While deciding to study abroad, there are numerous factors that help to make the decision. From the quality of education to quality of life offered, you cannot afford to ignore any aspect, no matter how little it is! New Zealand conquers all the factors mandatory to check before migrating to a new place. Did you know that all the existing universities in New Zealand are placed among the QS World Rankings? The rigorous quality checking of universities by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority helps maintain the highest standards and attract international students from all over the world to enroll in the academic institutions.
New Zealand’s education system is highly inspired by the UK education system, focusing on research-based pedagogy to help students deal with complexities in an extremely systematic manner. The country is culturally diverse due to 30,000 international students migrating every year to enroll in the universities. New Zealand is connected to England via migration and is just 10,000 miles southeast of Australia, connecting students to amazing job opportunities. Even while studying most of the students opt for part-time jobs to earn some extra money. You can easily work for 20 hours during semesters and full-time during the holidays. The great news is if you are a research scholar, you can work full-time without any issues.
The environment for students in the campus is extremely supportive. The class-sizes are small which helps professors to concentrate on each student. The interactive culture helps students to grow academically. The universities also have different clubs and societies based on student’s interests and this helps in students engaging in recreational activities and supporting wholesome growth. You can find students from different countries including India, Australia, Germany, England, China, Norway and more and can indulge with them to learn new things and gain experience in life.
Surrounded by natural beauty, New Zealand has one of the most favorable weather suitable for people from different countries. Each student brings their own share of heritage, tradition and culture. This makes New Zealand a safe space for students to study at! In 2018, New Zealand ranked Second on the list of Global Peace Index which explains the safety and peace of the citizens and migrants in the country. Also known as the Land of the Long White Cloud, the island country witnesses moderate rainfalls, mild weather, and sunshine throughout because of being surrounded by the sea and mountains. If you are unaware, you can witness four different temperatures in one single day which is amazingly unique. The western coast has extremely rugged winds and faces high rainfall while the Easters coast is extremely milder facing few rainy days. However, the southern coast is a different story altogether! It is extremely cold in the middle of the summer season which might confuse you so it’s best to keep winter clothes as well to save your money on buying new clothes.
Studying abroad is an expensive decision but mandatory to build yourself a bright and successful future. To control this expensive affair, you’ll have to manage your finances very smartly and keep everything in check. It is best to start budgeting everything 7 to 6 weeks prior from your date of departure. Your expenditure includes costs such as food, travel, accommodation, tuition fees, semester fee, health insurance premiums and more. To avoid over expenditure, you can also choose a university that matches your budget. There is no use of joining an expensive university if you are drowning under a loan. Universities in New Zealand are of the highest quality and provide equally valuable degrees. If you are confused about finalizing any university, you can consult with experts at Udrus to help you finalize an university that offers the highest ROI on the amount you are investing.
While studying outside, the tuition fee is the most important expenditure that you’ll have to take care of! In New Zealand, there are public and private universities. As usual, public universities charge way less than private universities. Though most of the public universities in New Zealand are ranked highest in the world as awarded by the QS World Rankings.
The curriculum offered in the universities here are highly updated and industry oriented focused on preparing students to become leaders of tomorrow. The world-class infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, up-to-date libraries and strong focus on innovation and research under the supervised guidance of highly-experienced faculties are commendable.
In New Zealand, the arts, humanities and education programs are affordable whereas medical, MBA and engineering programs are relatively expensive. Here’s the list of average tuition fees of different levels of education-
Undergraduate program | NZD 21,000 to NZD 25,000 per annum |
Postgraduate program | NZD 19,000 to NZD 29,000 per annum |
Doctoral program | NZD 6,500 to NZD 9,000 per annum |
Master of Business Administration | NZD 31,000 to NZD 50,000 per annum |
English Language Program | NZD 5,100 |
Certificate/diploma | NZD 12,800 to NZD 18,000 per annum |
To save your expenses you can apply for scholarships as well. Here are the scholarships offered in the New Zealand-
You can opt for any of these scholarships to help fund your education and save your expenses. If all this seems overwhelming to you, simply connect with Udrus and let us help you get the scholarship to help you save tuition fees.
Here’s degree wise fees so you can get an idea how much you’ll have to pay when you’ll go to study in New Zealand-
Course | Average Tuition Fee in NZD |
Master in Engineering | 47,000 |
Master of Design | 36,000 |
Master of Law | 41,000 |
Master of Tourism | 52,000 |
Master of Fine Arts | 42,000 |
Master of Science | 47,000 |
Master of Game Design | 48,000 |
Master of Information Technology | 53,000 |
Bachelor of Agriculture Sciences | 34,000 |
Bachelor of Engineering | 45,000 |
Bachelor of Law | 31,000 |
The cost of studying in New Zealand is considerably higher than in the US and UK, however, with the quality of education provided, students will get the job within four months of completing their education. The job opportunities in New Zealand are rising and the economy is flourishing and so international students are arriving in huge numbers. Go study abroad and choose New Zealand as your destination and give wings to your dreams!
It is mandatory to keep your expenses under a tight wrap if you are planning to study in New Zealand, considering it is not exactly an extremely affordable place. Even if you chose to go to some other country, you cannot run away from your expenses. To live a smooth life, you need to be on top of your game which means your finances should be sorted. Major areas where you’ll be spending your finances at-
The cost of living also depends upon the area you’ve decided to live in. We have divided everything so you can know how much everything costs in New Zealand-
Meals in inexpensive eateries | NZD 20 |
Traveling via monthly pass | NZD 162 |
1 litre gasoline | NZD 2.16 |
Electricity | NZD 187.2 |
Internet | NZD 81 |
Fitness Club | NZD 60 per month |
Movie ticket for one | NZD 16 |
Shoes and clothing | NZD 250 |
One bedroom house near city center | NZD 1605 |
Three bedroom house outside city center | NZD 2,099 |
Apartment price per square meter in City Center | NZD 7,402 |
Apartment price per square meter outside City Center | NZD 5,329 |
Grocery per week | NZD 210 |
Doctor | NZD 56- NZD 110 |
Health insurance | NZD 280 per month |
These are the major costs that you’ll have to pay for. Here are some of the tips to save money while living in New Zealand-
Accommodation facility is one of the major concerns while moving to another country. If you don’t have a safe space to live in, you won’t be in the right mind frame to survive in an entire new country without your family. Planning for accommodation should be done in advance. You can choose to live at residence halls, flats, or home stays. Though the rent will vary depending on the locality you live in. For instance Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch are the most expensive cities to live in and might cost you more than what you’ve expected! The average monthly rent you’ll have to shell out $600 to $950.
In case you are on a budget, it’s best to find accommodation in an inexpensive city such as Dunedin or Hamilton. These cities are affordable and also have tons of jobs available for you to choose from! Since education is highly-subsidized in New Zealand, public universities take really low tuition fees.
At least 50% of people’s paycheck is spent on rent so you’ll have to cover it up by minimizing your expenses in different ways. Types of rental accommodations you can find in New Zealand to live at-
To help you understand the rent of different cities in New Zealand, here’s the bifurcation of accommodation-
Apartment | Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch | Queenstown | Dunedin |
One bedroom apartment | NZD 1,800 | NZD 1,700 | NZD 1,650 | NZD 1,150 | NZD 1,900 |
Three bedroom | NZD 3,100 | NZD 2,800 | NZD 2,050 | NZD 2,280 | NZD 3,800 |
These cities are some of the best places to live as an international student. You can opt for a shared apartment, residence halls or such to save more money. As a student your main concern is also paying your tuition fee and surviving in a new city. It may also happen that you’ll run out of your money because of some decision and it almost happens with every other student so you’ll have to ensure that you spend the entire amount very wisely. Since job opportunities are on rise in New Zealand, expats and families from around the world are moving to the country to build a great career and start a new life with all the world-class amenities provided by the government. If you are also looking for an accommodation in New Zealand, get in touch with experts at Udrus and the experts will help you find a safe accommodation which will fit under your budget and expectations.
New Zealand is home to 8 of the world’s top universities as per the QS World Rankings. The curriculum offered in the country is more inclined towards skilling the young generation to be industry ready upon course completion hence why students from all over the countries are attracted towards New Zealand. If you have decided to go to New Zealand, here’s our list of top universities where you can enroll to pursue the degree you’ve always wanted. Before we start, here are few factors that you should keep in mind-
The University of Auckland
Priorly known as Auckland University College, AU is the best university for students seeking employment directly after the course completion. There are more than 50,000 students enrolled in the different campuses of the university. The student body comprises 18% of international students which means more than 7,500 students from different countries. The university is also a great space for research scholars indulging in various fields of fundamental and applied research. The subject rankings allotted by QS World Rankings Subject 2020, 13 subjects offered at the university got the highest ranking among the 50 other universities worldwide. Archaeology received 25th ranking whereas Pharmacy and Education received 27th ranking each. The University of Auckland has produced hundreds of notable alumni who are working in reputed fields around the globe.
Visit the official website of the University of auckland
University of Canterbury
Founded in 1873, the CU is spread across lavish 190 acres including theaters, computer suites, four libraries, laboratories, and world-class lecture rooms. The university also holds 10 residence halls which can accommodate more than 2,500 students. There are 10+ bars, cafes and eateries within the campus. The University of Canterbury comprises of five colleges-
In the University of Canterbury there are more than 18,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. For students who are interested in the research field, there are 35+ research institutes. The university allows international students to pursue the courses from its partner academic institutions. The university has produced many notable alumni over the past years who are bringing laureates in every field.
Visit the University’s website from here.
Lincoln University
The university is highly regarded in terms of research and education facilities. The university is accredited by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Pacific Rim Real Estate Society, New Zealand Planning Institute, and Association of Chartered Certification Accountants. Lincoln University has three different faculties offering industry-focused programs. The Lincoln University offers specialization in different specialization such as-
Currently there are more than 3,000 students pursuing higher degree courses. 1,500 international students are also enrolled in Lincoln University from 50+ countries. There are more than 200 staff at the university with immense industry experience.
Click here to go to the University’s website.
Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious university with 17,000 students out of which there are 4,000 international students. Victoria University has around 40 research institutes and 1000 staff members producing the best students. The campus has a very developed transport system which connects students to the campus. The university also has three different campuses at Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro campus. The university is ranked 223 in QS Stars University Rating and received 5 stars each in discipline and accreditation, inclusiveness, teaching, research, arts and cultures, facilities, and employ-ability.
Click here to go to the University’s website.
 University of Otago
The University of Otago, established in 1869 offers degree programs in four different departments-
The university is also divided in four different campuses- Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. There are more than 50 programs offered at graduate, postgraduate and doctoral level. Over 18,000 students and 4,000+ staff members with rich industry experience makes the University of Otago one of the best in New Zealand. There are also 3,000+ international students enrolled in the university. The alumni network of the university is more than 100,000Â from 142 countries. The alumni are working in different parts of the world. The university is also ranked 184th by the QS World University Ranking.
Click here to go to the University’s website.
University of Waikato
The university was founded in 1964, and also has a satellite campus in Tauranga. The university is affiliated with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Quality Improvement System, Association of MBA, Association of Commonwealth Universities, and Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning. There are three libraries around the campus comparing thousands of rarest books which is basically a heaven for research scholars. There are seven different colleges comprising arts, mathematics, business, health, mass communication, management and engineering. Currently there are 12,500+ students enrolled in the campus, which consists of 2000+ international student body from different parts of the world. Did you know that Jacinda Arden, current Prime Minister of New Zealand is also an alumnus of University of Waikato?
The official website is here.
Massey University
Massey University is highly recognized for its contribution in the field of research and innovation. The university has three campuses which are situated at Auckland, Wellington and Palmerston North. Massey University is a very friendly place for international students. The program consists of an industry oriented curriculum that helps students to be industry ready upon completing the course. The university has strong industry links which helps students find amazing opportunities for internships and then a full-time job with high salary. The placement rate of universities is high and this is one of the main reasons why students are highly attracted to enroll in Massey University.
Here is the website: Massey University
Laidlaw College
Laidlaw college is the largest college, offering different certification and degree programs for students around the world. The college offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for all the students. The college also provides distance learning opportunities for students who want to opt for the distance learning courses.
Departments at Laidlaw College
This was our list of a few of the best private and public universities where you can go to study in New Zealand. These universities have the best placement and success rate. These universities have a good international student body. The universities are warm and friendly and very welcoming for international students. The international student support body will help students to accommodate in a new atmosphere and environment till they get accustomed to it. You can research about the course you want to pursue and check the curriculum of each university and then opt for the university. In case you require help from experts, get in touch with industry professionals at Udrus and reserve your seat to success in the best university in New Zealand. Udrus is your go-to expert in case of admission, moving to another country, finding accommodation and more.
Here is the website: Laidlaw
There are different types of student visas in New Zealand. You can apply for the visa that meets your requirements. Obtaining a visa for any country is a difficult task as there are different processes involved in verifying the identity of an individual. In New Zealand, there are four types of international visas-
Documents Required To Apply For A Student Visa-
Here is the list of valid documents required to submit while applying for a student visa-
Apply For Your Visa Online
To apply for a student visa online, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website. Ensure to apply 120 days prior to your departure date. Pay the fees when you submit the form and keep the receipt safe as you’ll need it later as a proof.
Scan all your documents and get a digital copy of your signature and photograph to submit it online wherever required. Convert them all in the PDF format.
What To Do If You Are Travelling With A Dependent?
If you are a student traveling to New Zealand to study, your spouse, children, and parents will get the visa for the same duration.
Your spouse, who is on a dependent visa with you, can work full-time if you also have a work visa but if you are on a student visa, and your spouse is on visitor’s visa, then they are not eligible to work.
If you want to study level 7 or any higher qualification on the New Zealand Qualification Framework in any area of skill shortage as mentioned or any postgraduate course.
New Zealand Student Visa Fee
Students who are applying for New Zealand student visas online will have to pay a visa fee of NZD 530. If you are applying for it offline, then you’ll have to pay NZD 461. You might have to check additional fees as there might be a receiving center amount allotted by them.
English Language Proficiency Test
To obtain your New Zealand student visa, you’ll have to prove evidence of English language proficiency. This is also to prove that you know that you are able to communicate and understand the locals in the country. For this, you’ll have to appear for either International English Language Testing System or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These tests are recognized by more than 15,000 organizations worldwide.
The lowest score accepted for admission in New Zealand is 5.5 in all the modules. If all this information seems overwhelming to you, you can reach out to us and our experts at Udrus, will help you in clearing the exam and achieve high scores.
Working On A Student Visa
Full-time students can work full-time in New Zealand for around 20 hours per week during the semester. International students can also work full hours during the semester break or holidays.
In your work experience, you cannot show it in your CV. Also, international students are not allowed to be self-employed.
Students pursuing masters and research work can work for full hours. Upon completion of your degree program, you’ll have to apply for a post study work visa to find a job and a work visa. You can visit the official immigration government site for further information.
New Zealand’s education system is one of the best in the world and has produced some of the world’s best leaders. Every year more than 80,000 students move to New Zealand to pursue higher education. Having 8 of the world’s best universities, the courses offered are in various fields. Many universities accept students with low scores as well to ensure that every student gets equal education opportunity. Many students who apply to universities in New Zealand are not aware of the admission process and requirements and miss out the deadline. Read ahead to find out all the information about necessary requirements and your checklist to be on top of your game.
Entry requirements to study in the New Zealand-
High School diploma certificates
In case you are applying for an undergraduate degree, you will have to submit your high school degree. It serves as proof that you are eligible to enroll in the degree program and that you’ve completed your previous education from a recognized school of your homeland.
Proof of UG/PG degree if you are applying for higher degree
Whichever degree you are applying for, if that is of master’s level, you’ll have to submit the degree of the previously done UG course to be eligible for admission.
Financial Proof
You’ll have to submit bank statements of the past 6 months to show that you are financially stable and can support yourself financially during your stay and study duration in New Zealand. You may also have to showcase the proof of fixed term deposit. If you are taking any study loan, ensure that it is from a multi-national bank or government bank. In case you are providing document proof that you have taken a loan, you’ll have to present these additional documents as well-
Statement Of Purpose
You’ll have to write an essay to convince the admission officer of the university as to why you want to enroll in that program and in that particular university. In this essay you’ll have to explain about your interests, aspirations, and goals. Add every achievement of yours to highlight your accomplishments as it will help you to get upper hand during admission.
Letter of Recommendation
The letter or recommendation helps the university to understand why you are an asset. Get the letter from your professor who has directly taught you or your previous employer. It will be the best if the letter comes from someone influential as to increase your charges of getting noticed.
Student Visa
A student visa allows you to commute from one country to another with all the permissions granted by the government. Connect with the embassy and get your student visa after you receive the acceptance letter from your preferred university.
Curriculum Vitae
Get help from an expert and create a detailed resume which will showcase all your previous work achievements. This document will be necessary if you are applying for a post graduate program, especially a business degree. Try to streamline all your previous education and job experience correctly and if possible, see if they are all relatable to the degree you are going to pursue.
Clothes
Clothes are important and you have to prioritize it. If you do not take the clothes as per the weather, you will have to purchase an entire new stock and it will cost you a lot. Even if the weather is not that extreme, change of places might make you feel different and not taking care of your health will make you fall really sick which will be a hindrance.
Currency
Converted currency is a really underrated requirement. Now you can get the converted currency from your home so ensure that you get it done in advance. It will help you instantly when you will land in New Zealand and you won’t have to go through the hassle of exchanging the currency every time you wish to buy something with cash.
Passport
From departure to arrival, a passport plays an essential role. You won’t be allowed to travel without a passport. The passport will also be required while filing for the visa. So please ensure that your passport is valid during the entire process. Many universities also require a passport serial number to verify your identity. Ideally, a passport is your identity proof in different countries. While travelling, keep your passport in your purse or hand luggage and not in your checked luggage.
Language Proficiency Test score
Language score is required to help prove that you are proficient and have efficient knowledge in the official language of New Zealand. For this, you might have to appear for a language proficiency test which will either be IELTS or TOEFL depending upon what your university accepts. Every university has set a score bar which you’ll have to achieve. It might range from 6.0 to 8.5 band. Check in with your university to understand what they require. You can also present any equivalent proof to showcase that you have studied English during your schooling. If you face any difficulty, you can connect with the experts at Udrus and get help related to the language proficiency verification. Types of the exams-
Medical Records
This is one of the most necessary requirements you’ll have to meet. During the visa process, you’ll be asked to submit your current health status. Even some of the universities also ask students to submit their medical certificates to show if they are fit to survive in the new country and are ready to take on the degree that they are intending to.
Passport Size Photographs
Get yourself an updated passport size picture of yours and keep it with yourself all the time. Photography might be required digitally or physically so it is best that you can keep it in both the formats. Few universities asked the photographs to later use it in different forms as well, so it is for the best to get a few extra copies of the picture as well.
Healthcare Insurance
It is mandatory to get an active healthcare plan before entering in New Zealand to avail all the health benefits offered by the government. Also, insurance will help you to cover all the expenses in case a tragedy falls.
Students from all over the world are now moving to New Zealand to complete their education. The spell-bindingly beautiful country is filled with welcoming and friendly people. The education system, globally accredited degrees and plenty of research opportunities make New Zealand, a heaven for scholars. While going for higher degrees in the country, you can be assured that the international support system will help you whenever you face any trouble or difficulty understanding any rules or to get mingle with society. Here are few top reasons why you should consider New Zealand to be your top study destination-
Excellent teaching pedagogy
New Zealand is heavily influenced by the United Kingdom’s education system, hence the strong focus on research opportunities. Due to this the pedagogy also includes research-based teaching which will help you study in a really organized manner. You will get ample opportunities to learn and grow as a team and independently via project work.
Globally accredited degrees
Most of the universities in New Zealand rank highest on the QS World Rankings which boasts of the quality education system. The degrees from the prestigious universities open the door to a plethora of opportunities in any part of the world. Apart from this, the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) ensures that all the academic institutions are eligible and registered to accept international students and comply with all the mandatory education standards.
Abundant scope for research scholars
The availability of immensely experienced scholars and world-class infrastructure enables New Zealand to provide a plethora of opportunities for students interested in the field of research. This has helped the country to emerge as a latest hub of technologies, development and help bring revolution in many fields including geology, healthcare, physics, computer science, astrology, agriculture and more.
Superior quality of life
The multi-cultural environment, and extremely diverse student body provides the most peaceful and superior life quality for everyone. The land or scenic beauty is also a widely famous tourist destination for everyone. The huge influx of students and tourists every year has made New Zealand accept everyone with open arms and heart. Living in New Zealand will help you become independent, understand the value of different cultures and the harmony that exists with peace.
Opportunity to earn while studying
Students in New Zealand get the opportunity to earn while completing their studies to help themselves finally. You can work for 20 hours every week while your semester is going on! If you are on break, you can work full time with any issue. Also if you are a research student you can work full time.
Lower tuition fees
The tuition fees in New Zealand is comparatively low in the country in comparison to other countries. The domestic students can study for free in their first year. The fees also depend on the type of course you are opting for! The tuition fees for humanities, arts, and the education field will be extremely lower whereas engineering, and medicine are really high. Master of Business Administration is extremely high and the highest rate of success.