New Zealand

Why Study in New Zealand?

Types of educational institutions in NZ

Education providers are categorised as Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and Private Training Establishments

Education System of New Zealand

New Zealand boasts of an excellent education system where the finest education is ensured through the establishment of various quality checks. All International courses have to be approved by a government organisation- New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as a measure of quality control. In addition, New Zealand Vice Chancellors’ Committee (NZVCC) takes care of audits at both institution and program levels.

The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is a system for regulating the level and quality of qualifications. Each qualification is designated at a certain level. This acts as a benchmark to assess the graduate’s skill and knowledge. It covers a range of study programs from certificates to doctoral degrees which are divided into 10 levels. Levels explain the complexity of the programs.

• Certificates, Diplomas, Foundation Programmes : Level 1-7 (for entry to higher education)
• Diplomas : Level 4- 7
• Bachelor Degrees, Graduate diplomas : Level 7
• Bachelor Honours Degree, PG Diplomas : Level 8
• Master Degrees : Level 9
• Doctoral Degrees : Level 10

Entry Criteria

Each education provider decides the entry criteria for admissions. Generally, Universities require high scores when compared to ITP.

Universities: Students who secure 75% and above in 12th are eligible for admissions to Bachelor Degrees. Graduate Diplomas with a 1-year course duration will admit students with a 55% score. PG Diploma and master degrees demand 60% marks.

English Proficiency

International students are required to prove their English proficiency by taking standardized language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE. The score required is different for each provider.

Students who hold an IELTS score of overall 6 with no band less than 5.5 are qualified for Diploma at Level 6 and Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma at Level 7. Post Graduate Diploma, Masters degrees, and Doctoral degrees demand an overall 6.5 IELTS score with no band lower than 6.0. Few Institutions may ask for IELTS 6.5 for Graduate Diploma Level 7 programs.

Note : Few Institutions may ask for IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 for Graduate Diploma Level 7 programmes as well.

Score Comparison

Course Fees

Education in New Zealand is affordable when compared to other countries. The tuition fee depends on the education provider and the course selected. Courses in the areas of art, literature are less when compared to degrees in the fields of medicine or engineering. Tuition fees of courses offered by universities are likely to be more expensive than those offered by ITPs.

Tuition fees for different courses:

Admission Process

Students can apply directly to the websites of the Institutions or universities. Most of the institutions accept online applications. Students are required to create an account to enter details, submit documents and pay the application fee. The following documents are needed for the application process:

• Resume / Curriculum vitae
• Academic documents (mark sheets and provisional certificates)
• IELTS, TOEFL or PTE score card
• Copy of passport
• Two letters of reference
• Statement of purpose (for masters and PG diploma courses)
• Experience letter if any
• Portfolio (for art, design courses, and architecture programs)
• Passport size photographs
• Certificates of Extracurricular activities

Scholarships

Are you a student aspiring to pursue education in New Zealand, searching for eligible scholarships? We can assist you!

A broad range of scholarships are offered by universities, the New Zealand government, Private and public organisations. Eligible students with excellent academic scores and extracurricular achievements can apply for these scholarship awards and fee waivers to achieve their goals and make their courses affordable.

Popular Scholarships in New Zealand:

There are many other scholarships like UC International First-Year Scholarships, ADB scholarship at the University of Auckland, Lincoln University academic scholarships, Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship. Our course advisors will guide you towards the right option.

Student Work Rights

Students are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. Eligibility criteria to work are as follows:

• Studying for a 2-year course of level 4-6 or one-year course of level 7 or higher
• Studying for at least one year as part of an approved student exchange programme, or;
• Studying for a qualification that gains points for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category

Students who are studying full-time are allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks and Christmas, New Year holidays.

Research Masters and doctoral degree students do not have any restriction on the hours.

The spouse of a student is allowed to work full time, only if the student is studying a full-time course of Level 7 or 8 in the Long-Term Skill Shortage List. Partners of students of Level 9 qualifications can work full time.

Visa application

After enrolling for a course in any approved institution and arranging funds, students can apply for a Student Visa. Visa applications are processed in four to eight weeks based on the assessment needed. It is advisable to apply for a Visa as soon as you confirm admission.

Documents required for Visa application:

• Valid passport –valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand
• Completed Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012)
• Visa application fee receipt
• VFS Service Fee
• Passport-sized colour photographs
• Offer of place. New Zealand institute/university will provide an Offer of place generally after the tuition fee is paid.
• Covering letter & Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Financial documents to show your capability to support yourself for the course
• Affidavit of support from a sponsor.
• Academic Documents. ( Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates)
• Evidence to show your English proficiency- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard
• Employment documents along with a salary statement, if applicable.
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical certificate
• Health insurance receipt
• Health and Character certificates, to prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine

Acceptable Evidence of Funds

Students should produce evidence of their financial capability. Students should present evidence that they have enough funds to support themselves while they study in New Zealand. Students can arrange funds through sponsorship or educational loans. Funds that have to be arranged are:

• Provide evidence of funds for first-year tuition fees and NZD$15,000 per annum towards living expenses. Authorities need to be convinced with the payment plan that student has access to funds and can cover the expenses during the study.
• If the course of study is less than 1 year, funds for the course fee and NZD$15000 towards living expenses need to be available.

Following documents can be produced as evidence of funds.

• Education Loan approval letter from nationalized banks.
• Bank statements for the past 6 months. The statement should not be more than 1 week old at the time of application.
• Fixed deposits
• PPF/ PF/ GPF
• National saving certificates

The funds should be at least six months old. Sponsors must provide evidence of their relationship and source of income.

ITPs are more flexible, but the overall profile of the student should be good. Students with a score above 60% are likely to be selected.