Study in New Zealand
Introduction
New Zealand, an English speaking nation, is famous for its amazing scenery, its sporting achievements with the All Blacks and the America’s Cup, and its hospitable people. It is a great country, a fun place to visit and is increasingly being recognised for its excellent study opportunities.
New Zealanders are well travelled and have a great interest in people from other cultures, so visitors and international students soon feel more than welcome. Ask any student who has studied in New Zealand.
Campuses are international with students from all corners of the globe, studying and socializing together. And where do they come from? – Europe, USA, Asia, United Kingdom, South America, India, Australia, The Pacific and smaller numbers from many other countries.
The people were formerly a mix of predominantly European and Pacific races. However, in more recent times, migration has been encouraged from many countries resulting in an exciting international community with a high tolerance of, and interest in, each other’ cultures. With a total population of only 4.43 million there is a feeling of space and freedom.
The country is a land of great contrasts. New Zealand is a small island nation with a temperate climate. You are never more than a few hours away from the sea. In fact all of the larger cities are on the coastline, with vistas of blue seas and green hills. Further inland are the mountains, the backbone of the two major islands (North and South Island) with activities like tramping all year round and skiing for up to six months of the year.
You may choose to study in a modern city with the shopping, multicultural restaurants, night clubs, live theatre, art galleries, museums, sports stadiums and all the hustle and bustle. Or perhaps you prefer the slower pace of the rural areas, where you’ll find supportive communities, and access to the farmlands and orchards. Many of the key tourist attractions are found in these rural areas, so the pace need not be slow. You may choose to shoot the rapids, jet-boat through narrow gorges, bungy jump from bridges high above gushing waters, explore the forests, gaze at bubbling mud pools or wonder at the geysers. Then there’s the paragliding, windsurfing, mountain biking, horse-riding, fishing, kayaking, four-wheel driving and so much more.
New Zealand Education
New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions – universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.
New Zealand produces top graduates who can take their place with confidence in the international arena in many disciplines. Sir Ernest Rutherford, who first split the atom, and Dr Bryan Barrett-Boyes, prominent international heart surgeon, are but two examples of the calibre of New Zealand graduates.
You will find a wide range of options when you consider New Zealand as a study destination.
Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology
A popular option is to study at one of the 25 government-funded polytechnics and institutes of technology. They offer a wide variety of programmes which can be both academically and vocationally focused. You may choose a short course teaching a specific skill, or choose from among a wide range of courses resulting in a certificate, a diploma or a degree.
Some institutions offer Year one of a degree program, with the subsequent years being completed at a university.
Teacher Training
New Zealand is internationally recognised 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 to teach from early childhood to primary, secondary, special and tertiary (higher education) levels.
English Language Training
The choices are endless. Private English language schools offer a variety of courses for all ages including adventure, business and academic programmes. Adventure courses provide a balance of English language tuition and a stimulating activity of your choice. There are courses in English for business purposes and English to prepare you for academic study with TOEFL or IELTS testing.
Most tertiary institutions also provide English language preparation for further study or foundation courses.
Accommodation and Cost of Living
Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange home-stays for international students.
Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live off campus and will seek advice from the student support services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help with arranging home-stays or give advice on finding student flats.
It is generally recommended that international students allow NZ$ 15000 per year for living and accommodation costs. This covers accommodation, food, travel, textbooks and limited entertainment.
In Summary
Work hard and play hard is the lifestyle choice of many international students in New Zealand. If you are looking for world-class education and training, and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle and a safe and healthy environment, then you should consider New Zealand as your study destination.
New Zealand Visa
You will need a student visa if you wish to come to New Zealand to study full-time for more than 3 months. You can only get a student visa to study in a course at an education institution, which is registered and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. Student Visa applications are processed by New Zealand Immigration Service, New Delhi or Mumbai
Student visa will be issued for the length of time your course tuition fees have been paid for. If you are studying a long-term course at a secondary school, University or Polytechnic you will normally pay your tuition fees every year. Visa application should be lodged at least two months prior to the course commencement date.
New Zealand Pre-Visa Document Check list
- Student Visa Application Form
- Visa Fee payable by Demand Draft favoring “New Zealand Immigration Service” payable at New Delhi or Mumbai
- Covering Letter
- Statement of Purpose
- Offer Letter from the Institution/College
- Guarantee of Accommodation or arrangements made.
- Financial Undertaking Form
- Affidavit of Support from Sponsor
- Authorization Letter from Sponsor
- Evidence of Funds and Income in the form of:
- Loan Sanction letter
- Bank Statements / Bank Passbooks for past 6 months, not more than one week old
- Other movable and immovable Assets
- Chartered Accountant Statement / Summary Statement
- Last 3 years income tax papers of all family members
- If Tuition fee is paid in advance, then attach copy of fee receipt.
- Educational Certificates, Mark sheets, Degrees and Diplomas
- IELTS / TOEFL score
- Supplementary Information Form
