Why NEW ZEALAND?

New Zealand captivates with stunning landscapes like Milford Sound and Rotorua, thrilling adventures, unique wildlife, and rich Maori culture. Its friendly locals, excellent healthcare, and low crime rates enhance its appeal, along with its fame as a film location for “The Lord of the Rings.”

Why Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers a top-notch education system with globally recognized degrees, affordable costs, and a safe, welcoming environment. Students enjoy cultural diversity, part-time work options, and practical learning. Post-study work visas let graduates gain valuable experience and apply their skills locally.

Safety Conditions in New Zealand:

New Zealand has low crime rates, with responsive 24/7 emergency services available at 111. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, along with rural areas, are kept safe through strong community policing. The country offers excellent healthcare and strict safety standards in public spaces, workplaces, and schools.

Currency in New Zealand:

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Indian students should be aware of the current exchange rates and banking options available in New Zealand to manage their finances effectively while studying. As of now, 1 NZD is approximately equivalent to 52 INR.

INTAKES:

• Semester 1: For Semester 1, which begins in February or March, applications typically open about a year in advance, with deadlines often falling between October and December of the preceding year. To ensure timely processing and secure a place in your desired program, it’s advisable to apply as early as possible.

 

• Semester 2: It is starting in July; applications generally open about a year before the intake, with deadlines usually set between April and June. To maximize your chances of admission and allow ample time for processing, applying early is highly recommended.

 

• Trimester 3: Which begins in November, applications typically open about a year in advance, with deadlines varying by institution but generally falling between July and September. To secure your spot and ensure timely processing, it's advisable to apply early and check specific deadlines for each institution.

 

Higher Education Institutions

Universities: Eight public universities offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Examples include the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and University of Canterbury.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology: These institutions offer vocational education and applied degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas like business, technology, and creative arts. Examples include Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and Otago Polytechnic.

Private Providers: Private institutions also offer specialized programs, often with a focus on niche areas or specific industries. These can include private colleges and schools that provide higher education qualifications.

Types of Degrees:

• Bachelor’s Degrees: Typically, a 3 to 4-year program depending on the field. Common Bachelor’s degrees include:
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
• Master’s Degrees: Usually a 1 to 2-year program. Common Master’s degrees include:
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)
• MBA
• Master of Engineering-(MEngg)
• Master’s by Research: A research-focused program that includes a significant research component and is often a pathway to a PhD.
• Doctoral Degrees: Typically a 3 to 4-year program focused on conducting original research. PhD students work on a thesis under the supervision of academic experts in their field.
• Professional Degrees: Such as LLB and LLM, for those pursuing careers in healthcare, such as the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB).
• Diplomas and Certificates: Shorter programs that focus on specific skills or knowledge areas. These can be used for career advancement or as a pathway to a Bachelor’s degree.
• Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas: Typically 6 months to 1 year in duration, these provide specialized knowledge and skills beyond a Bachelor’s degree.

Few Top Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand has eight public universities, which are all recognized for their high academic standards and global rankings. The universities are:

 

1. University of Auckland
2. University of Otago
3. University of Canterbury
4. University of Waikato
5. Victoria University of Wellington

6. University of Massey

7. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

8. Lincoln University

 

Tuition Fee Details for Masters Education

Public universities: At New Zealand's public universities, non-EU/EEA students generally need to pay tuition fees, which usually range from NZD 28,000 to NZD 45,000 per academic year. This translates to approximately 15 to 24 lakhs in INR, depending on the specific program and institution.

Private Universities: non-EU/EEA students generally need to pay tuition fees, which usually range from NZD 40,000 to NZD 60,000 per academic year (21 to 31 lakhs in INR) depending on the specific program and institution.

Application Fee: In New Zealand, the application fee for universities typically ranges between NZD 100 to NZD 300. Some universities may offer free applications for certain programs or waive the fee under specific circumstances.

Scholarships in New Zealand:

New Zealand Scholarships: It offered by the New Zealand government to international students from developing countries, including India, to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate study. The total value can be up to NZD 50,000 to NZD 60,000 per year.

University-Specific Scholarships: Numerous universities provide their own scholarships that are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, or particular program-related criteria. The scholarship amounts can range from NZD 10,000 to NZD 20,000 annually.

Living costs in New Zealand:

Living costs in New Zealand for Indian students pursuing a Master’s course can vary based on location, lifestyle, and personal expenses.

Budget Range:

• Approximately NZD 1,200 to NZD 2,000 per month (62 to 1 lakh in INR per month)
• NZD 14,400 to NZD 24,000 per year and (7.5 to 13 lakh in INR per Year)

Academic Qualifications:

 Bachelor’s Degree: A recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to New Zealand's qualifications. Typically, a minimum of a Second Class Upper or equivalent is required.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Generally, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual band lower than 6.0, is required. Some programs may have higher requirements.
• TOEFL: An overall score of around 80 to 100, with specific minimum scores in each section, is often required.
• PTE Academic: A score of 58 to 65 is usually needed, with no communicative skill score below 50.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 or C2 levels Required
• English Medium Education: If you have completed your previous education in an English-medium institution, some universities may waive the English language test requirement, particularly if you can provide proof of your proficiency through academic records.

Part-Time Options:

International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. The minimum wage is NZD 22.70 per hour as of April 2024. It's important to balance work with studies to avoid any impact on academics.

Post Study Work Permit Options:

After finishing your Master’s in New Zealand, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa to work for up to 3 years. Use university career services, job boards, and networking events to find jobs in your field and build valuable experience for your career.

Skilled Migrant: This Category enables graduates with relevant work experience and qualifications to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand based on their skills. While the residency granted is permanent, the initial visa application is usually valid for 1 to 3 years. To qualify, applicants generally need to secure a full-time position with an annual salary of around NZD 59,220.

Long-Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa: It is for graduates whose skills match occupations on New Zealand’s Long-Term Skill Shortage List. This visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. To qualify, your job must typically offer an annual salary of around NZD 45,000.

Job Search Strategies

University Career Services: Utilize career services offered by your educational institution, which often provide job placement assistance, internships, and networking opportunities.

Job Boards: Explore job listings on New Zealand job boards such as Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Indeed.

Networking: Attend industry events, career fairs, and professional meet ups to connect with potential employers.

Types of Jobs

Industry-Specific Roles: Depending on your field of study, look for roles in sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, education, or creative industries.

Internships and Graduate Programs: Many companies offer internships and graduate programs designed to provide work experience and potential full-time employment.

An average Earning Range:

• Entry-Level Positions: NZD 45,000 to NZD 60,000 per year.
• Mid-Level Positions: NZD 60,000 to NZD 80,000 per year.
• Senior-Level Positions: NZD 80,000 to NZD 120,000+ per year.
• Specialized and Technical Roles: NZD 100,000 to NZD 150,000+ per year.

Permanent Residency:

• To apply for Permanent Residency in New Zealand, you must have held a Skilled Migrant Visa and worked in a skilled job for at least 24 months in the past 3 years. You also need to show good conduct and a clean legal record. For citizenship, you must live in New Zealand for 1,350 days over five years, including 240 days in the last year. The process includes gathering documents, possibly taking a citizenship test, and attending an oath ceremony.