As humans, learning is a continuous process of all time. When anyone finds themselves in new and unfamiliar contexts like a market in Tokyo or a train station in France, or even the smallest interactions can become important lessons. So is the case with knowledge and education. As per the new trends of online or distance education, one can learn via sitting in the comfort zones of one home, but an actual one can learn and grow, only if one is present in that atmosphere physically. This helps in the development of perspective, judgement and other related queries in the individual. It often supports individuality and independence of some kind while having lifelong friendships too. The time spent overseas will teach more than just what’s in the syllabus, giving invaluable opportunities as well as insight with a global perspective. When the world is the classroom, one gain without bounds and is a part of an unparalleled education.

The important life decisions to choose are about countries, courses, extracurricular activities, residents, the social values of the area. how one can cope up with fellow beings, in their traditions and So the next question arises, how to choose where to study as it is a very important decision since it can set the course of an entire life. The country is known for affordable education with the best experiences.

New Zealand is the safest and the most secure option in the world for students' education and living life. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world too. So with the enriching and vibrant student life, the world-class educational opportunities and varieties make it a more attractive option. Due to its low cost of living and exclusive facilities, huge numbers of international students choose to study in New Zealand every year. The variety of education offered by the pattern and system of Newzealand is divided into 8 universities, 16 Technology & Polytechnics institutes, with fast emerging private institutions, with the best and world-class education. Hence, the New Zealand education experience is one of the perfect programs for every major pursuing candidate.

1. Institutions and universities are recognized and accepted internationally

New Zealand is home to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. The qualifications and educational features are highly regarded by employers and companies all over the world.

2. Low annual tuition fees and cost of living

New Zealand is the perfect study abroad destination, and more specifically for an Indian origin student. Due to the low costs of tuition many courses. The living expenses in New Zealand are cheaper than another study abroad destinations like Canada, Europe, the U.S and Australia. Fresh and nutritious food, reasonable accommodation options and transport facilities are easily available at affordable costs in the country.

3. Less competition and easy admissions

New Zealand Universities have very few entry requirements for many programs and degrees. There is not much competition to get admission in a university whether it is a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or postgraduate diploma courses in New Zealand. Also, there is no age bar to study in New Zealand which can be a benefit for many.

4. Certain parameters for Fee structure

The international students seeking admission to New Zealand Universities can pay the college fees after they get student visa approval for New Zealand which prevents hindrance to students’ plan due to visa problems.

5. Safe and secured country

New Zealand is a country known for student safety, secured lifestyle and stability of certain positive factors and even political righteousness. The student enjoys a vibrant and happy lifestyle in the country, which helps him/her grow. New Zealand is the second safest peaceful and safe country out of 163 countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index.

6. Best social factors and political stability

Also, New Zealand has political stability and a low crime rate. The people in New Zealand are very respectful of other cultures and welcome international students warmly in their country irrespective of religion, nationality and gender.

7. Easy working permission and low Visa complications

Students who want to work while studying to meet their living expenses and get experience can do so easily. With a student visa, students can work up to 20 hours weekly during the study and full time during scheduled holidays. Retail, hospitality, entrepreneurship, social sciences, banking, finance etc offer various part-time and full-time opportunities for employment. Some students find a part-time job in their specific university too while having the time of their lives.

8. Excellent Pedagogy

The importance of the curriculum is focussed on research-based learning, and the real-life problem is used to increase effectiveness and solve issues.

9. Quality Control

Higher education is directly under the supervision of the government and Universities board of New Zealand. The private institutions are under the qualification authority.

10. Employability

For developing and enhancing career prospects internationally as well in New Zealand.

11. Scope for Doctorate Aspirants

Overall New Zealand is one of the most visually pleasing, developed and globalised countries with great educational opportunities and is one of the most popular choices for thousands of students all over the globe.

Popular courses to study

There are a variety of courses offered by various universities in New Zealand. Some of the most popular courses to study in New Zealand are as follows.

• Animation
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business Studies
• Data science
• Engineering Forestry
• Hospitality
• IT and Computer Science
• Agriculture
• Art and design
• Nursing
• Trades
• Business management
• Health care
• Sports management

Information Technology, Computer Science, and Animation are the best courses and technology in the country. Many students majorly visit Newzealand to have their education in these subject matters. The popular pattern and duration of a bachelor’s degree are international depend students must have three years and for an honours course, 4 years. These are just the possible and popular patterns, but every university, school or college is free to choose the duration and other requirements as per the choice and final decisions of the authority. For the same, one must check the websites or directly contact the universities.

• Graduate Diploma
  • Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology
  • Graduate Diploma in Animation
  • Post Graduate Diploma of Computer Graphic Design
  • National Diploma in Science (Two years)
  • Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
• Graduate Certificate
  • Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
  • Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades
  • Certificate in Steel Fabrication and Welding
  • Certificate in Machining Technology
  • Certificate for English for further Study
• Bachelor’s Degree
  • B.E. - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • LLB - Bachelor of Law
  • MBBS Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
  • B.Sc(Hons-adv) - Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)
  • BN - Bachelor of Nursing

Some of the most popular undergraduate courses for international students are

Nursing

As per the recent statistics and times, Nursing is the most popular course, especially for international students seeking admissions to universities of Newzealand. This profession is particularly preferred by students all over the world, and who want to travel with work or move to New Zealand permanently.

The educational programmes in this regard are considered under the skilled migrant category, where if the calibre and intellect of a person meet the requirements of the pre-established and stated norms, one can stay in the country indefinitely even after the completion of the course. So, if someone wants to stay after graduation or post-graduation; a nursing degree can provide the opportunity for one to stay and develop.

Medicine

Another popular course in the medical field is to become a doctor. It is one of the most well earning and reputable jobs there. The salaries of doctors increases as the experience and the level of seniority increases. Doctors in New Zealand also claim to have a great work-life balance with six weeks of holiday allowance each year. The degree of any medicine subject or subset field, with any related qualification from New Zealand, is internationally acclaimed, recognised and respected. Best medicine universities or med schools are The University of Auckland and The University of Otago.

Biology

With eco-friendly ethos, budding of natural fauna and flora, diverse natural environment with various organisms and unique wildlife, the country is the best place to sustain and preserve the exotic and important biological organisms and things. New Zealand is a clean and green country, with plenty of opportunities and technologies for biology aspirants, and students and graduates dreaming to pursue in that regard. The varied choices may be diverse between marine biology, conservation or fisheries science as the main focus and impacting elements of the country is to establish and preserve the biodiversity, environment and therefore the surrounding.

Environmental sciences

Environmental science is as important and a popular degree subject as biodiversity and biology for students of New Zealand. The international students get caught in the same dynamics and disciplines of life because the curriculum teaches and imparts the importance of being environmentally conscious, which is preached even by the different procedures, rules and policies. Amidst the various geographical features of mountain ranges, farmland, plains, grasslands, clear blue lakes and native plants, New Zealand offers a perfect blend of unique and exotic environmental factors and reasons, to get the best education opportunities. Research in this subject is also quite prevalent. If one has the desire to better understand environmental issues and do better for the environment, this could be the right choice of programme and right international destination for anyone.

Business studies

With many prestigious entrepreneurship courses and business schools in the country, New Zealand is positioned in the lists of internationally renowned and acclaimed study courses of the world. Students are imparted experience-based learning, by the help of practical sessions and quality imparting of knowledge sharing by the highly qualified and experienced teaching staff and globally recognised infrastructure. The course and curriculum are even developed based on the regular updates of business qualifications.

Post Graduate Courses

• Post Graduate Diploma
• Post Graduate Certificate
• Masters Degree
• Doctorates

The most popular postgraduate courses offered by New Zealand are

Medicine

Since medicine is one of the most popular courses at the undergraduate level, a lot of students also want to study it at the postgraduate level. In New Zealand, several universities offer master’s qualifications in medicine or other related disciplines. To practice medicine after graduation, a temporary visa for 30 months is allowed and permitted, before the residential visa.

Psychology

To work in fields like social work, counselling and psychotherapy, the career will be greatly impacted and boosted by a psychology master’s degree which takes two and three years respectively. Best and top schools for Psychology education are the University of Auckland, the University Otago, the Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University.

Civil engineering

Social work

Accounting

The best and top institutions for accounting are

• University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology
• University of Canterbury

A professional degree of Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) is mandatory to become an Accountant in the region.

Other than these there are Short courses are introduced for the students with an average duration of 3 months. Exceptions are available for these courses with a period of 1 to 3 years.

The categories of short courses under which the individual courses are available are:

• Business and Management
• Computer Science and IT
• Education and Training
• Engineering and Technology
• Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences
• Humanities
• Medicine, Nursing and Health

The 8 major universities in New Zealand are:

• Auckland University of Technology
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• University of Otago
• University of Auckland
• Massey University
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Requirements to Study in New Zealand

All foreign students have few general doubts about how to get admissions to foreign universities, as there are proper methods and protocols to be followed. All the requirements including documentation, authentic documents, Visas, permissions, Passports etc. On top of that, the fees attribute also hovers on top of everyone.

The basic requirements to Study In New Zealand are various proofs or documents which has to be submitted at the correct place at the right time

• Proof of language proficiency
  Submit IELTS/TOEFL
• Transcripts/certificates
• Like certificates of completion, statement and mark sheets.
• GMAT test scores for MBA courses
• No standardized tests for UG programs as such.
• New Zealand Student Visa

Proper Documentation as per the course of study

• Completed application form (For personal and professional details).
• Proof of Secondary School Completion (Class 12th mark sheet, only in case of studying for graduation)
• Proof of Undergraduate Programs (Aggregate Marksheet of Graduation years)
• Proof of Undergraduate Programs (Aggregate Marksheet of Graduation years)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), well written which crucially illustrates who one is, his/her beliefs, career growth prospects, plans, strengths and weakness, the reason to study in a particular university, future goals after completion of that particular course and education. It is a long-form, based on which an individual is judged. All social, environmental, and work experience are extensively mentioned in the same. All these are given rewarding points, which are added to generate the final allotment of admission seats.
• Transcripts, from colleges to be attached.
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Test Scores (Any exam for admission or particular university or if the USA takes in any country)
• Visa (Student Visa)
• Correct stamps and Passport verified
• Academic certificates
  All academic certificates including 10th-grade mark sheets, relevant mark sheets, Competitive exams if any, degrees and certificates etc.
• Entrance exam scores
  Every university or particular stream of subjects have various competitive exams, after the clearance of which a certificate is issued. According to the cut-offs of these scores one is selected in a college, and a particular seat is allotted for the course. Some examples of these world-famous tests are GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc.
• Passport size photographs WIth certain backgrounds, pixels, quality, smile etc. Otherwise, a potential candidate can get rejected out of the authentic and professional photo.
• Photo ID
  Either PAN card, voter’s ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, 10th Marksheet etc.
• Work experience documents
  For some courses like undergraduate or postgraduate courses, most universities and colleges prefer candidates with experience. Hence it is advisable to have the proper experience, before applying to the colleges. And these need to be duly attested and submitted with the forms. This is to generate all-around exposure of a person.
• Recommendation letters
  It increases the weightage and chances to be chosen and selected in the particular seat.
• Travel documents
  Valid passport, authentic visa, International student ID card and even college acceptance letter, as proof that one is going on a student visa.
• Financial documents
  Student loan statement, credit scores (for funds and statement of liabilities proof with the financial condition of the family members or the person asking for loans), scholarship letter, if attained in any way, Sponsorship proofs (Any individual, government department in regards to prices, company or agency if earned or won in any tests under any schemes; who are willing to financially support the candidate. These can be more than one individual etc. One’s family economic proof is also required.
• Health certificates
  The world countries seek a health insurance card, some relevant test results and other vaccination certificates. The foreign countries are very particular about checkups and human resources of their country, and hence they take precautionary steps in the same. And more importantly, much more effective after the pandemic age.
• Certification of language proficiency for English, as it is the medium of conversation in the state.

Apart from all these the proper submission of all these, the dates and times of submission, how and the whereabouts of the same are also necessary. Procedures for the same are,

Step 1. Decide and make relevant choices for the universities to apply to. First segregate the interest and desires, so the vision is clear as to what one needs to study. After the choice of subjects, look for countries offering the best education in that sector. But first, get it confirmed. Look for colleges in the same department and streams.

Step 2. Collect all the information regarding the country, college ranking, courses offered, cultural duties, faculties, quality of courses, any alumni or someone related to the college. For information, seek advice and help from their websites or contact the academic advising centres.

Step 3. Contact the Office of relevant and shortlisted universities for their admission process before time, and request for their prospectus, also since these are different for different colleges, one has to take extra efforts in looking for this information.

Step 4. Start arranging for the above-mentioned documents, and building up financial scores with bank statements.

Step 5. With the wait and research time, write exams for IELTS, TOEFL, and other exams mandatory for that particular school.

Step 6. Subsequently, complete all the details and documents required for the application of the school and university one decides to pursue. Then finally collect all the records. Marksheets, statements, documents and submit them before the deadline of the particular secession.

Step 7. Then send in the applications forms and the relevant application fees as per the school or university chose. Instructions for the same can be checked from forms or if one is taking any coaching for tests or tuition for preparation. This must be done under the appropriate time schedules and dates mentioned. Early bird offerings are also present in some schools.

Step 8. Now is the time for some patience. The application and procedures for university admission, is going on where every candidate is screened and verified, with all the other applicants. So the university and college might take some time. One must wait until the universities make their admission decisions. Till that time prepare mentally, about how to adjust in a new country and new people.

Step 9. When all the applications and profiling is checked and the one gets selected, an offer letter will be provided from the college and institution. With that, another form or document which is the certificate of eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status which helps in the procurement of Student Visa.

Step 10. All the documents with this offer letter updated passport with financial statements to support the economic conditions of the family must be provided to the New Zealand embassy, in New Delhi or another tier-one city, duly timed and scheduled. Complete the Visa application, as per the rules mentioned by the embassy.

Step 11. A Consular interview will be conducted, by the embassy officials, to offer Visa legitimately to the potential candidate. For the same one must be prepared by being fluent in English, clear on the purpose of admission and schooling, reasons for attaining education via their schools or universities etc. For the slot, date and time of the interview, one must refer to the immigration officials from the embassy.

Step 12. After the interview, it generally takes five to six weeks to approve the application. After it, the Visa is generated.

Step 13. Now finally one is ready to board and get to New Zealand, just book the tickets and arrange for flights to connect.

Step 14. Look for the stay and food arrangements of the area, if one has any contacts or else via college, or after entering the territory

Application Cycle and process is based on semester wise system for which the application must be submitted 4 months prior, from the date of beginning. Applicants and dreamers may keep a keen eye on the deadlines and important dates in this regard. And look to have relevant time to obtain the student visa.

New Zealand Student Visa

• Offer or acceptance letter from the college
• Approval of New Zealand Qualifications Authority(maybe in the offer letter or a separate statement).
• A written guarantee regarding suitable accommodation(if under 18 years).
• Proof of finances
• A return ticket to state the ability to afford.
• Tuberculosis test
• Visa application form fees- 35NZD (~1725 INR)

Safety for International students studying in New Zealand

The country offers the best support and secure environment to an international student. To follow it religiously, New Zealand follows strict laws, rules and regimes to safeguard and welfare protection in the country. “Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students” is statutory formal instructions and rules which needs to be comprehensively and completely followed and abided by. The codes include the inclusive manuscript protection of the rights of international students. International students must have medical and travel insurance.

Information Technology

• Lifestyle and activities one may indulge in.
• Which part of the country one lives in.
• Regional costs.
• Area wise transportation costs

The cost of education and the process of studying requires tuition fee, stationery costs, visa and immigration expenses. The overseas study dream depends on the costs of the following

• The type of degree and university or school as there are many acclaimed and high-ranking higher education universities in New Zealand. The fee structures range from NZ$ 22,000 and NZ$35,000 a year (approximately).
• The type of program and subjects.
• The history and popularity of the university.

Undergraduate tuition fees

International undergraduate students can expect to pay around NZ$22,000-32,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. Most bachelor’s degrees take three years to complete.

Postgraduate tuition fees

The tuition fees for a master’s degree student ranges between NZ$26,000-37,000 annually. However, there is no difference in the fees of an international PhD student and a normal student of New Zealand origin, and they pay close to NZ$6,500-$9,000 per year for all the fields.

Most commonly humanities, arts and educational courses are Considered to be less expensive, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. Though the cost to study at the postgraduate level, is much higher than at the undergraduate level because of the core specialization subjects in the latter. The costs also vary depending on the type of program and subjects chosen in particular. MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost is a tentative NZ$31,000-50,000.

1. Living and Accommodation cost

New Zealand is the place, where the universities offer on-campus, for residential purposes and related facilities called the Halls of Residence to international students. Living as a resident on-campus is a very affordable option. However, one needs to apply for it individually and distinctly with prior deadlines by securing a proper time slot of the application time and deadlines available. These will generally cost around NZD 210-NZD 550 per week (depending upon the city, urban and rural areas and type of accommodation). Anyone can choose from either fully-catered or self-catered Halls of residence.

Off-campus accommodation is the shared apartments with other roommates, flatmates or students from the same country of origin, for ease in living. Indian students are preferred for Indian students, for the sense of belongingness. Homestay facility with a local family is also popular. Living in shared apartments or flats can cost around NZ$100-120. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city, area to area, and lifestyle preferences.

If the tenancy period is over, that is past the deadline, one can book temporary accommodation at youth hostels too, a separate entity and feature for living, while having good value-for-money and great avenue and prospect environment to meet new people. Student residence halls may cost approx to $200 per week, shared flats are approx. $120 per week, while private flats are approx. a little expensive as $180 per week in New Zealand.

2. Cost of student visa

To secure a valid and working authentic student visa will cost approx. to NZ$ 270. The counsellor or a professional expert can provide the latest updates and requirements of the same. Please refer to authentic sources for such information on the visa application process and related costs.

3. Living expenses

A little money apart from grocery shopping, entertainment expenses, social activities and emergencies is quite necessary for the foreign lands. The student living in a foreign land may track down the expenses, so one gets and learns the economic and financial planning trait and at the same time gets an idea about the savings. Generally to track the expenditures helps in refraining oneself from overspending. The student budget in New Zealand is tentatively between NZ$ 13,000 and NZ$ 16,000 per academic year. Also, one should consider common expenses when creating and allocating resources for the budget like

• For studying in a course for more than a year, then at least $15,000 should be kept aside to cover the living expenses.
• For studying less than one year, at least $1250 for each month of the study program should be kept aside for living expenses.

4. Transportation

The public services of buses offer cheaper fares for students in some cities and areas of the country. Auckland and Wellington have train services to the outer suburbs. Fuel prices are monitored. Regional trains, buses and subways and other public transport can be used, in times of need and according to the finances available. It is a good idea to get monthly passes such as Auckland HOP cards for travelling to college and back as these can be very cheap.

How to fund living and studying in New Zealand Scholarships for international students:

In terms of funding the stay, look for part-time jobs to support oneself during studies. When and if the studying program is for at least two years, one can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week (and full-time during university holidays).

The government also offers a range of scholarships for international students. For the same check the official websites of the universities in New Zealand as per the interest, as they may offer their scholarships individually. There are also student discounts on some things and everything from food to skydiving – the Student card is just NZ$20 and will pay for itself after a few uses and is a great investment.

Government-funded New Zealand scholarships:

Various scholarship offers are catered to students for funding full expenses, tuition fees, various weekly or fortnightly allowances and living costs.

New Zealand provides International doctoral research scholarships which provide stipends for full tuition fee cover and even the living expenses for three years. International students of a PhD program in New Zealand are eligible. It is awarded based on academic excellence.

University-specific New Zealand Scholarships:

There are many Schools and Universities In New Zealand which provide various scholarships for international students at the graduate and doctorate level. For example,

• Auckland University of Technology
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• University of Otago
• University of Auckland
• Massey University
• Southern institute of technology
• Victoria University of Wellington

Jobs opportunities:

After completing education in New Zealand, many students are interested in finding jobs there for themselves. So check out some tips, which can contribute to better results of employment in a foreign land

• Study about job markets in New Zealand
  Before someone decides to find a job in New Zealand, it’s beneficial to carry extensive research on the recruiters in the areas, under the departments and subjects one wishes to work in and the companies that need skilled and industry-ready individuals in which the specialisation is done. Find what's in demand and plan one’s careers accordingly.
• Look for the qualities New Zealand employers look for
  There are some Qualities that employers always look for in a potential candidate which help in the job search. These include the ability to work as a team, good Analytical and communication skills, Flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Look for job prospects and requirements on various job portals and websites
  On these job portals, one may look for various designations, required skill sets, salary for different roles, and potential employers based on previous experience and qualification.
  Upon finding suitable employers, either contact them via these job portals or directly contact them over email or phone
• Research on probable employers
  Upon finding suitable employers, the next step should be to do a thorough background search and find out more about them. This ideally should include:
  • Kind of sector they are involved in
  • Size and nature of the company
  • Their potential competitors
  • Information related to their clients and customers
  • Benefits for employees
• Proper investment of time and money
  Since a few jobs may require registration in New Zealand or getting transcripts. Also, one will be required to apply for a work visa to successfully clear a job interview.