New Zealand is fast becoming the first choice of international students who wish to get quality education at an affordable cost. New Zealand is one of the safest countries for international students.Ranking second on the Global Peace Index 2018, With the right mix of opportunities, culture, economy and climate to boast, the country will offer you an experience of a lifetime.

New Zealand is the fifth most preferred country to study abroad among international students apart from the top countries like the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. With 20,000+ vacancies opening up each year, studying in New Zealand for international students has become one of the preferred choices. The introduction of Green List Occupations in New Zealand after the pandemic has also encouraged international students to study in New Zealand and apply for full-time job roles.

Why Study in New Zealand?

There are top reasons which encourage international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, both including academic as well as post-study work options. From being lower in terms of studying costs, availability of numerous scholarships to ease of finding a job and working while in New Zealand are some of the major reasons along with the following ones as well:

  • The learning experience in New Zealand is qualitative and easier for Indian students to learn in that model.
  • Healthcare and Engineering sectors which hire skilled workers are bound to be paid higher than those in Australia by almost 25%.
  • Pursuing higher education and research in New Zealand is propitious for international students with various benefits of PR, stipends and cost of living exemption.
  • Also, the cost of living in New Zealand is lower than the cost of living in Australia by almost 12%.
  • All qualifications of New Zealand are globally recognised, thus, international students can work anywhere in the world.

Education System in New Zealand

For higher education in New Zealand has designated different institutions or levels for education. These institutions vary depending upon their nature of education provision or the kind of courses they teach to students in New Zealand. The table below throws more light on the different types of further education as offered in New Zealand to both international and domestic students:

  • Technical & Vocational Education: These institutions are for those students who are studying at the Senior Secondary school level, plus also those, who can pursue a course and specialize in, in order to earn a living.
  • Institutes of Technology: These are government or industry-funded institutions which offer basic or introductory courses in vocational education.
  • Private Training: Such training institutions offer specific vocational courses at both certificate and diploma levels.
  • Youth Guarantee: These courses are for students aged between 16-19. Gives them an opportunity to study NCEA Level 1-3 or Certificate Level 1-3 which are tertiary courses provided free of cost.
  • Universities: There are eight state-funded Universities in New Zealand offering a variety of courses across all major subjects.

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
Reasons to Study in New Zealand:

There are numerous reasons why international students choose to study in New Zealand, be it for its scenic beauty, its top-ranking courses and universities, lower costs of studying, wide options of scholarships and many more. Apart from the already mentioned, there are top seven reasons to study in New Zealand. They are as follows:

1. Broad Opportunities for Study and Research:

The eight institutions that make up the university system in New Zealand, are located across the two main islands, the North and the South. This distribution gives students a chance to pursue opportunities in study and culture. Although all the New Zealand universities offer degrees in the arts, business, and science, each college also has its own niche and distinct courses to offer.

2. Quality Learning Experience:

New Zealand's university system is research-based as it is based on the British education model. This means there are a lot of similarities between the two systems, such as the teaching methods. The fact India also follows the British education system makes it easier for Indian students to adjust. The academic staff is expected to be researchers as well as teachers. This ensures a high-quality learning experience.

3. Easy Entry Requirements:

New Zealand universities do not have a lot of competition to get admitted for a university degree. That is because the New Zealand government has invested heavily in higher education over the years. Because of that, New Zealand universities have more capacity than the number of students.Hence the entry requirements are minimal compared to most of the top universities in the world.

4. A Great Place to Live & Study:

International students are welcomed warmly in New Zealand society for the cultural diversity they bring and their contribution to the economy. New Zealander citizens are well-travelled and are interested in people from other cultures, so international students feel more welcome. Campuses have students from all across the globe studying together. Students come from Europe, South East Asia, the UK, and Asia, among many others.

5. Affordable Cost of Living & Studying:

The cost of living in New Zealand is comparatively lower in comparison to Australia, food is easily available at reasonable prices and a wide variety of student accommodation options. Public transport is also moderately priced, offering easy access to rivers, lakes, forests and beaches for the recreational opportunities they provide.The cost of studying in New Zealand is the lowest for doctoral programs followed by post-graduate programs and undergraduate programs.

6. Ample Job Opportunities:

With the green list of occupations in New Zealand kicking in after the pandemic, the hope for a full-time opportunity and PR has been announced for international students.In terms of part-time work options in New Zealand, students studying across New Zealand universities are free to work part-time.