Study Expenses & Financial Aid

Studying in New Zealand is reasonably priced as compared to other similar countries. Annual tuition in any of the public universities in New Zealand can be very reasonable and affordable. The cost of the programs depends on the duration and excellence of the programs. Not only the cost of the tuition, but the cost of the 'off-campus life' of a study-abroad hopeful is also generally affordable in New Zealand. Providing a friendly environment to the international students, New Zealand's living expenses cannot be defined in obvious figures as the living factors like 'room rental' and 'cost of foodstuff' varies according to choice of location. 

Many of the New Zealand's Universities can also help foreign students for reasonably priced stay. The respective Universities should be contacted for the details. There are scholarships available for International students from various New Zealand universities. They can offer scholarship assistance to international students at various levels and in various disciplines. Getting scholarships or financial aid in New Zealand is a competitive procedure and most of the schemes will ask for the applicants to clear entrance examinations. However, many schemes provide exemption in these entrance tests for extremely competent students from foreign countries. Details of scholarships and financial aid for study programs in New Zealand can be obtained from many resources like Internet search among others.

Student Visa

International students who intend to join a study program in the land of New Zealand need to complete the requirements for the student visa. The New Zealand visa-issuing officer in your country will give students the required application forms. The significant documents requisite for the student visa are:

• A proof from the educational institution in New Zealand that the student is selected for a study program.
• Course fee payment: Evidences or proof of financial assistance, if applicable.
• A complete and signed 'Application for Student Visa' form, with a passport-size photograph of the student.
• A guarantee of accommadation in the form of a written assurance from an educational institution or other person that suitable residential accommodation is available to the student in New Zealand.
• A valid passport of the student
• Evidences showing adequate financial support for the entire period of the student's study-stay in the land of New Zealand.
• Bank document/s showing that funds of the required amount will be available to the student in New Zealand for the entire period of study.
• In case of students who got the scholarships or any other financial assistance, they need to produce proofs with details.

All these documents are essential before a student visa is issued. After a complete processing from the New Zealand government office, students will be issued a student visa. To be on the safer side, students are advised to apply for the visa at least a couple of months before the start of the course to avoid last minute confusions

PhD Programs

New Zealand's education system resembles the education structure of Australia. The higher education in New Zealand, similar to Australian system encourages independent learning, new ideas and a strong self-learning approach. A higher education from New Zealand offers students a learning experience with an access to world-class educationalists, academicians and superior institutes. The Universities and most of the higher educational institutes in New Zealand are governed and supervised by the New Zealand government, where the students are assured of the finest of education at all levels. The main doctorate degree offered by New Zealand Universities is the PhD or Doctor of Philosophy. PhD degrees are offered in the Universities of New Zealand not only in the subject of Philosophy but also in the larger range of subject areas. 

It is mandatory for PhD students to prepare a research-based thesis under supervision of an academic guide in the respective subject field. The duration of PhD programs in New Zealand will require two to five years of devoted study. In most of the cases in PhD programs in New Zealand, the research-based work is submitted as thesis, which is followed by an oral examination of the thesis work. New Zealand higher education maintains a high level of research activity in the Universities, the quality of which is globally recognized. The proof of this research quality is the impressive list of publications in the Universities of New Zealand

Master's Degree Programs

Master's or postgraduate degree programs offered in New Zealand are of high quality and reputation. International students get an excellent postgraduate studies environment and support services in New Zealand. New Zealand's Universities are similar in tradition to the British university system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand and all of them are globally appreciated for their academic and research performance. A range of postgraduate degrees and diplomas is also available in New Zealand's Universities. Postgraduate or master's study in New Zealand requires a Bachelor's degree as minimum qualification for the students to be eligible for admission. Postgraduate diplomas are offered in New Zealand after a year's full-time study. Designed for graduates, they are built on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree. 

The course of study is usually one to two years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. It is at a more advanced level in the same discipline and this is normally reflected in the content of the work; in the mode of teaching, which is likely to emphasize seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many Master's degrees include a thesis component and, in some cases, particularly those that are taken after a four-year Bachelor's or Honors course, the degree may be thesis only. However increasingly Master's degrees can available by papers or papers plus research these days in New Zealand. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it and an ability to undertake research into it.

Internship Programs

International students who are intending to pursue an Internship programs in New Zealand there are various Internship programs to choose. New Zealand Immigration offers a Student Trainee or Internship Visa, which allows students from all over the world to undertake a six-months placement at companies across New Zealand. The visa can then be extended for another six months if needed. The visa is open only to students who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their Higher Education course or any academic course. Pursuing internship courses in New Zealand can be a distinctive opportunity to gain valuable work and professional experience in an incredible environment! 

There are numerous organizations provide internship courses in New Zealand to match the specific skills, interests, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once the interns are connected with a place and its people, they become a part of you. The internship programs may be any of the fields mentioned below, for example: Agricultural Sciences, Art/Fine Arts, Biology-General, Communications, Counseling, Economics, Education, Environmental Management, Environmental Studies, Family and Home Studies, Forestry, Health Sciences, History Humanities and many more field of studies!

Education System

One of the excellent education systems, New Zealand education system has an international repute as a provider of quality education. It is progressive and has many contemporary educational facilities. Offering a self-learning experience, New Zealand offers a safe learning environment with superb study opportunities and academic support services for global students. Academic programs are available at all possible levels in New Zealand in a number of educational Institutions, Universities, Polytechnics Institutes of Technology, Colleges, Secondary Schools and Private Training Organizations. Higher Education in New Zealand starts after the secondary education. 

The Secondary Education can be done either at a state school or a private school. After the secondary education, the students enter into the 'tertiary education system' of New Zealand. The eight government-funded Universities, one among the tertiary education system in New Zealand, provide undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Some of them offer foundation programmes also. There are lots of specializations offered in these universities that enable the students to choose from a wide choice of programs. Internationally renowned, New Zealand's education system reaps a crop of quality graduates in abundant number every year. The next tertiary education system of New Zealand is the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology.

They offer a wide variety of programmes, which can be both academically and vocationally, focused. Students can choose from a short course teaching a specific skill or from a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree. New Zealand is internationally recognized for its excellent education standards and as a provider of quality teachers. There are six government-funded specialist education institutions, two operating from within universities, and the others offering their programmes in collaboration with their local university. They offer training for teachers from early childhood to primary, secondary, special and tertiary or higher education level.

There are a growing number of private tertiary education and training providers offering an alternative study option. They offer a range of programmes including professional certificates, diplomas and degrees in a diverse range of subjects including art, hospitality industry, computer studies, secretarial studies, quality management and other subjects. Apart from all the above tertiary educational system of New Zealand, there are lots of quality language schools that offer a variety of language courses for all ages including adventure, business and educational programmes. These language schools are also a part of New Zealand's tertiary education system

Bachelor's Programme

Bachelor's or undergraduate program in New Zealand is part of University education. Education system in New Zealand is closer to the British education system than the American system. Hence you will find bachelor's degrees in New Zealand to be three years long and the education is more focused. Generally undergraduate degree programs in New Zealand are three years long. However sometimes, in some specific disciplines and double degree areas, it can stretch up to four to six years. There are Universities in New Zealand where a bachelor's degree can be earned in as little as two years. 

Those students who can do exceptionally well can be encouraged into an Honor's Year, which makes up the fourth year of Bachelor's study in New Zealand's undergraduate degrees. This is regarded as a graduate-level year of study with an exhaustive research module. In some universities in New Zealand, best of the academic performances of students in their honor's year can lead them directly into a research based Doctorate or Ph.D. program. The minimum academic-eligibility conditions of New Zealand undergraduate programs are, completion of twelve years of elementary and secondary education or an equivalent education. If the student is not proficient in English, they may be required to take the International English Testing System, IELTS.

IELTS is a standardized exam governed and conducted by British Council every then and thereof academic year. A minimum score in this IELTS testing is mandatory to get admission in the Universities of New Zealand. There is a provision for the students whose are not able to clear the minimum score level of IELTS required by the institute to take admission in most of the Universities of New Zealand. Such students will have to undergo a short duration bridging course in English at the institute before the chosen program of study starts to improve upon their language skills.

College Admission Procedures

International students must fulfill all the minimum eligibility conditions and other related New Zealand's admission requirements to get admission in any of the study programs there. Leaving for New Zealand for a full time study experience needs step-by-step planning and a student visa. The procedures should be started well in advance of the commencement of the program. Students must start the procedure by submitting the applications to the concerned university(s) at least two months before the study programs start. After that students are advised to search and identify the scholarships or financial aid schemes and begin the application process to get the financial support they desire to obtain. 

Checking with the nearest Mentor Consultancy is advised for details as scholarship deadlines vary across institutions. Then, students should register for IELTS or TOEFL examination, which are the mandatory entrance tests to seek admission in New Zealand's universities and other Institutions. Students should apply for a student visa at the nearest New Zealand diplomatic mission, after being accepted by an institution for a study program in New Zealand. In order to apply for a student visa, overseas students generally need the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Documents supporting past educational qualifications.
• Letter of acceptance from the respective New Zealand University or other institution where the student is enrolled.
• Evidence of IELTS or TOEFL score.
• Evidence of adequate funds to cover tuition and living costs of students and their dependents (if any), including return transportation.
• If applicable, a letter from the student's sponsor.
• In some cases, a medical examination by a doctor designated by the New Zealand government may be needed. The immigration officer will provide information about this requirement.

Top Universities in New Zealand

Well known for the reputation in Physical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Law, Veterinary Science and Agriculture, the New Zealand's finest Universities are listed as under:

  Rank             University 

1.          Auckland University of Technology
2.         Lincoln University
3.         Massey University
4.        University of Auckland
5.        University of Canterbury
6.       University of Otago
7.       University of Waikato
8.       Victoria University of Wellington

Strongly resembling the University education system of UK, New Zealand Universities has world's best Universities that are most sought-after by many international students every year. There are eight state-funded universities offering world-class higher education to students from across the world. The New Zealand Universities listed hereunder are not based on any of the Rankings but enjoy the status of all-times excellent higher study destinations of New Zealand', generally, in terms of attracting 'best students' and 'education and research system'. Research is the key area in New Zealand Universities that set apart Universities from other tertiary education institutions in New Zealand. New Zealand universities maintain a high level of research activity that continues to be globally recognized.

Universities in New Zealand are self-managing and have provisions for internal and external monitoring and review of their academic programs. The academic year in New Zealand begins in late February or early March and finishes in November. Most of the universities in New Zealand operate on a semester system, although a few operate on a trimester or quarter system.

One of the popular English-speaking countries, New Zealand is an incredible study destination to thousands of international students. The fun loving city provides quality education at all levels of studies. Internationally reputed study destination New Zealand offers safe study environment to students from overseas countries. The exceptional learning opportunities and student support services in New Zealand make the country a great study location to any study-abroad hopeful. Country of islands, New Zealand has a progressive education system with many state-of-the-art academic learning facilities. Academic programs at all levels are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions. 

The world-class Universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments in New Zealand provide various programs to students from different parts of the world and produce best of the graduates every academic year. The quality of a New Zealand university education is well acknowledged internationally. Large number of New Zealand graduates in the last decades have gone on to achieve international recognition in their field. Many of the international students from developing Asian nations, who have studied at New Zealand universities and higher institutions, have served as senior administrators, including cabinet ministers in their own countries. Working hard and playing hard are the lifestyle choice of many international students in New Zealand. Students who opt for a world-class education and training and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle and a safe and healthy study environment can very well consider New Zealand as their study-abroad destination.