Study in New Zealand

New Zealand

In 2022, around 120,000 international students were enrolled across eight New Zealand universities along with its ITPs and PTEs. out of these 120,000 students, only 2,664 were Indian-origin students. With 20,000+ vacancies opening up each year, studying in New Zealand for international students has become one of the preferred choices. The introduction of Green List Occupations in New Zealand after the pandemic has also encouraged international students to study in New Zealand and apply for full-time job roles.
Why Study in New Zealand?
There are top reasons which encourage international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, both including academic as well as post-study work options. From being lower in terms of studying costs, availability of numerous scholarships to ease of finding a job and working while in New Zealand are some of the major reasons along with the following ones as well:
• The learning experience in New Zealand is qualitative and easier for Indian students to learn in that model.
• Also, the cost of living in New Zealand is lower than the cost of living in Australia by almost 12%.
• Pursuing higher education and research in New Zealand is propitious for international students with various benefits of PR, stipends and cost of living exemption.
• All qualifications of New Zealand are globally recognised, thus, international students can work anywhere in the world.
• Healthcare and Engineering sectors which hire skilled workers are bound to be paid higher than those in Australia by almost 25%.

Education System

Education System in New Zealand
For higher education in New Zealand has designated different institutions or levels for education. These institutions vary depending upon their nature of education provision or the kind of courses they teach to students in New Zealand. The table below throws more light on the different types of further education as offered in New Zealand to both international and domestic students:
• Technical & Vocational Education: These institutions are for those students who are studying at the Senior Secondary school level, plus also those, who can pursue a course and specialize in, in order to earn a living.
• Youth Guarantee: These courses are for students aged between 16-19. Gives them an opportunity to study NCEA Level 1-3 or Certificate Level 1-3 which are tertiary courses provided free of cost.
• Trades Academies: These academies run through schools and other education providers and teach trades and technology-related programmes to students aged between 15-18.
• Institutes of Technology: These are government or industry-funded institutions which offer basic or introductory courses in vocational education.
• Private Training: Such training institutions offer specific vocational courses at both certificate and diploma levels.
• Universities: There are eight state-funded Universities in New Zealand offering a variety of courses across all major subjects.

Popular Courses

Top Courses in New Zealand
Some of the top courses in New Zealand are offered in areas of management & business, engineering, medicine, social sciences and science-related subjects. Popular courses in New Zealand for international students are as follows:
• MBA
• Information Technology
• Supply Chain Management
• MBBS
• Graphic Designing
• Computer Science
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
The cost of studying in New Zealand is based on the level, of course, the applicant wishes to pursue. Indian students can expect to pay between INR 8 to INR 25 lakhs per annum on average for bachelor’s courses. The following is a level-wise course fee analysis in New Zealand as offered to Indian students and international students as well:
Level of Education in New Zealand — Costs Per Year — Costs for Indian Students
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree — NZD 22,000 – NZD 32,000 — INR 10.38 Lakhs – 16.61 Lakhs
Postgraduate Master’s Degree — NZD 26,000 – NZD 37,000 — INR 13.50 Lakhs – 19.21 Lakhs
Doctoral Degree — NZD 6,500 – NZD 9,000 — INR 3.37 Lakhs – 4.67 Lakhs

Student Visa Process

New Zealand Student Visa
Indian students who get a confirmation letter for enrolment at New Zealand universities or PTEs for admission can then apply for a student visa. One application for a student visa in New Zealand costs Indian students INR 1,010 (NZD 430) if students choose to apply online. 90% of the student visa application forms in New Zealand are assessed within 53 working days, while the average timeframe for assessing a student visa application is 19 days.
Student Visa Requirements for New Zealand
For an application to be considered complete, a New Zealand student visa application requires the following proofs and documents along:
• Passport copy / 2 passport-sized photos
• Police verification certificate
• Supporting true intentions of entering New Zealand to study
• Admission offers from the respective education provider in New Zealand
• Evidence of funding education
• Medical and travel insurance

Earning and Spending

Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand
In order to apply for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, international students must fulfil the following criteria:
• Should have studied a Level 7 degree qualification or,
• Should have studied non-degree qualification below Level 7, but the qualification must be listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa list.
• Having a job related to study subjects would be mandatory if applying through the non-degree Level 7 option.
Applicants who applied for their student visa on or before May 11, 2022, would be eligible for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, even if their qualifications are not enlisted on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list. But, it is mandatory to have an acceptable qualification while applying for a PSW in New Zealand.
Job Prospects in New Zealand
There are good chances of finding a job in New Zealand, the reason being that over 20,000+ vacancies open up each year. More and more job opportunities are available for international students to bridge the unemployment gap. In 2022 the unemployment rate as last recorded in the September quarter was 3.3%. Along with this, it was also noted that the wages have also gone up for those working in New Zealand by an average of 2.5% per annum.