Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is the safest developed island country to study in. The nation holds the second position in The Global Peace Index 2018. With a perfect combination of adventure, unspoiled nature and serenity, New Zealand offers an interactive education system that comprises a variety of courses and degrees. Not only courses but universities in New Zealand also offers ample opportunities in terms of research for its students. All this makes a perfect blend of culture, nature and opportunities for a student.

The average cost of living for an international student costs around Rs. 65,694 per month including tuition fees, accommodation charges, food, internet etc. Although small in size the economy of New Zealand is a high-income economy that is home to several big companies like IBM. This makes New Zealand stand out in terms of career aspects as well. Moreover, New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships, SEG Scholarships, New Zealand Excellence Awards, New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are among few scholarships offered to overseas students by the government of New Zealand and its Universities. The students can also apply for specific programs or courses in New Zealand after 12th class with their IELTS or TOFEL score along with the required academic transcripts. Furthermore, students can also apply for MBA in a few universities like the University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, Massey University without GMAT and work experience and universities like the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Unitec Institute Of Technology, Lincoln University, the University of Otago without IELTS.

Every university offers different eligibility criteria for every course but here are some basic requirements one need to apply at a university.

• Properly filled application form
• GMAT or GRE score
• Valid IELTS or TOFEL to prove your desired proficiency in the English language
• Valid passport
• 12th mark sheet or undergraduate degree or master’s degree from a recognized university or board
• Recommendation letters
• Bank statements
• Copy of your parent’s passport
• Statement of purpose

Once you graduate from any university in New Zealand, you can also work temporarily unless you get a permanent job in your desired field. For this New Zealand government allows graduates to get a visa for up to 12 months and after securing a job offer you can apply for a Graduate Work Experience visa under the study to work instructions. This visa is granted for three years for eligible international students who desire to gain a membership/ register with a New Zealand professional association that demands work experience of more than two years.

Scholarships play a vital role in student’s life as they can be a great source of financial aid to the students and can help them focus on their studies without diverting their minds to part-time jobs and other means of income. There are several scholarships offered by the Universities as well as the Government of New Zealand. These scholarships can only be availed by students with an excellent GPA and other eligibility criteria as stated by the university or the government. Below mentioned are some of the scholarships offered to the students:

• Lincoln University Academic Scholarships
• New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship
• International Development (MIntDev) at Massey University
• UC International First-Year Scholarships
• Climate Change Science and Policy (MCCSP) at Victoria University Wellington
• ADB Scholarships at University of Auckland
• Public Health (MPH) at the University of Auckland
• University of Otago International Research Masters Scholarships
• Victoria Masters Scholarships

The overseas students who have joined a full-time course in New Zealand can work for not more than 20 hours a week whereas, during holidays, the students are allowed to work full time. This can only be done until your student visa is valid.

Most importantly, to study in New Zealand you must apply for a student visa. If you plan to study for more than a year then you need to submit your financial statement declaring the possession of at least INR 782,511 to cover your living expenses for the initial year. After receiving your confirmation letter, you should immediately start the application process for the student visa. Students are usually advised to apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa as it allows them to work part-time while studying for up to 4 years.