Reasons to choose New Zealand for your higher studies

Here are a few of the top reasons to choose New Zealand for your higher studies.

10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STUDYING IN NEW ZEALAND

Course duration

The first reason that tops our list is the availability of a 1-year Post-graduate Diploma and Masters. This not only means that you become part of a fast-paced education system but the study programs also prepare the students for real-life experience in a shorter period of time than others.

Post Study Work Permit

Secondly, after completing Bachelor’s/Master’s/ Post Graduate Diploma studies, you can avail post-study work permit for up to 3-years. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wishes to garner work experience in New Zealand, thereby opening new avenues for them. The fact that students can support their living with part-time work is perhaps one of the prime reasons to choose New Zealand.

Choose what to study

Choosing the right subject or stream is the key to a successful career. And unfortunately, many times, we compromise with it and are forced to prioritize other factors. To make a better choice, we must know the available options and how we can choose what we really want. Read on, as the facts below might be instrumental in helping you to take a wiser decision.

Programmes and Courses

Since New Zealand has turned into an overseas education hotspot, it has made an all-out effort to provide the best of what global education has to offer. From a wide-range of courses to practical programs that meet the current market requirements, the wide array of courses with an exposure to hands-on experience are the reason why the New Zealand education system is highly regarded by employers all around the world.

Popular study courses in New Zealand

• Science: From world-class laboratories to true adventures, science programs in New Zealand are specially designed so that every student is left with the ability to formulate solutions for handling real-world problems.
• Technology: Don't just witness the change happening around, instead you can be a part of this dynamic world. Prepare yourself to shape the world with your innovative ideas, with 100% help from the technology courses that the New Zealand education system offers.
• Business & Management: Be the fuel that runs the modern world, and to prepare for this journey, the Business and Management courses offered in new Zealand are the best option.
• Engineering: Learn the ways of the world and it's functioning. Grow in New Zealand’s hands-on learning environment, build and create with ideas that resonate innovation and excellence.
• Mathematics: When it comes to Mathematics, New Zealand is the go-to destination. Not only it is highly regarded globally, it is also valued in a wide range of careers.
• Agriculture: New Zealand is also called a hub of Agribusiness innovation. That being said, why not educate in the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of the primary sector. Have a chance to contribute to a 'food efficient' tomorrow. Studying agriculture in New Zealand will prepare you for that and so much more.
• Digital Design: The recent boom in Digital designing makes it utterly necessary for you to update and educate yourself in the nuances of the Digital industry. From Gaming to Animation, New Zealand institutions with their state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise from professionals who are veterans in the field, this is one subject of study you need to explore in the land of the Kiwis.
• Fashion & Design: With a good number of universities being recognised for their excellence in Art & Design courses by QS World University Rankings, New Zealand has the reputation of propagating some of the finest Fashion, Design and Art courses. This means with a degree from New Zealand, you can get an edge over others in this highly competitive industry.
• Food & Hospitality: With the booming of the tourism industry and the global travelling scene, Food and Hospitality courses have turned into one of the favorites among international students to pursue. And New Zealand universities and colleges, with their industry-ready programs, are the best bet to excel in the field as you learn your way around the field.

Explore New Zealand with Us

Obviously there are hundreds of other exciting courses you can explore and pursue in New Zealand apart from the ones here. And we have all the resources to make sure you choose the one that best fits your passion and dreams. Let us help you find your dream course and the perfect New Zealand University or college.

Plan your budget

Studying abroad calls for immense planning. Be that choosing the destination, institution, course or accommodation, the key is to plan your finances well, in other words, budget what to spend on, how much to spend on and most importantly, where, what and how not to spend.

The primary expenses while studying abroad involves the tuition fee and the cost of living. Cost of living, once again, involves accommodation, fooding and other miscellaneous expenses.

Tuition fee in New Zealand

Pursuing an Undergraduate Degree program in New Zealand can cost something from NZ $20,500 to NZ $30, 000 annually. Similarly, Postgraduate Diploma and Degree can cost something around NZ $19,000 to NZ $ 35,000 annually.

Also, it is mandatory for all Indian students to get medical insurance before traveling to New Zealand.

Cost of living

We understand how the cost of living varies from individual to individual and that makes the difference in what you spend and what you save. But as students, living a life of luxury can put a lot of burden, because there is no negotiation when it comes to the tuition and other education fees. It is the cost of living that can make a huge difference.

Communication Fee

As an international student, you would surely love to stay connected with your loved ones back home. And it is a smart decision to set apart a certain portion of your budget for phone and data expenses. This means you will have to look for a feasible call and data plan which can fulfill all your needs and is easy on your pocket as well.

Personal expenses and incidentals

Needless to say, apart from the ones listed above, you will have miscellaneous expenses. From dining out to doing laundry, expenses on your clothing to taking a short trip, it is always helpful if you maintain a separate amount for that. As a whole, the cost of living in New Zealand is moderate.

Work while you study

If we talk about the ways to keep the expenses and the budget in order, studying abroad has a few advantages. Firstly, part-time work during studies is one of the most popular ways of earning a little, hence taking the load off of your actual financial reserve. Like every country, New Zealand has certain policies in place to make sure students are contributing as much time to studies as working and earning as a student. There are options, within the campus itself, to work part-time and earn some extra cash.

It is always advisable to stay in touch with college or university authorities regarding notifications and updates of work permits to stay clear off any legal issues. You can also contact our counsellors now to know more about working while studying in New Zealand universities or colleges.

Part-time work

According to the official immigration website of the New Zealand government, you can work up to 20 hours a week if you’re studying full-time for at least 2 years. Apart from that studying full-time for a New Zealand qualification that gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category or a foundation program for at least 1 academic year at level 4 or higher on the NEW ZEALAND QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK at an education provider in Canterbury also opens up part-time work opportunities for you.

Full-time work

You might be able to work full-time during scheduled breaks in study, if you're studying full-time for at least 1 academic year and your course is worth more than 120 credits. Often, if you’re studying full-time and your course is worth 120 credits or more, the best time to work full time is during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

PhD and Masters by Research students

There are no restrictions on the hours you can work, if you’re enrolled in a Masters by research or doctoral degree program awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution.

SOURCE: www.immigration.govt.nz

Scholarships

Grabbing a highly-rewarding scholarship is like finding a hidden treasure in the deep sea. Let us put that in simpler ways. If you get an opportunity to win a scholarship, no matter where from, at least some amount of your financial woes can be taken care of.

Scholarships are rays of hope and most of the universities and colleges and other institutions keep offering scholarships and bursaries to students which bring down the tuition and other education costs. There are instances when students have been awarded 100% scholarships. That means, the scholarship takes care of the tuition fee. Sometimes, scholarships also extend beyond the tuition fees and also cover many aspects of cost of living expenses, like accommodation and stationery-book costs. But like true treasures, these are rare and the competition is very high.

While several scholarships, ranging from those covering 10% to 50% of tuition fee, are offered directly to students who are eligible according to merit or similar parameters, there are also scholarships for which applicants have to sit for a test and availability is subjected to cracking these tests.

READ: THE TRUTH ABOUT FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

Here are two of the major Scholarships you need to know:

New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

NZIDRS is funded by the New Zealand government and is available to Indian students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in New Zealand. This scholarship covers university tuition fee and all associated student levies along with a living stipend of up to NZ$25,000, which is completely tax-free and a health insurance coverage of up to NZ$600 annually for three years.

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

This scholarship is applicable for Indian students applying to Masters or Ph.D. programs. This covers the students’ tuition fee, living, travel, and establishment allowance along with health insurance.

Apart from these, there are several other ones offered by the Universities and the institutions which are also great opportunities for students.

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Apply for your course

Once done with selecting the course and institution you wish to study in New Zealand, it’s time to apply. Submitting your application is not rocket science, but most of the time, students are confused about when, where and how to go ahead with the plans. So, this section is especially created to guide you through the application process.

Enrolment Guide

Have all your documents in place. This includes your passport, previous examination mark sheets, medical certificate and any other document that your counsellor might ask for.

Submit the application and get it assessed. Most of the time, your application is required to be supported by a Statement of Purpose (SoP). The SOP must be written by the applicant and should state certain basic facts about them. Think of it as a letter of introduction that portrays your personality to the authorities. These should be crisp, clear, creative and most importantly, honest.

As our counsellors regularly deal with student applications, it is advisable to let them go through the documents before sending to the concerned university or college to avoid errors or rejection.

To study in New Zealand universities, you need to appear for any of the English-proficiency tests like, IELTS, PTE or TOEFL. High score in the English proficiency test can help you get into the best of the universities which usually set the score-bar high.

To obtain the visa you must provide

• A proof of your admission from the university/college.
• A guarantee that you have arranged for accommodation (if you are under 18)
• Evidence of the availability of Tuition Fees Plus funds for living expenses (at least $15,000 per year) OR you can do FTS (Funds Transfer Scheme).
• Police verification that you have a moral character
• Passport and passport-size photograph
• You must also complete Health Examination and provide a medical certificate to the Immigration NZ.

Important: Always make sure that the information provided by you while applying for the visa is true and correct. Any attempt to provide false or misleading information is a punishable offence which might attract penalties and legal actions against you along with either temporary or permanent ban on entering the country.

The official website of the New Zealand government, WWW.IMMIGRATION.GOVT.NZ has a detailed system to help guide students determine which visa shall work for them the best. Similarly, students are required to get an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number for tax purposes before starting to work, even, part-time in New Zealand.

If you wish to stay in New Zealand, post studies, you can apply for a visa which is valid for up to 3 years and look for or join any work, if you have an acceptable qualification.

For details, feel free to reach us and also you can visit Immigration NZ website for detailed information.

Living in NZ

As an International student, New Zealand is one place that will provide you with all the necessary life-skills. It is one of the countries of the world which is still close to nature and modern at the same time. The New Zealanders’ are known for being warm to all people and being an international student is a chance to experience it firsthand. Apart from these, due to its ever-rising popularity as a study and travel destination, it has turned into a hub of multiple cultures. And this will not just help students get exposure in a multi-cultural hub but also bring them face to face with the world’s dynamic cultural reach.

Accommodation

Once you are done taking care of the other aspects of studying in New Zealand, you will have to take into consideration your options of accommodation in the country. From Hostels to Home stay, the options are many and varied depending on your choice and budget.

Hostels (Halls of Residence)

These are accommodations usually provided by the institutions. Maintained most of the time by the universities or schools, these are one of the most affordable options. From furnished rooms, which can be shared with other occupants or single rooms, students are also provided meals and other basic amenities.

According to the New Zealand immigration website, several larger institutions provide private hostels with similar facilities apart from apartments.

Homestay (Paying Guest)

Quite similar to the system of paying guests, in the Home stay system, a New Zealand family hosts you, providing fully furnished independent rooms. You are also provided meals and most of the time it leads to lifelong friendship with the hosts, who are basically your new family. It is also a very effective way to understand and embrace the culture of the country.

Flat/Independent Accommodation

These are basically apartments on rent, which can be either furnished or unfurnished. These can be found almost everywhere across New Zealand. These are independent accommodation systems and most of our students choose this and share the rent, power and other bills with roommates. The cost of living in this system is comparatively higher and is dependent on the location and amenities provided.

Cost of Accommodation in New Zealand

As per the New Zealand Immigration, although this cost varies according to your choices including the location and quality of accommodation, but the national median rent in 2018 for a three bedroom house was NZ $555 per week, which is NZ$215 a room per week.

We encourage our students to connect with our students who are already in New Zealand for support and help in settling down.