Study in New Zealand

A huge number of international students choose New Zealand each year as their study destination, owing to its welcoming environment.
Academic excellence, experienced faculties, globally recognised qualifications, brilliant teaching approach and abundant research opportunities, the education system of New Zealand will give you an exposure like never before. Learning here comes with an international outlook that prepares students for employment all over the world.
Rest assured, with a great education system in place, you can live, study and experience a culture with plenty of tourist attractions and well-equipped transportation facilities.

Intakes to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand universities and institutions offer two major intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The two intakes available in New Zealand are:
→ February to June
→ July to November
Admissions for vocational courses may also be available in the months of March, April and May.

Scholarship Opportunities

We know that tertiary study in New Zealand can be expensive, but many institutions recognise this and provide scholarships to honour your commitment to your studies.
To support international students, the New Zealand Government offers Scholarships for International students which include Full-fledged tuition fees, an establishment allowance, international students insurance in New Zealand and Travel allowance during the course tenure (allowed based on the length of scholarship).
Some of the scholarships offered by the New Zealand Government are:
→ Scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
→ International Doctoral Research Scholarships.
These scholarships are specifically designed to ease some of the burden for high-achieving and disadvantaged students, so you can concentrate on achieving the best possible results without being concerned about money.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

It is mandatory for all students travelling to New Zealand from other country to get medical insurance before the commencement of their program. During the visa application process, international students need to declare that they will purchase international student health cover to safeguard them until the time they study in New Zealand.
Several New Zealand schools and universities have initiated comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, but that is applicable as long your program is ongoing and ceases upon completion. Certain colleges may not offer any insurance, and hence you will have to arrange for private medical insurance (your AEES counsellor will guide you with the same). The average cost for medical insurance ranges between NZ$ 200 – NZ$ 700 a year (indicative). Extensive health and support services are readily available for all international students in New Zealand.
For international students opting to study in New Zealand, the health cover system can be of either public healthcare system (subsidised heavily by the New Zealand Government), or private health cover system (to seek medical treatment privately). All international students will be mandated to have health insurance cover in New Zealand.

Why Need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) ?

OSHC is one of the prerequisites to apply for the student visa. It is one of the documents you enclose while applying for the student visa. Apart from the fact it is mandatory, OSHC is very beneficial as it covers a wide range of medical expenses. When you complete your application, you will be asked to provide proof of payment as well as confirmation that your OSHC coverage begins when you arrive in New Zealand.
Students are recommended to purchase health cover even before they travel New Zealand – this will save them from issues like getting sick on arriving at New Zealand or getting injured in a day or two soon after reaching their accommodation.
Health insurance is quite affordable for international students. For instance, yearly health and travel insurance cover in association with StudentSafe (a popular choice with students) is approx. NZ$ 590.

Work Opportunities in New Zealand

An international education can be a strain on a student’s budget. In New Zealand, most students enrolled in a course of 12 months' duration or longer can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during semester and during holiday periods. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week but need to check on your visa terms. There are terms and conditions when you work while studying in New Zealand, International students should hold a valid student visa, which specifies whether the student is permitted to work or not, and student can only work for 20 hours per week.

Post Study Work Permit (PSW) in New Zealand

With skill shortages across various sectors in the New Zealand labour market, graduates are in high demand in New Zealand. In particular, there is a strong demand for skilled workers in the health, information and communications technology, agriculture and farming, and engineering industries.
It's beneficial to gain work experience while you study in New Zealand. It helps to develop interpersonal skills, management, communication skills, confidence, and along with that, you can manage expenses.
International students can further apply for a work visa in New Zealand for up to 3 years after completion of their study depending on the academic performance. Work visa in New Zealand lasts for 1,2, or 3 years depends on qualification level.
This not only helps top up the bank balance, but also provides an excellent opportunity to integrate in the community and meet new people.

Cost of Study & Living in New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand set their structure of tuition fees. Thus, tuition fees may vary depending on the college, course, and level. The tuition fee in New Zealand’s University ranges from NZ$ 19,000 to NZ$ 50,000 annually.
International undergraduate students are expected to spend between NZ$ 20,000 & NZ$ 32,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science.
International master’s student annual fees will range between NZ$ 19,000 and NZ$ 30,000.
Most commonly humanities, arts and education courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at postgraduate level, the tuition fees are typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between NZ$ 31,000 - NZ$ 50,000 (indicative).
Students have various accommodation options in New Zealand, such as residence halls, shared flats, or private flats, and rent might differ from place to place. The accommodation cost may go up to NZ$ 15,000 annually according to high commission.

Here are some examples of course costs, listed in NZD:

→ Undergraduate degree NZ$ 20,500 - NZ$ 25,000* annually.
→ Master's degree NZ$ 19,000 - NZ$29,000* annually.
→ Doctoral degree NZ$ 6,500 - NZ$ 9,000* annually.
→ MBA NZ$ 31,000 - NZ$ 50,000* annually.
* Note: All figures are indicative.
If you want to bring down your educational expenses, it is best to apply to various scholarships available for international students.

Visa Requirements for New Zealand

The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity to all international students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age, the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you want to stay in New Zeaand.
For studying a short course that is less than 3 months, international students are exempted from a student visa, and they can travel to New Zealand with just a visitor Visa. If you’re planning to study in New Zealand full time for an undergraduate/ postgraduate/ PhD degree, then you need to apply for a student visa.

If you are over 18 years and plan to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s an overview of the types of student visa available for you: Fee Paying Student Visa:
Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time. Exchange Student Visa:
Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program. Foreign Government Supported Student Visa:
Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship. Pathway Student Visa:
Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time.
*For detailed information, please visit the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
As an international student, you would most commonly require a Fee Paying Student visa. While studying in New Zealand, it’s important to maintain your Fee Paying student status. This status relates to the purpose, or reason why you came to New Zealand.

The New Zealand Student Visa requirements include:

→ Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand.
→ An offer from an educational institution authorised by the New Zealand Qualifications Committee.
→ A letter of acceptance from the New Zealand education provider, which mentions the total tuition fee, minimum course duration, and the currency in which the fee to be paid (domestic and foreign currency). The course must be 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).
→ Evidence of adequate funds to study and live in New Zealand (you will either have to show NZ$ 15,000 for a full year or NZ$ 1,250 per month).
→ A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the New Zealand embassy or consulate.
Speak with your AEES counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing.

Here’s how it works:

→ Register with AEES Global and talk with an education counsellor.
→ Apply to institutions with our help (We have a great working relationship with every one of them).
→ Take your IELTS test.
→ Receive offer letter from the institution.
→ Collect your New Zealand Student visa documents.
→ Pay tuition fee and receive your eCoE.
→ Lodge student visa medical.
→ Collect your visa grant letter.
New Zealand Student Visa Fee is NZ$ 330* (*Subject to change)

Popular Courses and Institutes

The New Zealand Government is known for providing multiple courses across all levels of study such as Bachelors Degree, Diploma, Doctoral Degree, English Language, Masters Degree, Postgraduate Degrees, and Foundation Degrees.
Universities in New Zealand offer a wide range of study choices for international students to pursue. Right from popular choices like Medicine, Engineering, Business and Science, to some of the rare choices like performing arts, theology, eastern medicine, there are institutions in New Zealand for almost every other course.
International students in New Zealand can study certificate courses, diploma, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degree. The programmes are designed in a way to give in-depth theoretical knowledge enhanced by practical learning.
Additionally, internships and industry engagement are integral parts of learning in New Zealand. Therefore, when you graduate, you will be ready to compete and excel in a career field of your choice and thrive amongst some of the finest professionals in the industry and other competent overseas graduates.
If you want to study in New Zealand, and especially if you intend to find employment there after you complete your degree, contact AEES Global today. We can help you choose an area of study that helps to assure you employment, and then assist in the process to apply to your university of choice and the appropriate educational visa.
We are the experts in international education, and we understand what you need to have the best possible outcomes. So give us a call or arrange an appointment so we can help you get your education in New Zealand started.