New Zealand

Study or Settle in New Zealand

Over the years, New Zealand has been emerging as an attractive destination for international students. Attractive not just in terms of the quality of education, but also in natural beauty (Yes, Middle Earth is real!) It is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands. The two main islands (the North Island, or Te Ika-a-Māui, and the South Island, or Te Waipounamu) are separated by Cook Strait, 22 kilometres (14 mi) wide at its narrowest point. Boats docked in blue-green water. Plate glass skyscrapers rising up in the background. Waterfront along Auckland CBD, a major hub of economic activity New Zealand has a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$36,254. The currency is the New Zealand dollar, informally known as the “Kiwi dollar”

Level Qualification Type In New Zealand 

  • 1-4 Certificates
  • 5-6 Diplomas/Bachelor/ Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates
  • 7 Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates
  • 8 Bachelor Honours Degree
  • 9 Master’s Degree
  • 10 Doctoral Degree
 

Why Study in New Zealand?

  • The People Kiwis are some of the most amazing, loving, and welcoming people that you will ever meet. If you are a stranger, a native New Zealander is going to treat you like you are a friend. They are used to meeting new people, first because they travel a lot themselves, and also because a lot of people come to visit New Zealand as well. The culture on the islands is quite laid back and easy going, as well.
  • The Weather Nothing can get better than the weather in New Zealand. The winters are mild, with temperatures around 10ºC (50ºF) and slightly wet. In higher altitudes, you will see snow, but it’s not common in lower altitudes. In the summers, the climate is warm and dry with temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF).
  • The Educational System This is the number one reason to go anywhere for school, but New Zealand is amazing for their educational system. First, the tuition is some of the lowest in the world. You get a British-based education (due to their British influences) for a percentage of the cost. The degrees are recognized around the world as being up-to-date and practical. You will get a high quality, hands on education that you deserve.
  • Never run out of things to do This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who looks for adventure. In New Zealand, there are literally thousands of things to do. There are always new things to do . The scenery is different depending on where you go; you could drive an hour and have a completely different geography. We’ll look at this more in our sports and recreation section.
  • Work opportunities There are plenty of work opportunities available for international students. On a student visa, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week through the semester; during vacations you can work up to 40 hours.
  • Ease of visa acquisition and residency The visa acquisition process is incredibly simple, and unlike many other countries, you will not be rejected right away. You get to talk to people and tell them your side of the story if there is something that may prevent you from getting a visa to come into the country.

Student Accommodation

Whilst studying in New Zealand you will need somewhere to live. Many students live on campus in Halls of Residence, while others opt for a home stay with a local family, or live with friends (or strangers) in a rented ‘flat’ (apartment/house). Here is some information on options for student accommodation in New Zealand. Flatting/Independent Accommodation

New Zealand’s Education System

  • New Zealand’s education is based on the British system and, hence, is recognized worldwide.
  • A bachelor degree can be completed in three years, and a school year lasts two to three semesters. New Zealand’s government directly controls and finances the country’s 20 polytechnics and eight universities. This ensures compliance with state standards. The eight New Zealand universities are: Massey University, University of Waikato, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury Victoria, University of Wellington, University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology Lincoln University. Each of these universities has a core profile. For instance, the University of Otago is known for training specialists in the field of medicine, and the University of Auckland nurtures entrepreneurs and businessmen.
  • However, while keeping their core profiles intact, all universities offer an extensive list of courses and training programs.

How to Apply

  • Step 1:(Select the right visa)
  • Choose the visa category appropriate for the purpose of your travel to New Zealand
  • Step 2: (Gather Supporting Documents)
  • Your visa application will require supporting documentation. For a list of the supporting documentation required for your visa
  • Ensure that you gather together the required supporting documentation prior to coming in to the visa application centre to submit your visa application.
  • Arrange for visa fee and service fee payment.
  • Ensure that acceptable photo graph is attached with each application.
  • Step 3: (Submit Application)
  • You can apply either in person or via courier at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre. While submitting the visa application either in person or courier: submit your application form along with the required documents mentioned in the checklist
  • Ensure that the right payment for visa application fee and service fee are made via acceptable payment methods.
  • Step 4: (Receive Acknowledgement/Receipt)
  • Upon successful lodgement of your applications, a receipt/acknowledgement would be generated/provided. An email would be sent to the applicant/authorized representative confirming receipt of the visa application.
  • Step 5: (Check You Status Online)
  • Paper based Application lodged at the VAC:
  • To track paper based applications submitted to a TT Services VAC please visit www.ttsnzvisa.com.
  • Immigration ONLINE:
  • To track your Immigration Online application progress

Spouse Visa Requirements for Students In New Zealand

The full time international students in New Zealand are also allowed to bring their spouse or partners in New Zealand. Spouse visa is also called as partner or partnership visa in New Zealand.
What are the criteria for the Spouse/Partner visa in New Zealand?

  • Partner should be either of 18 years of age or have guardian’s permission on application.
  • Both partners should know each other prior to the application made.
  • If married to or living in close relationship with a New Zealand partner, there should be evidence of such relationship of past 12 month before application made. In case of less than 12 months evidence of stable relationship is required.
  • They should not be close relatives.
  • Health fitness approval
  • Character certificate

Work Opportunities 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.

Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand

There are a variety of popular job sectors in New Zealand in which international applicants can apply for a job opportunity. Some of these popular job sectors of New Zealand are as follows:

  • Agriculture & Forestry

  • Education

  • Engineering

  • Construction

  • Business & Finance

  • Health & Social Services

  • Oil & Gas

  • Science

  • Trade

  • ICT & Electronics

  • Transport 

Average Salary in New Zealand – By Job

The estimated median salary for an individual working full-time in New Zealand is NZD 55,500. Some of the highest salary-drawing professions in New Zealand are as follows:

Top Job Roles in New Zealand 

Average Annual Salary

C Level Executive

NZD 131,650

Dentist 

NZD 89,400

Data Scientist 

NZD 89,000

Finance Manager

NZD 74,000

Operations Manager

NZD 71,000

IT Manager

NZD 69,400

Physician 

NZD 64,800

Chemical Engineer 

NZD 60,500

Attorney 

NZD 58,500

Teacher 

NZD 40,000

To study in New Zealand, you need an acceptance from a recognized educational institution, proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, and to meet health and character requirements. You must have a valid passport and obtain a student visa.

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduation, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa to gain relevant work experience in New Zealand.

Pathways to permanent residency include applying under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), gaining work experience with a post-study work visa, and securing a job offer from a New Zealand employer.

Tuition fees range from NZD 22,000 to NZD 37,000 per year, while living expenses average around NZD 15,000 to NZD 20,000 annually, depending on your location and lifestyle.

There are several accommodation options for international students in New Zealand:

  • University Accommodation: Many universities offer on-campus housing, including dormitories and shared apartments.
  • Private Rentals: Renting a house or apartment privately, either alone or shared with other students.
  • Homestay: Living with a New Zealand family, which can provide a supportive environment and a chance to experience Kiwi culture firsthand.
  • Student Hostels: Affordable and often centrally located, offering a community atmosphere and convenience.
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