Study in New Zealand

Around 120,000 international students, together with its ITPs and PTEs, were enrolled in eight New Zealand universities in 2022. Only 2,664 of the 120,000 students were of Asian origin. Studying in New Zealand has developed as one of the best choices for international students, with over 20,000 vacancies per year. International students are now more willing to study in New Zealand and apply for full-time jobs due to the introduction of Green List Occupations in that country during the pandemic.

Why Study in New Zealand?

There are several strong reasons for international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, including academic benefits and job opportunities after graduation. Some of the main reasons include: The cost of living is low; there are many scholarships available; it is simple to get a job and work while in New Zealand are some of the major reasons along with the following ones as well:

• The learning experience in New Zealand is qualitative and easier for foreign students to learn in that model.
• Also, the cost of living in New Zealand is lower than the cost of living in Australia by almost 12%. 
• Pursuing higher education and research in New Zealand is propitious for international students with various benefits of PR, stipends and cost of living exemption.
• All qualifications of New Zealand are globally recognised; thus, international students can work anywhere in the world.
• Healthcare and Engineering sectors which hire skilled workers are bound to be paid higher than those in Australia by almost 25%.

Study in New Zealand Highlights

Education System in New Zealand

Several institutions or education level are recognized for higher education in New Zealand. Depending on how they provide education or the kind of courses they offer to students in New Zealand, these institutions vary. Further information on the many types of higher education available in New Zealand to both domestic and international students is provided in the table below:

• Technical & Vocational Education: These institutions are for those students who are studying at the Senior Secondary school level, plus also those, who can pursue a course and specialize in, in order to earn a living.
• Youth Guarantee: These courses are for students aged between 16-19. Gives them an opportunity to study NCEA Level 1-3 or Certificate Level 1-3 which are tertiary courses provided free of cost. 
• Trades Academies: These academies run through schools and other education providers and teach trades and technology-related programmes to students aged between 15-18.  
• Institutes of Technology: These are government or industry-funded institutions which offer basic or introductory courses in vocational education. 
• Private Training: Such training institutions offer specific vocational courses at both certificate and diploma levels. 
• Universities: There are eight state-funded Universities in New Zealand offering a variety of courses across all major subjects.

According to the NZQF-designated tertiary education levels in New Zealand, each level consists of the certificate, diploma, or degree that is awarded to the student upon completion. The following is the level-wise degree/certificate/diploma award in tertiary education:

Top Universities in New Zealand

There are just eight universities in New Zealand, and only one of them is among the top 100 internationally. The following is a list of each New Zealand university’s position in the QS and THE World Rankings 2023:

Top Courses in New Zealand

Some of the top courses in New Zealand are offered in areas of management & business, engineering, medicine, social sciences and science-related subjects. Popular courses in New Zealand for international students are as follows:

• MBA
• Information Technology
• Supply Chain Management
• MBBS
• Graphic Designing
• Computer Science
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing 

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

The expense of studying in New Zealand depends, of course, on the level the applicant plans to pursue. For bachelor’s degrees, Foreign students should spend between US $9,715.99 and US $30,362.47  yearly.

Cost of Living in New Zealand

International students must separately estimate their living expenses in New Zealand while they are studying there, in addition to the costs of their education. The following is a list of essential items and their costs for both international and Indian students:

New Zealand Student Visa

In order to apply for a student visa, foreign students must first have a letter of acceptance from one of New Zealand’s universities or PTEs. If students prefer to apply online, one application for a student visa in New Zealand costs studentsNZD 430. In New Zealand, 90% of student visa application forms are assessed within 53 working days, and it takes 19 days on average to assess a student visa application.

Student Visa Requirements for New Zealand

For an application to be considered complete, a New Zealand student visa application requires the following proofs and documents along:

• Passport copy / 2 passport-sized photos
• Police verification certificate
• Supporting true intentions of entering New Zealand to study
• Admission offers from the respective education provider in New Zealand
• Evidence of funding education
• Medical and travel insurance

New Zealand PR

If candidates meet the requirements for New Zealand’s green occupations list, they may be eligible for PR. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a shortage of 85 unique job roles in a number of New Zealand industries, which are included on the list of green occupations. Those who apply through these job roles are assured permanent residency in New Zealand because each job has a unique code. Another benefit is that the applicant’s spouse would be able to work in New Zealand.

Admission Requirements to Study in New Zealand Universities

The admission requirements for studying in New Zealand universities vary with each level of study for international students. A brief is as follows:

Undergraduate Admissions in New Zealand

International students’ applications for admission to the UG level are evaluated based on their performance in class XII. In a few cases, applicants might need to submit their SAT test results., if you were applying for medical courses. MCAT or LSAT would be necessary for admission to law-related undergraduate programs in New Zealand.

The applicants are required to submit English language test scores of TOEFL / IELTS / PTE unless exempted.

Postgraduate Admissions in New Zealand

International students will need to submit their undergraduate degree scores and transcripts in order to be accepted to a postgraduate program in New Zealand.

Scores in English language tests, including the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, will also be required. Students may not be required to submit these scores if they have already completed an undergraduate program in New Zealand.

In addition to these, international students may need to submit standardized test results from the GRE or GMAT when enrolling for a postgraduate program in New Zealand.

Documents Required for Admission Application

The following documents are required to be submitted irrespective of undergraduate and postgraduate admission application are:

• Transcripts
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• 2-3 letters of recommendation (LORs)
• Resume / CV
• ELP test scores – TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
• Standardised test scores:
  • UG: SAT or MCAT or LSAT
  • PG – GRE or GMAT
• Application fee

New Zealand Intakes

In New Zealand, there are two intakes: the first is in February and the second is in July.

Students can submit their applications for the February intake as early as November 30 or the beginning of December of the previous year. In New Zealand, admissions decisions are announced by January for the February intake.

International applicants should submit their applications by April 30 or May 1 for the July intake. By the end of June, all admissions decisions had been announced.

Students will have to accept their offers in time, as soon as they receive a decision on their applications so that they can apply for their student visas, to study in New Zealand.

Best Cities in New Zealand for Study

The topmost preferred cities by international students to study in New Zealand for study are given below based on their rankings by QS for Best Cities to Study in 2023:

• Auckland: #37
• Christchurch: #87

Other preferred cities to study in New Zealand include – Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerstone North and others. 

Scholarships to Study in New Zealand

There are over 100,000+ scholarships offered to Indian students studying in New Zealand. Some of the scholarships offered at the top universities of New Zealand are as follows:

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarships
• University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship
• Massey University International Postgraduate Excellence Scholarship
• Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship
• Massey Business School Promising Student Assistance Bursary
• Otago Polytechnic Bachelors scholarship

Education Loan to Study in New Zealand

Many public and private banks are able to provide international students with an education loan so they can study in New Zealand. In addition to this, candidates may prove their financial stability through provident fund accounts, scholarships, family member sponsorship of their education, or financial support from guarantors. Visit financing sources for education in New Zealand to learn more about each of these options.

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in New Zealand 

Students studying in New Zealand are permitted to work for 20 hours a week part-time. The students can opt for various job options to work part-time:

Students can find these part-time jobs in New Zealand via job portals, job fairs and via networking also. 

Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand

In order to apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, international students must fulfil the following criteria:

• Should have studied a Level 7 degree qualification or,
• Should have studied non-degree qualification below Level 7, but the qualification must be listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list. 
• Having a job related to study subjects would be mandatory if applying through the non-degree Level 7 option.

Even if their credentials are not featured on the Credentials Qualified for a Post-Study Work Visa list, applicants who submitted for their student visa on or before May 11, 2022, would be qualified for a post-study work permit in New Zealand. However in order to apply for a PSW in New Zealand, you must have an acceptable qualification.

Job Prospects in New Zealand

Since over 20,000+ positions become available each year, there are good possibilities of finding jobs in New Zealand. To close the employment gap, more and more jobs are becoming accessible for international students. The unemployment rate in 2022 was 3.3% as of the most recent reporting period in September. Also, it was stated that New Zealand workers’ salaries had increased by an average of 2.5% year.

Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand

There are a variety of popular job sectors in New Zealand in which international applicants can apply for a job opportunity. Some of these popular job sectors of New Zealand are as follows:

• Agriculture & Forestry
• Education
• Engineering
• Construction
• Business & Finance
• Health & Social Services
• Oil & Gas
• Science
• Trade
• ICT & Electronics
• Transport 

Average Salary in New Zealand – By Job

The estimated median salary for an individual working full-time in New Zealand is NZD 55,500. Some of the highest salary-drawing professions in New Zealand are as follows:

Study in New Zealand FAQs

• Q. Is it better to study in New Zealand or Australia?
  Australia and New Zealand both come with their perks. There is no specific answer to which is the best, however looking at the course options, universities and scholarship availability, Australia outrank New Zealand. But in terms of post-study options, jobs and better remuneration, New Zealand is a preferred choice. Also check out: New Zealand vs Australia: Country Comparison
• Q. For how long can international students stay on a New Zealand student visa?
  The length of stay for an international student on a student visa in New Zealand is for up to four years. The stay duration depends upon the applicant’s course of study and its period as well.
• Q. Which factors should influence an applicant’s choice of university in New Zealand?
  There are various factors which influence an applicant’s choice of New Zealand university selection. These include the type of course option for study, post-study-work opportunities, faculty, the scope of the course, etc. Get more details at: Selecting a College in New Zealand for Study.
• Q. What is the average annual salary of designers in New Zealand?
  The average annual salary of those who have graduated with various design courses is as follows:

• Web Designer: NZD 54,500
• UX Designer: NZD 47,000
• Industrial Designer: NZD 40,600
• Interior Designer: NZD 35,800
• Graphics Designer: NZD 32,100
• Fashion Designer: NZD 30,700
• Q. How much funds are needed as proof for studying in New Zealand?
  International students will have to submit proof that they have NZD 20,000 per year of the tertiary, English language, or other non-compulsory school study or NZD 1,667 per month if their study is shorter than 1 year.
• Q. Where can international students enrol in New Zealand for higher education?
  For higher education in New Zealand, international students can enrol across universities in New Zealand or English language schools, private training establishments (PTEs) or Institutes of Polytechnics (ITPs).