About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island democracy in the southwestern Pacific ocean. It is located near the midpoint of the water and made up of two vital islands including a number of tiny islands. Because of distance, it was one of the last regions to be settled by humans. New Zealand two prime components are North Island and South Island detached by Cook Strait. Okiato was the first capital of New Zealand and Auckland was the second but since 1865 Wellington is the present capital of New Zealand. Wellington is the home of the country’s national Parliament, offices and headquarters.
New Zealand is an island country which is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consisting of two main landmasses i.e. the North Island and the South Island and 700 small islands.
Abel Tasman - a Dutchman, was the first European to discover New Zealand. However, then it was colonized by the British and dominated it throughout the 19th and first half of the 20th century.
The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar, Capital city is Wellington and the largest city is Auckland having 1/3rd of the population of New Zealand.
New Zealand people are referred to as Kiwi internationally, which is derived from the flightless bird “Kiwi”, also the national symbol of New Zealand.
Geography
New Zealand is an island country, comprising about 700 islands. The two main islands (North Island and South Island) are divided by a 22 km stretch of water called the Cook Strait.
The country is located 2,500 km southeast of Australia and about 1,000 km from the Pacific Islands. New Zealand’s closest neighbors are Fiji and Tonga.
New Zealand is a diverse and beautiful landscape, comprising active volcanoes, remarkable caves, deep glacier lakes, fertile valleys, astounding Fjords, sandy beaches and snow-capped mountains in the South Alps of the South Island, and an abundance of vegetation and animal life.
Climate
New Zealand has a temperate climate - winters are fairly cold in the south but mild and temperate in the north.
The warmest months are December, January and February. The average maximum temperature ranges between 20 - 30ºC.
The coldest months are June, July and August and the average minimum temperature ranges between 10 - 15ºC.
Natural Resources
New Zealand has coal reserves.
New Zealand is the 22nd largest producer of Iren and ore.
It is 29th largest producer of gold.
Economy
New Zealand’s advanced market economy is ranked 14th in the 2019 Human Development Index and ranks 3rd in the 2020 Index of Economy Freedom.
New Zealand has a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$36,254.
New Zealand is almost dependent on International trade, especially in agricultural products. The exports reported 24% of its output making New Zealand at risk of international commodity price and global economic slowdown.
Recently, tourism has made a huge impact on New Zealand’s economy, although this sector has been at risk due to global financial instability.
Why study in New Zealand?
Higher education in New Zealand offers various alternatives as per students’ choices, such as universities, colleges, private institutions, and polytechnics. New Zealand has only eight universities and all of these universities have appeared in the QS World University Ranking top 500 in 2019. The top-ranked is the University of Auckland at 82nd position, followed by the University of Otago in the 151st position.
New Zealand’s Higher education system was ranked at 16th position globally in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings in 2018. Education in New Zealand is known for their unique approach as they encourage the student to think and work individually to find solutions, and motivates unique ideas. New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is the pillar of the Higher education system in New Zealand that ensures quality and ethics are maintained.
Academics in New Zealand
The education system in New Zealand primarily focuses on both theoretical as well as practical learning. The top courses to study in New Zealand are animation, Engineering, Medicine, IT, Hospitality and Tourism, Business, Agriculture and Construction. Qualifications offered are Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree with Honors.
Intakes in New Zealand Universities
There are two intakes in New Zealand
February to June
July to November
Scholarships in New Zealand University
Scholarships are available for international students at all stages, including students looking forward to Ph.D. Scholarships are either offered by the government of New Zealand or by the institution itself. Students can refer to the official New Zealand scholarship directory or contact the institution directly.
Cost of Education & Accommodation 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 19,000 to 42,000 NZD annually (New Zealand Dollars).
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 15,000 NZD annually according to high commission.
International students are also 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.
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
Students can apply for a visa directly from the New Zealand embassy or apply online with a 10% discount on the visa fee. A student visa permits you to stay in the country for four years, and also international students are offered a work permit for up to 20 hours a week.
New Zealand Study visa fee is 330 NZD*.
Post Study Work (PSW) Permit in New Zealand
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.
Up to 3 years of Post study work permit is only for students with these qualifications:
Bachelor Level 7
PG Diploma Level 8
Masters Level 9
Ph.D. Level 10
Others qualifications level are granted with 1 year of Post Study Work permit.