New Zealand

Discovering a new world: A guide to studying in New Zealand for international students

By Edvoy• Last updated: Nov 1, 2023
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Studying in New Zealand is an excellent option for international students looking to further their education.

With its high-quality academic institutions, friendly people, vibrant culture, and unique natural beauty, New Zealand offer a unique experience that can provide students with the best of both worlds – an international education and an enjoyable lifestyle.

In this guide, we will list the benefits of studying in New Zealand, its top university, and the cost of studying in New Zealand.

Advantages of studying in New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand can be a life-changing experience that comes with a wide range of benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of studying in New Zealand:

1. High-quality education

New Zealand has a world-class education system that is renowned for its quality, innovation, and research excellence. According to QS World University Rankings, the country's universities and institutions consistently rank among the top 3% in the world. The education system in New Zealand is focused on practical and hands-on learning, which allows students to develop a wide range of skills that employers highly value.

2. Safe and welcoming environment

New Zealand is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, with a friendly and welcoming population. The country has a low crime rate, and the government is strongly committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and visitors. International students in New Zealand are well-supported with a range of services to help them adjust to life in the country.

3. Affordable tuition fees

Compared to other countries like the US, the UK, and Australia, New Zealand's tuition fees are relatively affordable, and the cost of living is also reasonable. In addition, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during vacations to help cover their living expenses.

4. Multicultural society

New Zealand is a multicultural society with a diverse population, and international students are welcomed and celebrated. The country has a range of cultural events and festivals that are open to everyone, and students have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions.

5. Beautiful natural environment

New Zealand is famous for its stunning natural environment, with snow-capped mountains, beautiful beaches, and lush forests. Students in New Zealand can explore this beautiful country and participate in a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and surfing.

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6. Opportunities for post-study work

New Zealand offers excellent opportunities for post-study work. International students who have completed a course of study in New Zealand can apply for a post-study work visa that allows them to work in the country for up to three years. This provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency in the future.

Overall, studying in New Zealand can be a life-changing experience that offers high-quality education, a safe and welcoming environment, and excellent personal and professional growth opportunities.

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Cost of studying in New Zealand

The cost of studying in New Zealand can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the level of study, type of institution, location, and course duration.

Here's a breakdown of some of the costs to consider:

Tuition fees

Tuition fees vary widely depending on the course, institution, and level of study. On average, international students can expect to pay between NZD 22,000 to NZD 32,000 per year for undergraduate courses and NZD 26,000 to NZD 37,000 per year for postgraduate courses. Some specialized courses, such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, can be more expensive.

Living expenses

International students are also required to cover their living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. The cost of living varies depending on the location and lifestyle, but on average, it is estimated to be around NZD 20,000 to NZD 25,000 per year. Students can reduce their living expenses by sharing accommodation with other students, cooking their meals, and using public transportation.

Health insurance

All international students are required to have valid health insurance in New Zealand. This can cost around NZD 600 to NZD 900 per year, depending on the type of insurance coverage and the insurance provider.

Visa application fees

International students are required to apply for a student visa to study in New Zealand. The visa application fee is around NZD 330 for online applications and NZD 360 for paper applications.

Additional costs

Additional costs may include textbooks, course materials, student union fees, and other incidental expenses. These costs can vary greatly depending on the course and institution.

Top universities in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to several world-class universities, each offering a unique learning experience and exceptional academic programs. Here are some of the top universities for studying in New Zealand:

1. University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked university, consistently placing within the top 100 universities in the world. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, engineering, medicine, law, arts, and sciences. The university is known for its research excellence and has a strong reputation in the fields of computer science, psychology, and engineering.

2. University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university, established in 1869. It has a strong focus on research and teaching excellence and is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in subjects such as health sciences, humanities, business, and sciences. It is particularly known for its medical program and is the only university in New Zealand that offers a dentistry program.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington is a prestigious university that is ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. It strongly focuses on research and teaching excellence and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, social sciences, humanities, and science. The university is particularly known for its law and business programs.

4. University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is a leading university known for its research excellence and strong industry connections. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, arts, sciences, law, and business. The university is particularly known for its engineering program, which is considered one of the best in New Zealand.

5. Massey University

Massey University is New Zealand's only multi-campus university, with campuses located in Palmerston North, Wellington, and Auckland. It is known for its strong research focus and innovative teaching methods, particularly in agriculture, sciences, business, and design. The university has a strong reputation for offering practical, industry-focused programs that prepare graduates for successful careers.

In addition to these top universities, New Zealand also has several other excellent higher education institutions, including the University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology, Lincoln University, and the Eastern Institute of Technology.

Conclusion

With its wide range of educational options, competitive tuition fees and living costs, plus generous scholarships and job opportunities upon graduation – studying in New Zealand could be your ticket to achieving your goals. So whether you're looking for a short-term course or a full degree program, the country has something to suit everyone.

Find your dream course in New Zealand
Explore top universities and get free expert guidance with Edvoy

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the main advantages of studying in New Zealand?

The main advantages of studying in New Zealand are High-quality education, safe and welcoming environment, affordable tuition fees, a multicultural society, a beautiful natural environment, and opportunities for post-study work.

2. What are the top universities in New Zealand for international students?

The top universities in New Zealand for international students are the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, and Massey University.

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