Study in New Zealand

New Zealand in recent years has become a popular study abroad destination among Nepalese students.Followings are reasons why New Zealand is a popular study abroad destination among Nepalese and international students:

1. Qualifications Globally Recognized

Students who have studied are earning a reputation of being called innovative thinkers and are being addressed as “The New World Class”. It has a progressive education system with state of art facilities. Qualifications are internationally recognized. There are wide range of study opportunities, including state administered primary, secondary schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and private training establishments. The NZQA assures the quality of programme offered by state institutions and a private establishment, which in turn ensures that programmes offered in New Zealand, maintains international recognition.

2. Equally strong focus on Academics and Welfare

Most of the universities have been taking International students for the last 50 – 60 years and hence have gained a multicultural/national perspective offering a balanced curriculum which finds relevance in work places around the world. The same perspective enables it to offer excellent welfare services to students from around the world. The polytechnics in NZ are known for the programs which are “Read to Enter the Job Markets”.

3. “BEST OF BOTH WORLDS” qualifications.

The best thing about studying in NZ is that the expenses involved are comparatively less than the other major destinations viz. USA, UK, Canada or Australia. In fact it is almost 50% less than that of USA and UK. Coupled with the lesser costs and International recognition of its qualification, NZ essentially offers “Best of Both Worlds” qualifications. Kiwi Life : Even though the country might be small the people think big. The people popularly known as Kiwi’s are renowned for their hospitality and their love for sports and the outdoors.

4. Migration and Job search Opportunity

Students are given a visa to search for a job after completion of their course and also have a good opportunity to migrate.

5. English widely spoken

As English is the day-to-day language in NZ, Nepalese students find it very easy to study, live and interact in NZ. Moreover the NZ accent is easy to understand.

6. Excellent Climatic Conditions

New Zealand enjoys temperate climate which is moderated by the sea’s surrounding it. This results in mild summers and cool winters. This excellent climate encourages all sorts of outdoor sports and activities. One can indulge in sports as varied from Football, cricket to White water rafting and Bungee jumping. In fact it is widely accepted fact that NZ enjoys one of the most favorable climates in the world. It enjoys the four distinct seasons, viz, summer (Nov. to March), autumn (March to June), winter (June to Sept.) & spring (Sept. to Nov.) & hence people enjoy high quality living conditions.

7. Clean, Green and Safe Country

New Zealand offers a safe learning environment. It is the first country in the world to declare itself as a nuclear free zone. The environment is green, clean and uncrowded with a small populations and wide open spaces.

8. Code of Practice

A code of practice that ensures protection of international student’s welfare by all education providers came into force in 2002. Only signatories to the code will be allowed to enroll international students. Ensuring that New Zealand education providers act fairly and reasonably when recruiting students, the Code gives prospective students that they can trust the institution in which they choose to enroll.

Universities in New Zealand

University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition to the British university system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally co-ordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and program level, each university undertakes internal quality checks. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Sports-Science, Biotechnology, Architecture etc. Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees are offered by all New Zealand universities. A range of under graduate and postgraduate diplomas is also available, along with honors programs (usually requiring an additional year of study).

Polytechnics in New Zealand

New Zealand Polytechnics, and Institutes of Technology, are state funded and provide education and training at all levels ranging from introductory studies through to full degree programs. A few of them offer PG programs as well. Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology are efficient tertiary providers offering programs which can be both academically and vocationally focused. Due to their active engagement with industry, employers and government agencies they provide programs which are of a high academic standard and are relevant to the rapidly changing workforce on a global basis. Polytechnics offer diverse courses like Arts and Design, Travel & Tourism, Hospitality etc.

Private Degree Providers

In 1989, amendments to the Education Act in New Zealand enabled the private tertiary sector to award degrees through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The key to the legitimacy of the private degree providers is their relationship with the NZQA which has responsibility for course accreditation. The mission of the private degree providers is to provide a quality service to their students and a range of skills of value in the work environment.

Private Training establishments (PTEs)

Private training establishments are registered and their courses approved by NZQA. Institutions and schools in this sector provide a range of courses including English language, aviation flight training, air traffic control, English, business computing, dance, design and arts, religious studies, travel and tourism and training for the hospitality industry.

Undergraduate Study in New Zealand

At most New Zealand universities the course of study for a Bachelor’s degree consists of a prescribed number of units, papers or courses. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage I or 100—level), second-year (stage 2 or 200 level) and third-year (stage 3 or 300 level) courses. A second year course may be commenced only after prescribed passes in the subject at stage I and a third-year course only after required passes in the subject at stage 2. In each subject the student is required to attend a given number of lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods per week.

In some courses field trips provide opportunities for on-site study of natural phenomena or social processes. These learning contacts are supplemented by personal reading and research. Students are expected to develop independent study skills with a minimum of professional supervision. Grades given in tests, assignments, and practical work count towards the final grade for a course. Most courses have a final written examination held either at mid-year (June) or the end of the academic year (October/November).

Post Graduate Study in New Zealand

The first degree student is able to gain in New Zealand is as elsewhere, a Bachelors degree. With a completed Bachelor’s degree, a graduate may be able to go on to a Master’s degree. These degrees may be awarded with Honors, an indication both of the challenge the course presents and of the student’s achievement in it.

Postgraduate Diploma

A one-year full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.

Graduate Diploma

This is a one-year, full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

Masters Degree

The Masters degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree. The course of study is usually of one or two year’s full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor’s degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. Content of the work normally reflects it; in the mode of teaching which is likely to emphasis seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many master’s degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelors (Honors) course, the degrees may be thesis-only.

However, increasingly Masters’ degrees by papers, or papers plus research, are becoming available. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it, and an ability to undertake research into it.

Doctorate

New Zealand Doctoral Research scholarships are a significant educational opportunity. Doctorate programs generally take at least 3 years of full time study to complete. It is a fully research based degree. PhD students pay domestic tuition fee which is a ‘benefit’ of fee difference from international fees to domestic fees’. Scholarships are also awarded to the students on the basis of academic merit and research ability by the university. The scholarship funding covers international tuition fee, a monthly living allowance, travel, health, insurance, books and thesis allowance.

Tuition fees

New Zealand provides high quality courses with high standard of living at lower cost than Australia, UK, and USA. The costs below will give you an idea of how much spending money you will need in New Zealand as it can vary from city to city. Tuition fees vary from program to program.

Intakes

The academic year is from mid / late February to early November and most Universities have 2 semesters with a holiday of 4 weeks in June. Each University operates slightly different dates and some also offer summer school in the main holiday period in November to February. Intakes are in February, July and sometimes in September.

English Language Requirements

All students must be fluent in English language if they are to succeed at university in New Zealand. There are many courses available at public and private institutions in New Zealand and elsewhere to assist international students reach the required level of English language competence. We can recommended waiver of IELTS / TOEFL wherever possible. A band of 6.0/6.5 for undergraduate & 6.5 / 7.5 for postgraduate courses is desirable.

Documents required for offer letter

Documents needed for making an admission application in New Zealand Universities for issuance of offer Letter are;

• Resume,
• Statement of purpose,
• Mark-sheets & certificates of X, XII, till Graduation or relevant degree transcripts in specific cases,
• English Proficiency Certificate ( TOEFL / IELTS / PTE ),
• Certificates of extra curricular activities,
• Passport copy,
• Birth certificate &
• 2 reference letters from colleges & employers.

The Process

The academic year is from mid / late February to early November and most Universities have 2 semesters with a holiday of 4 weeks in June. Each University operates slightly different dates and some also offer summer school in the main holiday period in November to February. Intakes are in February, July and sometimes in September. So, Please bring above document for you Offer Letter Processing for admission .

Student Visa

INZ is the sole agency of the NZ Government responsible for migration & entry to NZ. Student visa is required to enter the country to study a course more then 3 months duration, also the course opted should be offered by education institutions approved & registered with NZQA. Student is issued a visa for One year duration could be & easily extended being in New Zealand as per the further duration of course. Visit our Visa counselor for personal guidance & documentation requirement for student visa.

You can only get a student visa to study in a course at an education institution, which is registered and approved by the NZQA. You must pay your tuition fees in advance for the University to send you an official receipt and the Offer of Place Certificate, which also guarantees that accommodation will be available, which you require with your visa
application. Acceptance by the University does not Guarantee that immigration authorities  will issue a student visa.

Student visa and permit information and application forms can be obtained from any New Zealand Immigration Service branch office within New Zealand or overseas (contact the nearest New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in Delhi). You can also obtain all relevant information and forms from the New Zealand Immigration Service website, www.immigration.govt.nz However visit your our counselor for personal guidance and the latest checklist.

NEW ZEALAND STUDENT VISA CHECKLIST FOR NEPALESE STUDENT

• A completed  visa application form
• Two passport-sized colour photographs (less than 6 months old)
• Valid passport(s)
• If you have old passports, copies of those
• If you have previously studied overseas, documentary evidence of previous visa declines and/or copies of endorsedvisas/bio-metric cards issued
• Application fee: Up-to-date fees can be found at the Office and Fees finder
• VAC Service Fee: Refer to www.ttsnzvisa.com
• Statement of purpose explaining why you chose your course and your future career plan
• Offer of place from New Zealand education provider
• A completed external English Language Proficiency Test:
  – International English Language Testing System (IELTS: Academic)
  – Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
  – Occupational English Test (OET)
  – Cambridge English: First (FCE) and FCE for Schools
  – Pearson Test of English: Academic (PTE: Academic)
  Test results must be no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged. For External English Language Proficiency Tests such as Pearson, please ensure that access is provided for verification/authentication
• If you have if you have previously studied or worked, evidence of qualifications and work experience. Documents must include all mark sheets, certificates, salary account statements, salary slips, experience/promotion/relieving letters, Income Tax Returns, Form 16, etc
•  For returning students, provide evidence of satisfactory progress. This can include academic transcripts or a letter from the education provider
• A fully completed Financial Undertaking Form INZ 1014 or Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry INZ 1025 from guarantors residing in New Zealand
• Evidence of funds to cover full tuition fee. Please note we accept only funds from your immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, grandparents, and parents-in-law).
  Please ensure relevant documents are submitted to establish the relationship between yourself and your sponsor. We do not accept Voter ID, Ration Card, academic documents or driving licenses as evidence of relationship. Documents such as copy of passport (bio-pages), Aadhar Card, birth certificate, etc. are acceptable
• Evidence of funds for maintenance:
  – For courses longer than 9 months (36 weeks or longer) you must show evidence of funds of NZ$15,000 for living expenses.
  – For shorter courses you must show evidence of at least NZ$1,250 per month.
  Funds for the first year should be readily available liquid funds.
  Acceptable evidence of funds includes – original bank deposit certificate; education loan sanction letter from a nationalised or multi-national bank only, with security against fixed asset(s) belonging to the applicant or sponsor; bank statement(s) for yourself or acceptable sponsor(s) for past 6 months; fixed deposits at least 6 months old; public/employee provident fund accounts supported by documents pertaining to employment.
• For scholarship students, letter of offer from New Zealand education provider detailing the scholarship and dates of the programme
•  Payment plan for courses of more than one year can include sponsor’s tax return showing income and saving patterns, EPF/GPF accumulated over a period of one year, fixed deposit due to mature in the following year, savings account statement with source of recent funds (if any)
• Letter from parents or your financial sponsor detailing gross annual income, length of employment and position held, personal tax records, etc., and for self-employed sponsors evidence of business registration and recent business tax returns with income statement
• Documentary evidence of identity of guarantor including date of birth, proof of signature and full contact details including telephone numbers e.g. Pan Card, Aadhar Card or passport. Please note that a Voter ID card is not acceptable evidence of identity
• A cover letter providing details of the funds evidence and explaining the source of funds as well as relationship of the applicant with the sponsors
• If you are intending to stay in New Zealand for more than 6 months, an eMedical Chest X-Ray certificate issued by one of our appointed panel physicians. Please note, if you applied for a student visa more than 6 months ago and were unsuccessful, you must provide a new Chest X-Ray Certificate (less than 3 months old) with your application
• If you are intending to stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months provide police certificates from:
  – All countries of citizenship, and
  – Any countries in which you have lived for five years or more since the age of 17 years.

For further details please visit- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/checklists/india

Financial Assistance

Funds are required for living (rent, food, transport, etc) and course costs (books and research expenses inducting international literature searches and data collection) in addition to tuition fees. if you need additional financial support to your own or family resources, there are a number of possibilities worth exploring. Note that application for funding is a separate operation to applying. You may receive admission to study but not be successful in your application for funds.Scholarship without admission will not be granted.

These scholarships and funding sources are available:

• Scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government for Students from developing countries. These Overseas Development Assistance (NZODA) Postgraduate Scholarships cover airfares, accommodation and living expenses, as well as tuition fees.Please note that the number of scholarships awarded are very limited.and it considers students with exceptional grades . Application forms are available from the University International Center or your New Zealand Diplomatic post.
• NZAID (New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency) is New Zealand’s agency responsible for international assistance to developing countries . NZAID support for basic, post basic and tertiary education includes financial & technical assistance to strengthen existing higher education institutes and systems and the provision of scholarship for study in home country, regional and New Zealand institutions. NZDS, the programe under NZAID are for full time multi year courses in New Zealand for tertiary level studies through the public and open category.  NZDS scheme covers tuition, orientation fees, economy fare, travel, a basic living allowance with the provision for accommodation expenses (paid through study institutes).

Bank loan

Bank loans are easily available for higher studies. You need to have a collateral security. Interest varies from Bank to Bank.The student must have deposited or Student loan of around 35 to 40 lakhs Nepalese rupees in their Nabil Bank or SBI Bank account.

Employment

International students enrolled in a tertiary programme of study are eligible to work upto 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students can work full time (40 hrs) in New Zealand only during the summer holidays. The average wage for part time jobs is between NZ$12 – NZ$15 per hour. International students who have graduated from a course in New Zealand that would gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category may apply for a grand job search
visa. Eligible student’s partner may apply for a work permit, valid for the duration of the study course.

Industry

NZ industries work side by side to encourage and sustain the economic activity and the benefits it brings to
the people of NZ.Services sector generates over 60% of NZ GDP.

This includes : The computer software development industry, film, television and commercial production industry, services like banking, finance, advertising, property, tourism & hospitality, and food processing. The manufacturing sector has shown strong export performance growth, which has encouraged investment and employment growth.

Living Expenses

Student s can choose from Hall s of Residence, Students Hostel s, Dormitories, Home stay private apartments and flats. NZ$ 15,000 – 18,000 Per annum.

This includes food, clothing, transport, entertainment and accommodation. Visa authorities expect a provision of NZ$ 15,000 towards living expenses

Undergraduate applications are generally assessed quickly in 3-5 weeks time wherein PG applications could take 4-8 weeks for processing. Visa procedures for New Zealand are quick. Where New Zealand Information Service supports decision of positive profile students in 10-15 working days.

Students are allowed to work part time upto 20 hrs per week. Most students work in Restaurants, Farms, Mall’s, Marketing Executive’s etc. Wages will range from NZ$ 12-15 approx.

Some institutions may be able to arrange residential accommodation for students who are not staying with relatives or friends. However, you may wish to arrange accommodation for yourself. You should indicate whether or not you want assistance in finding accommodation when you apply to the institution.

Your dependants, who may include a spouse, de facto spouse, fiance(e), and children, may accompany you to New Zealand or join you later. They must apply for and meet the normal requirements for the type of visa required (visitor, work, or student). School aged dependents will  require to pay full fees for enrollment in primary and secondary courses of study.

Your spouse can apply for a work visa only if you are doing a post graduate course in NZ or you are studying a course towards qualifications in Long term Skill Shortage List.

You are eligible to apply for 12 month job search Visa within 3 months of the date of completion of your course in NZ.

If you get Job offer in your relevant area of study then your visa status could be converted to Work Permit or Permanent Residency on your Eligibility based on the Skilled Migrant Category at that time.