New Zealand

Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees are offered by all New Zealand universities. A range of undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas is also available, along with honours programs (usually requiring an additional year of study) 

Bachelor's Degree 

Students complete a prescribed number of units or courses for their degree. In some courses, field trips provide opportunities for on-site study of natural phenomena or social processes. Personal reading and research supplement these learning contacts. Students are expected to develop independent study skills with a minimum of professional supervision. Students must successfully complete the requirement for one stage before beginning work on the next. Student can do an additional "honour" year upon completion of their degree program. Honour is generally the first year of graduate work in the student's field of study. 

Graduate Diploma 

A one-year, full-time program for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma. 

Postgraduate Diploma 

A one-year, full-time program, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree. A postgraduate diploma usually requires one year of full-time study after the bachelor's degree and builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the bachelor's degree. Some graduates may be required to study towards a Graduate Diploma as a first step to confirm their step to confirm their academic level before proceeding to postgraduate studies. 

Master's Degree 

The Master's degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree. The program is usually of one- or two-years full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor's degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. 

Doctorate 

The main Doctorate offered by New Zealand universities is the PhD or Doctor of Philosophy. A student is required to prepare under supervision a substantial thesis that represents original research into an approved topic normally carried out over a minimum of two to three full-time years. Candidate prepares thesis on the conduct and result of their research. Admission to PhD study requires a first or class Master’s degree, acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision and appropriate facilities. 

Choosing an Institute / University 

In the New Zealand education system, it is important to make your choice of institution or university according to the course you wish to take and the institution's reputation in that field. While selecting the right course and university keep in mind the following points: 

1. Your academic grades (including achievements). 

2. Test scores (IELTS, etc). 

3. Your financial capacity. 

4. Major (Specialization) subjects that you are interested in. 

5. Term of entry (Feb / June). 

6. The reputation of the Institution. 

7. The student to faculty ratio of the Institution. 

8. The location of the Institution (big city / small town / rural setup). 

9. The climatic conditions (not to be stressed unless you have health constraints).

Intakes 

The major intakes are in February, July and sometimes in September. The academic year in New Zealand is from mid / late February to early November and most Universities have 2 semesters with a holiday of 4 weeks in June. Each University operates slightly different dates and some also offer summer school during the summer holidays from November to February.

Entry Requirements

Students need a sufficient level of English language proficiency and must meet minimum academic requirements to study in New Zealand. Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and content of the study you have completed in New Zealand or your home country. An ideal band of 6.0/6.5 for undergraduate & 6.5 / 7.5 for postgraduate courses in IELTS is desirable in English language. 

Documents Required 

Documents needed for making an application are 

• Resume

• Statement of purpose

• Transcripts of marksheets & certificates of relevant degrees

• Certificates of extra-curricular activities and Internships

• Passport copy

• Birth certificate

• Letter of recommendation from colleges & employers.

Tuition Fee 

Tuition fees vary between institutions and the major subject selected. Under-graduate degrees range for NZ$10,000 for Arts/Law up to NZ$18,000 per year for science and technology. Medicine and dentistry fees are even higher. Post-graduate degrees range from NZ$15,000 to NZ$40,000 per year on average. 

• Polytechnic Courses: these range from NZ$15,000 - NZ$22,000 per year depending on the course or degree
• University Degrees from NZ$18,000 - NZ$25,000 per year for most under-graduate degrees
• Post-graduate Degrees from NZ$15,000 – NZ$ 40,000 per year

Scholarships 

New Zealand universities offer a range of postgraduate scholarships to international students predominantly targeting Ph.D. and Master’s Degrees by research. The course of study and financial support is determined by the university.

Additional costs vary according to your age, the course you are taking, and the type of accommodation you choose, so the following estimates are only a guideline. 

• Student hostels/residence halls – NZ$ 200 – NZ$ 220 per week
• Home Stays – NZ$ 180 – NZ$ 200 per week
• Apartments – NZ$ 120 – NZ$ 130 per week
• Transport –NZ$ 30 – NZ$ 60 per week
• Meal – NZ$ 15 – NZ$ 25
• Textbooks and stationery NZ$500 per annum

Student may personally go to any of the collection centre (known as TT Services) to submit the application or can apply online by completing the online application form. Student can submit documents within 90 days period prior to the date of commencement of the program. 

Documents Required

• Original Passport

• Student Visa application forms and supplementary forms

• Offer of place

• Statement of purpose

• Unconditional offer letter

• IELTS & all academic documents (certified true copies)

• Employment documents and relevant work experience letter

• Evidence of liquid funds & ITR returns and financial undertaking

• Original Police Clearance Certificate

• E-Medical acknowledgement of medical test from empanelled doctor

• Photograph – 4.5 *3.5 with white or light background

For more details, you consult our expert Counsellor at ACHIVIA

If you are studying a three-year course, you are allowed to work during the summer holidays and up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. You will need a ''variation of conditions'' to your student permit. This is issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service; a fee may be charged. These rules do not apply if you are a postgraduate student or need to get work experience in order to fulfil course requirements. 

Work Permit

Undergraduate Students

• Students who have completed their undergraduate degree and who receive an employment offer relevant to their degree can be entitled to a Work Permit of up to 2 years to work in the position offered.

• Students undertaking long term studies in programs of at least 2 years will have their student visas endorsed with a condition that they can work for up to 20 hours each week. However, if these students wish to work full-time in the long summer holiday, they must apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service for a Variation of Terms to allow them to work. You do not need a job offer to obtain the Variation and can work in any job. Students normally earn a minimum wage of NZ$13 per hour during part time work.

Postgraduate Students 

• Students who have completed their postgraduate degree and who receive an employment offer relevant to their degree can be entitled to a Work Permit of up to 2 years to work in the position offered.

• Students undertaking postgraduate programs will have their student visas endorsed with a condition that they can work for up to 20 hours each week. However, if these students wish to work full-time in the summer holiday, they must apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service for a Variation of Terms the Variation and can work in any job. Students normally earn minimum wage of NZ$13 per hour during part time work.

Q. What is the Climate in New Zealand? 

A. New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so there is a climate reversal. January and February are the warmest months, autumn is from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. The climate is temperate with relatively mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The weather differs a lot between different geographical regions. 

FOUR SEASONS CAPSULED IN ONE DAY 

The weather can also change dramatically and very quickly, so that people joke about experiencing "four seasons in one day". It is a good idea to keep a coat or jersey with you, even if it looks bright in the morning. Warm, waterproof, clothing is essential if you go hiking. 

Q. What are the Insurance Requirements? 

A. As part of the Code of Practice essential that all international students have travel and medical insurance when enrolling for a New Zealand education. This can be done prior to your arrival in New Zealand, or else your institution will ensure that you obtain insurance as part of your enrolment (application forms will include a question on insurance). There are many well-known insurance companies in New Zealand who can offer you competitive insurance premiums to cover all your basic needs. 

Q. What are the English Language Requirements? 

A. The language of instruction in New Zealand is English. Your institution will therefore want to know whether your English skills are adequate for the course of study you are applying for. 

An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band score of 6.5 with no band less than 6. It assesses your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in academic or general training contexts. 

A TOEFL (internet based) test Score of 79(with a writing score of 21) 

PTE academic score of 58 (minimum) 

Q. How do I apply to study in New Zealand? 

A. The first step is to select an institution and course and then make an enrolment application for that course. The easiest and quickest way is to our office, and we will locate a suitable institution and course to meet your requirements. 

Q. Is there an age limit to study in New Zealand? 

A. There is no limit on the age of a person wishing to study in New Zealand however the New Zealand Immigration Service needs to be satisfied that the applicant is a genuine student when they process the student visa application. 

Q. What is a tertiary institution? 

A. This is the collective name given to all institutions like Universities and Polytechnics who offer course for students to continue their studies after secondary school. 

Q. How long does it take to get a Bachelor’s Degree in New Zealand? 

A. Most degrees in New Zealand are for 3 years but there are also a number of degrees which take 4 years. 

Q. Are New Zealand degrees recognized internationally? 

A. New Zealand degrees are recognized internationally and will be accepted when applying for post-graduate study in most countries. 

Q. How much can I earn when I work in New Zealand? 

A. The normal hourly wage rate will be from NZ$8.00 - NZ$15.00 per hour and you will have tax deducted from your wages before you receive your payment. 

Q. Can I extend my student visa in New Zealand? 

A. There is no problem in extending your student visa in New Zealand and this should be done in 1 or 2 days. You need to obtain a new school offer of place and pay the tuition fee, complete the student visa application, and show that you have sufficient money or a financial sponsor to cover your living expenses in New Zealand.