides itself on its large areas of public parkland and  picturesque river banks, as well as its thriving arts and cultural scene. And yes, since this is New Zealand, you’ll find the usual broad selection of outdoor pursuits.

Practical Information

New Zealand university admissions

The academic year for higher education in New Zealand runs from March to November. However, some courses may also allow students to start in July. Most universities have just two terms (semesters), with the exception of Victoria University of Wellington, which has three terms (trimesters).

As well as having completed secondary level qualifications recognized by New Zealand’s universities, applicants also need to prove English language proficiency. For undergraduate courses, a score of at least 6.0 in the IELTS (or 79-80 in the TOEFL) is required. For graduate courses, the minimum is 6.5 (IELTS) or 90-100 (TOEFL).

New Zealand does not have a centralized applications service, so students need to apply individually to each university they’re interested in. Deadlines for this are set by each institution.

Tuition fees in New Zealand

Tuition fees vary depending both on the institution and the subject. As an example, in 2012, international students taking an undergraduate law degree would be charged between NZ$23,000 (US$18,900) and NZ$27,360 (US$22,500) per year. A full list of fees for each subject and at each university is provided by the Universities New Zealand organization.

Student visas for New Zealand

Those who are planning to study in New Zealand for more than three months need to apply for a student visa (for less than three months, a visitor visa is fine). Student visa requirements include:

• Proof of an offer of a place at an approved institution
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and a flight back to your home country
• Health insurance
• For those under 18, a letter guaranteeing suitable accommodation has been arranged
• For those over 17, a police certificate of good character
• For courses over 12 months, medical certificates, which may include screening for tuberculosis

Visa applications are made via the nearest branch of the New Zealand Immigration organization. The application fee varies depending on where you’re applying from.

Got questions about studying in New Zealand? Get advice in our international student forum >

Universities in New Zealand

1. Auckland University of Technology
2. Lincoln University
3. Massey University
4. Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand
5. The University of Auckland
6. Unitec Institute of Technology
7. University of Canterbury
8. University of Otago
9. University of Waikato
10. Victoria University of Wellington

International Study in New Zealand

Why study abroad in New Zealand?

• Despite its distance from the UK, New Zealand is becoming a popular destination for UK students.
• As expected from a small country, there are only eight universities in New Zealand (and 23 polytechnics).
• One of these, the University of Auckland, is in the Top 100 of the 2011 QS World University Rankings.

Read Yvonne's story about being an exchange student in New Zealand

Read Rachael's story about taking an entire degree in New Zealand

Entry and visa regulations

All UK citizens will need a student visa to study overseas in New Zealand if the programme of study is longer than three months.

• To study as a full-time student in New Zealand an offer from an education institution must be included in the visa application.
• You must also show that you have enough money to cover your living and accommodation costs while studying abroad.

New Zealand has a strict application process for international students but as long as the requirements are met and the application form correctly completed, it is a relatively straightforward process.

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• A medical examination may be demanded to ensure health requirements and for stays of longer than two years a police check may also be carried out.

Funding your study

While New Zealand is a great place to study as an international student, it does have one downside – tuition costs.

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• The fees for international students are very high.
• Fees for arts or social sciences range from NZ$20,000 (£9,680) a year.
• Courses in science and engineering can cost from NZ$25,000 (£12,000) per year.
• Dentistry and medicine tend to be the most expensive degrees – NZ$75,000 (£36,300) per year.
• Unfortunately, there are few scholarships available for international students studying in New Zealand, and those that are on offer are for PhD students.

What about part-time work?

• A student visa is condition on sufficient funds to pay for living and accommodation costs.
• Being able to work while studying can certainly help finances to stretch a little further.
• Full-time student are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week but must seek a variation in the conditions of their visa.
• New Zealand's adult minimum wage is NZ$13 (£6.30) per hour.

Here are some approximate costs of those all important student services in New Zealand (all prices are in GBP, May 2012):

• Weekly supermarket shop: £36.
• Bus ticket (but this could get you two hours of free travel around town): £1.45.
• Movie ticket (there are super saver tickets available at specific times): £7.
• Fish and chips for dinner (for two people): £4.60.
• Mince and cheese pie: £1.45.

Health and safety

Current medical and travel insurance is a requirement of the Ministry of Education's Code of Practice.

• Student visa holders are generally not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.
• People covered by New Zealand’s reciprocal health agreements with Australia and United Kingdom are entitled to publicly funded health care for immediately necessary medical treatment only.

Helpful links

• All of the requirements for obtaining a student visa to study in New Zealand, and a checklist of the application process, can be found at Immigration New Zealand.
• More information can be found in this guide to education in New Zealand.

New Zealand Visas: Guide for Indian Students

Find out what Indian students need to know when applying for a student visa for New Zealand.

New Zealand may not be the most well known of destinations, but it is highly regarded among international students for its high class education and desirable lifestyle.

Currently, New Zealand attracts as many as 90,000 international students every year. By 2025, the nation’s government intends to double this intake to 180,000.

What type of visa do I need?

If you need to stay for longer than three months in New Zealand for your educational program, you’ll need a Student Visa. International full-time (more than 20 hours a week of classes) students should apply to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for a student visa.

It is worth noting that that certain criteria must be met before anybody can study in the country. To see if you qualify, check the INZ website.

How long will it take to process?

In August 2011 New Zealand restructured its visa application process, making it more efficient and student friendly. As well as improved standards of service, authorities now aim to deliver 80% of student visa applications within 30 days.

They aim to improve this to 90% within 25 days by August 2012.

How much does it cost?

A student visa will cost you US$185 (INR 8,463.29). The INZ, New Delhi, does not accept cash or credit cards – you will have to pay through a bank cheque or a draft.

Can I work while I study?

Full-time international students are permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours in a week while they are studying. They can also work full time during holidays.

Foreign students who wish to work while they study must apply for a variation of the conditions of their student visa. This can be done either while filling out the initial application or later - as long as their student visa is valid.

Can I work after graduation?

To encourage international students to stay after completing their courses, the New Zealand government, allows those with no job offers in hand to get a visa for up to 12 months, and work at a temporary job while they search for job in their chosen field. The set of rules under which this is allowed is known as the Graduate Job Search Work Instructions.

Students who secure a job offer upon the successful completion of their degree need to apply for a Graduate Work Experience visa under the Study to Work Instructions. This allows them to work for two years in New Zealand, in order to gain some practical work experience relevant to their qualifications.

The Graduate Work Experience visa can be granted for three years in the case of eligible overseas students who intend to gain a membership or register with a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant work experience to join. For more information, you can visit www.immigration.govt.nz.

What about immigration opportunities?

Candidates who meet all the requirements are eligible for a Work to Residence visa. The category of visa you will get will depend on whether your occupation is on the Long Term Skills Shortage List or not.

Bear in mind…

•    If you apply for a visa through an immigration adviser, be sure that they are licensed. The INZ may decline your visa application if it has been filed on your behalf by an adviser who is not licensed. Visit the Immigration Advisers Authority for more details.

•    New Zealand defines full-time students as those attending a private training establishment (PTE) for at least 20 hours each week; studying at least three papers, or the equivalent, each semester at a tertiary institution other than a PTE; or attending a primary, intermediate, or secondary school for at least one school term.

•    You can also apply for a student visa when you are already in New Zealand. A student visa granted onshore will usually include travel conditions allowing multiple journeys, so you can travel out of New Zealand and back in before the expiry of the visa.

•    Students Online is a service that makes applying for student visas easier, coming into being through an arrangement between Immigration New Zealand and selected education providers. If you are studying with an education provider that is part of Students Online, you can apply for your student visa at the international office on campus. For a list of education providers that are part of Students Online, see www.immigration.govt.nz/sol.

•    If you are aged 17 or under you may have to be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian.

•    Foreign students can also bring their car or household items to New Zealand without having to pay any customs duty. Visit www.customs.govt.nz for more details.

Useful contacts

Immigration New Zealand (INZ), New Delhi Centre

Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300

Fax: +91 11 4761 2990

Email: nzisnewdelhi@dol.govt.nz

New Zealand High Commission

Sir Edmund Hillary Marg

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi 110 021

Telephone: 0091-11-4688 3170

Fax: 0091-11-4688 3165

Email: nzhc@airtelmail.in

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