Study in New Zealand

New Zealand, Maori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. New Zealand is a remote land—one of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settled—and lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbor. The country comprises two main islands—the North and South Islands—and a number of small islands, some of them hundreds of miles from the main group. The capital city is Wellington and the largest urban area Auckland; both are located on the North Island. New Zealand administers the South Pacific island group of Tokelau and claims a section of the Antarctic continent. Niue and the Cook Islands are self-governing states in free association with New Zealand.\

New Zealand is a land of great contrasts and diversity. Active volcanoes, spectacular caves, deep glacier lakes, verdant valleys, dazzling fjords, long sandy beaches, and the spectacular snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the South Island—all contribute to New Zealand’s scenic beauty. New Zealand also has a unique array of vegetation and animal life, much of which developed during the country’s prolonged isolation. It is the sole home, for example, of the long-beaked, flightless kiwi, the ubiquitous nickname for New Zealanders.

New Zealand was the largest country in Polynesia when it was annexed by Great Britain in 1840. Thereafter it was successively a crown colony, a self-governing colony (1856), and a dominion (1907). By the 1920s it controlled almost all of its internal and external policies, although it did not become fully independent until 1947, when it adopted the Statute of Westminster. It is a member of the Commonwealth.

The ascent of Mount Everest by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953 was one of the defining moments of the 20th century. “In some ways,” Hillary suggested, “I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed.”

Despite New Zealand’s isolation, the country has been fully engaged in international affairs since the early 20th century, being an active member of a number of intergovernmental institutions, including the United Nations. It has also participated in several wars, including World Wars I and II. Economically the country was dependent on the export of agricultural products, especially to Great Britain. The entry of Britain into the European Community in the early 1970s, however, forced New Zealand to expand its trade relations with other countries. It also began to develop a much more extensive and varied industrial sector. Tourism has played an increasingly important role in the economy, though this sector has been vulnerable to global financial instability.

Weather in New Zealand

The climate of New Zealand is varied due to the country’s diverse landscape. Most regions of New Zealand belong to the temperate zone with a maritime climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfb) characterized by four distinct seasons. The main contributing factors are the Pacific Ocean and latitude, although the mountain ranges can cause significant climate variations in locations barely tens of kilometers from each other. Conditions vary from extremely wet on the West Coast of the South Island to almost semi-arid in Central Otago and subtropical in Northland.

Rainfall

Most cities receive between 620 mm or 24 in (as in Christchurch) and 1,317 mm or 51.9 in (Whangarei) of precipitation annually.[2] Rainfall is normally distributed evenly throughout the year in most parts of the country, especially in the South Island. Northern and eastern parts of the country, including Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington see a slight winter maximum consistent with a Mediterranean climate. Summer and autumn maxima can be found in places closer to the southwest, such as Invercargill and Milford Sound.

How much rain a place receives is highly dependent on topography. The Southern Alps, the North Island Volcanic Plateau and surrounding ranges can produce large variation in rainfalls in places barely tens of kilometres apart. Milford Sound receives over 6,700 mm of the rainfall a year on average while barely 100 km away Alexandra in Central Otago receives only slightly greater than 300 mm annually, giving it a borderline oceanic/semi-arid climate.[3] Air laden with water vapour from the ocean is pushed from the west in response to Earth’s rotation. This weather circulates the southern seas largely unimpeded by land until is reaches the Southern Alps. The humid westerly wind is forced up over the mountains, at cooler elevation water condenses and falls as snow or rain. This orographic rain explains the huge difference in conditions between the wet west and dry east of the South Island. 

Snowfall

Snow falls in New Zealand’s South Island and at higher altitudes in the North Island. It is extremely rare at sea level in the North Island. Snow is more common inland in both main islands, though snow to sea level does occur on average once or twice per year in the central and southern South Island.

Temperature

As with many islands in the world, the influence of the ocean curtails any extremes in coastal temperature. The greater temperature ranges are found in the interior of the Canterbury and Otago regions, and especially Central Otago. Central Otago and inland Canterbury’s Mackenzie Basin have the closest New Zealand has to continental climates, being generally drier (due in part to föhn winds) and less directly modified by the ocean. These areas can experience summer temperatures in the low 30s °C (high 80s/low 90s °F) and snow and severe frosts in winter, the latter exacerbated by hoar frosts in the river valleys and basins.

Annual mean temperature

Mean annual temperatures range from 10 °C (50 °F) in the south to 16 °C (61 °F) in the north. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. Generally, there are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures. An example of this is Auckland which has a variation of just 9 °C or 16 °F between the average mid-winter high temperature (14.7 °C or 58.5 °F) and average mid-summer high temperature (23.7 °C or 74.7 °F). Temperature variation throughout the day is also relatively small. The exception to this is inland areas and to the east of the ranges with daily variations that can be over 25 °C and differences of up to 14 °C between the average summer and winter high temperatures. Temperatures also drop about 0.7 °C or 1.3 °F for every 100 m of altitude.

Northern cities such as Auckland, Whangarei, and Tauranga experience mean yearly maxima of between 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) and mean yearly minima of around 11–12 °C (52–54 °F). Eastern cities on the North Island such as Gisborne, Napier, and Hastings also have mean yearly maxima of between 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) but have slightly lower yearly mean minima of around 9–10 °C (48–50 °F). The two largest cities on the South Island, Christchurch and Dunedin, have mean yearly maxima of 17.3 °C (63.1 °F) and 14.6 °C (58.3 °F) and yearly mean minima of 7.3 °C (45.1 °F) and 7.6 °C (45.7 °F) respectively.

Summer

Daily maximum temperatures are normally in the mid to low 20s (°C) over most of the country. They are higher in northern, eastern and interior part of the country; Hastings is the warmest city on average with 25.5 °C followed by Gisborne with 24.9 °C and Napier with 24.5 °C. Eastern parts of the South Island are highly susceptible to the norwester, a Fohn wind which can result in temperatures going into the high 30s and even the low 40s. Rangiora in Canterbury holds the record maximum of 42.4 °C recorded in 1973, with Christchurch recording 41.6 °C in that same year. More recently, Timaru reached 41.3 °C on Waitangi Day in 2011. Due to these winds, the cooler South Island cities such as Dunedin and Christchurch have higher all-time record temperatures than places further north such as Wellington, Auckland and Whangarei.

Winter

Winter temperatures are much milder in New Zealand compared to other areas of similar latitude, with the exception of the Central Otago and Mackenzie Basin regions mentioned above. Maxima are generally 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) in the North Island, decreasing as one goes further south or inland. The South Island is a bit cooler, with maximum temperatures around 7–12 °C (45–54 °F), though sometimes lower. The lowest temperature ever recorded was −25.6 °C (−14.1 °F) at Ranfurly in Otago in 1903, with a more recent temperature of −21.6 °C (−6.9 °F) recorded in 1995 in nearby Ophir.

Lifestyle

New Zealanders enjoy a balanced lifestyle with great career opportunities and plenty of time for recreational activities. Outdoor activities are abundant, including water sports, snow sports, extreme sports, as well as some of the most beautiful walks in the world.

New Zealand has a lively arts and culture scene, with plenty of opportunities to take in musical events, theatre, film and comedy. Kiwis enjoy access to some of the world’s best food and wine, and we’re famous for our good old fashioned kiwi hospitality.

Amazing Weather All Year

New Zealand benefits from a temperate and mild climate all year, meaning that there are more days of sunshine than rain. During the winter months, the North Island stays warm and sunny while the South Island can be covered in snow. Nature lovers will enjoy the endless outdoor activities the country has to offer, regardless of the season. Skiing down a mountain in the morning and surfing in the afternoon is definitely possible in New Zealand.

Untouched Nature

Have you ever watched “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” and admired the natural scenery? Did you know the movies were shot in New Zealand? There are still so many untouched and rugged places, even just a few kilometers outside of big cities. You will feel like an explorer setting foot there for the first time. For a small country, New Zealand has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. You will find untouched beaches, rainforests, deserts, fjords, glaciers, and mountains.

A Quiet Life with Excellent Work-Life Balance

Life in New Zealand is quiet and relaxed. Big cities are not overcrowded and if you live in the countryside your neighbor’s home might be kilometers away from you. The population density in New Zealand is 18 people per square kilometer (47 people per square mile). In comparison, the UK has a population density of 281 inhabitants per square kilometer (727 per square mile).

The fact that there are not many people you might cross paths with on your daily walk is not the main reason life is quiet and laidback. A healthy balance between work and play is encouraged and working overtime is a rarity in New Zealand. That does not mean that New Zealanders are lazy or unsuccessful. As a less achievement-oriented society, they see everyone as equal regardless of their type of profession or wealth.

Friendly and Welcoming People

Kiwis are generally friendly people, with a laidback and positive attitude towards life. Compared to European countries, New Zealand is still a young country. Even Māori, the country’s native inhabitants, have only been living on the island for about 800 years. Like many other countries, New Zealand bears the scars of colonization with a society almost entirely composed of immigrants. Kiwis however, don’t delve in the past. They are open-minded, friendly and welcoming of other nationalities and cultures.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship

According to New Zealand’s laws, there is very little difference between being a permanent resident and having citizenship. Permanent residents can vote, leave and re-enter the country at any time, and have access to state-subsidized healthcare and education.

Work Opportunities

Due to the fast-growing economy and the low population density, the economic market is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in many fields, such as IT, finance, healthcare, and tourism. To fill these positions, New Zealand has relaxed its immigration rules and welcomes workers, entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses. If you need more information on how to find a job or set up a business in New Zealand, consult our Working in New Zealand guide.

Accessible Healthcare

In New Zealand, everyone is entitled to government-subsidized healthcare regardless of their residency status. Even non-residents with a temporary visa have access to the country’s excellent medical care, although they sometimes have to pay extra fees. Please keep in mind that dental care costs for adults are not included in the public healthcare program. If you want to know more about the healthcare system.

Top-Notch Education

The public education system in New Zealand is known for being one of the best worldwide. It is also free-of-charge, except for uniforms, books, and meals. Some schools also require individual annual donation fees.

Low Crime Rate

According to the InterNations 2019 Expat Insider Index New Zealand places 14 as one of the safest countries for expats. The crime rate in New Zealand is extremely low compared to elsewhere in the world. New Zealand even ranked second in both the 2019 Global Peace Index and in the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index. Political scandals are minor compared to other countries.

Practical Information

New Zealand is surrounded by mountains, rainforests, fjords, and sandy beaches, making it a popular expat destination. The population is diverse, too, with most of them being expats themselves. The main language spoken in New Zealand is English. However, the country does have Māori as a second official language.

• Country Name: New Zealand, Aotearoa (Māori)
• Government Type: unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Climate: temperate maritime
• Capital: Wellington
• Official Languages: English, Māori, New Zealand sign language
• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD, $)
• Time Zones: UTC+12, Summer UTC+13
• Country Calling Code: +64
• Driving: left side
• Voltage: 240 V / 50 Hz
• Recommended Vaccinations: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (or chickenpox), polio, flu shot
• Emergency Number: 111

Education

Education in New Zealand is free between ages 5 and 19; it is compulsory between ages 6 and 16. In practice, almost all children enter primary school at age five, although many of them have already begun their education in preschools, all of which are subsidized by the state. Education is administered by the Ministry of Education. Elected boards of trustees control all of the primary and secondary state schools. There are also more than 100 private primary and secondary schools, most of them run by the Roman Catholic Church or some other religious group. They may apply to receive state subsidies and must meet certain standards of teaching and accommodation. State primary schools are coeducational, but there are still many single-sex secondary schools. Most private secondary schools are single-sex.

Universities, polytechnics, and private training establishments make up the higher-education sector. There are eight universities—including the University of Otago, Dunedin (1869), the University of Canterbury (1873), the University of Auckland (1883), and Victoria University of Wellington (1899). There are some two dozen polytechnic institutes, among them Open Polytechnic, which provides certificate- and degree-level education via distance learning throughout New Zealand and in other countries.

Students pay partial tuition fees but can borrow the cost of these fees from the government, which also subsidizes tuition costs by direct grants to polytechnics and universities. The fees that institutions may charge students are limited by the government. Entry to the universities has traditionally been open, with admission based on school-leaving qualifications or, in the case of mature students, age. However, the rising cost of tertiary education, along with caps on tuition fees and government constraints on the number of students it will fund, has led to more-stringent admission requirements, especially for degree study.

Education has been strongly emphasized since the early years of the colony, and virtually the entire population is literate. A correspondence school caters to primary- and secondary-level students living in remote places, and various continuing education and adult education centers provide opportunities for lifelong education.

Why study in New Zealand?

• Globally recognized excellent education system.
• High ranked universities and colleges.
• Variety of study options.
• Opportunity to scholarships and discounts.
• International student protection policies for safety and wellbeing.
• Affordable payment schemes.
• English speaking environment and multi -cultural atmosphere.
• State of the art technologies & modern know how 
• Eligible to work 20 hours per week while studying.
• Full time work during summer holidays and semester breaks 
• Up to three-year post -study work visa.
• Opportunity to accompany spouse and children 
• Spouse eligible for full time work permit if the student is studying masters (Level 9) or a level 8 program in the skill shortage list.
• If the dependent get full time work visa children will get the domestic rates for education.
• Pathway for permanent residency under skill migration category as per the law 

Auckland- Hamilton -wellington -Christchurch -Dunedin Invercargill -Nelson -Queenstown.

Universities in New Zealand

AUT University –https://www.aut.ac.nz/

Victoria university Wellington –https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/

University OTAGO –https://www.otago.ac.nz/

University of Lincoln – https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/

Polytechnics 

ARA institute of canterbury –https://www.ara.ac.nz/

EIT -eastern institute of technology –https://www.eit.ac.nz/c

Manukau Institute of technology –https://www.manukau.ac.nz/

Nmit -Nelson Marlborough institute of technology –https://www.nmit.ac.nz

North Tec – https://www.northtec.ac.nz/

OTAGO polytechnic – https://www.op.ac.nz/

Southern Institute of Technology –https://www.sit.ac.nz/

Tai Poutini Polytechnic –https://www.tpp.ac.nz/

Open polytechnic –https://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/

Unitec New Zealand –https://www.unitec.ac.nz/

TOI-OHOMAI institute of technology-https://www.toiohomai.ac.nz/

UCOL-Universal college of learning –https://www.ucol.ac.nz/

WITT -Western institute of technology –https://www.witt.ac.nz/

Private Colleges:

PBRS -New Zealand specialist hospitality training institute https://www.pbrs.ac.nz/c

Elite school of beauty & spa – https://www.elitebeautyschool.co.nz/

International Aviation Academy –https://flighttraining.co.nz/

Eagle flight training –https://www.eaglesflight.com/

Auckland Institute of studies – https://www.ais.ac.nz/

Nzma-https://www.nzma.ac.nz/

Aspire2 –https://aspire2international.ac.nz/

Job Opportunities

Getting a part-time job while you study can help you pay your living expenses, meet new people and learn about the New Zealand workplace. It’s also a great way to practice your English.

New Zealand student visas usually allow full-time students to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. This applies to both secondary school and tertiary students. Research master’s and PhD students can work 40 hours a week all year round. 

Check your student visa – it will show if (and when) you are allowed to work. You can find out more about working on a student visa on Education New Zealand’s  

How much will I be paid? 

You will be paid at least the minimum wage of NZ$18.90 an hour, though you may earn more than this. You will also be paid for annual and public holidays, and for rest breaks.

Will I pay tax? 

You will pay tax on what you earn. The current tax rate is 10.5% if you earn less than NZ$14,000 a year. Before you start working you need to get an IRD number from New Zealand’s tax department, Inland Revenue. You can apply for a number online. 

How can I find part-time work?

Your education provider may be able to help you find work – talk to student support services. 

What part-time jobs can I get?

International students do all kinds of part-time jobs, from babysitting to working in their education provider’s library. The jobs you are most likely to find include:

• Retail sales assistant:  Many Kiwi stores offer part-time work to students. You will help customers choose products and take payment from them, and also deal with stock and cleaning. Most New Zealand stores close by 6pm, but you may have to work on Saturday and Sunday.
  
• Seasonal worker: Seasonal work is available in orchards and vineyards harvesting and preparing fruit and vegetables for sale. You don’t need any particular skills to be a seasonal worker, which is a popular job for students over the summer break. 
  
• Supermarket assistant: Supermarkets provide employment to people from many different countries and they often employ students to work on weekends and in the evening. You can do a range of jobs from stacking shelves to working on the checkout.  
  
• Waiter/waitress: Thousands of Kiwi students work in the hospitality industry and it’s a good job for international students too – particularly if you speak good English. There is a no tipping culture in New Zealand, but you may be given a free meal during your shift.
  
• Kitchenhand: Kitchenhands wash dishes or do simple food preparation. Be prepared to work hard!
  
• Bartender: You need to be 18 to become a bartender. You’ll also need excellent English language skills and to enjoy talking to strangers. Bartending is usually an evening job and you may not finish till after midnight.
  
• Call center worker: Call center work is great for fitting in around your academic schedule but it does require good English.

Cost of living in New Zealand

In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment. No matter what your tuition or course fee is, the average living expense will be same for everyone. Please note that these amounts are just recommendations, Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year plus return airfare or additional $2,000.

General Expenses	Cost (NZD)
Rent (per month)	$800–$950
Groceries (per week)	$100–$150
Gym membership (per year	$300
Entertainment (per week)	$50
Lunch from University food hall or campus café	$7–$12
Local calls made from a cell-phone	$0.50–$1.50
Movie ticket	$10–$14
Visit to doctor	$45–$85
Taxi – 5 km ride	$10–$12

Other Costs

You may have additional expenses during your study years. These include, costs of textbooks and stationery, medical costs and dental appointments, quarterly or yearly insurance fee, weather-appropriate clothing, weekend trips. These costs will differ from individual to individual as there is no generalization.

Visa Requirements

Making study and travel plans before you apply

To qualify for a student visa, you’ll need:

• to be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
• proof you have enough money to live on while you’re in NZ, and
• a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you have enough money to buy one.

Choosing a course

Find a programme of study or qualification that suits you.

From postgraduate degrees to short-term English language courses, there’s a qualification to suit you. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the type of course, where you study and how long you study for.

Diplomas/Certificates

Choose a course to suit your budget. For example, study for a two-year New Zealand Diploma in Engineering for $18,500 or a one-term Certificate in Computing for $12,425.

Bachelor’s degree

Fees range from about $22,000 to $32,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. Many bachelor’s degrees can be completed in three years.

Postgraduate degree

Fees range from about $26,000 to $37,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science.

PhDs

International PhD students pay the same as New Zealand PhD students, which is about $6,500 to $9,000 per year for most subjects.

English language requirements

To gain your New Zealand student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognized by more than 10,000 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

The minimum IELTS score required for your New Zealand student visa is 5.5 band in each module.

Documentation required for New Zealand’s Fee-Paying student visa

To apply for a visa to New Zealand, you will generally need:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand
• A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand education provider, which states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee and whether the tuition fee is in domestic and foreign currency. The course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if you’re under 18 years)
• A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one

Some additional documentation may include:

• Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates
• Current application form – student visa application form
• Visa application fee
• Tuition fee receipt showing payment to date
• Passport-sized photographs
• You may also have to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$ 15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month*. This may include:

• Scholarship programs
• Bank statements
• Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs
• Evidence that you are leaving New Zealand after the completion of your course. This can be in the form of flight tickets, however, it is optional
• A police certificate if you are aged 17 years or over and plan to study for more than 24 months. A police certificate is a document that is used as evidence of good character
• An X-ray certificate – you will need to have a chest x-ray if you are staying in New Zealand for more than six months, or if you’re a citizen of a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, or if you’ve spent more than three months in the last five years in a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis