As the demand for high-quality education increases in the globalized economic scenario of India, newer overseas destinations are gaining popularity among aspirants. Different countries have been emerging fast as specialized destination for courses in particular areas and disciplines.
There, obviously, are the powerhouses like the US and the UK famous for courses in almost every discipline and area offering a wide range of courses. The US is, however, more famous for STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and the UK attract more students to its soil for disciplines like medical sciences, law and psychology. Among these bigwigs and other competing emerging destinations like Australia and Canada, New Zealand has been earning a reputation as the seat of affordable and specialized higher education in areas like Information Technology, Computer Science and Animation. This article seeks to give you an insight into the educational system and the procedures involved in securing admission in institutions of higher education in New Zealand.
There are 8 national universities and 20 Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology in New Zealand that offer undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs both in academic and professional studies. A degree from one of these institutions is equal to a university degree.
Universities offer a wide range of subjects for degrees in science, commerce, and the arts. Universities have, in the course of time, arisen as excellent seats of learning for their own specialized list of subjects. However, Study in New Zealand has seen growing popularity among international students for Information Technology, Computer Science and Animation.
The animation is particularly popular, strikingly incidental to the country’s one of the claims to fame being the place where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was shot. Other areas that attract students to this Pacific nation are engineering, computer science, medicine and agriculture.
Courses emphasize practical experience and application to work situations. Apart from national universities and Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology, there are private (not state-funded) tertiary institutes and training providers also which includes English language schools. When planning your overseas education in New Zealand, it is very important to choose the institution based on its reputation in the program and discipline that you wish to study.
Recently, the Legatum Institute in London rated New Zealand’s education system as the best in the world. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, eight universities of New Zealand maintained their position in the top 3 percent globally.
Despite fierce competition from other overseas education destinations, six of the eight universities improved their rankings and two held their places.
With institutions like Auckland University of Technology, University of Otago, University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, etc., as the top universities in New Zealand, illuminating its portfolio, the number one attraction for higher education seekers is the quality of education and the education system.
Firstly, the tuition is one of the lowest among the most famous overseas study destinations in the world. New Zealand follows a British-based education (New Zealand got the “Dominion” status within the British Empire on 26 September 1907).
You get it for a significantly reduced cost of what you would incur when studying in the UK. Secondly, degrees earned from New Zealand institutes are recognized around the world.
Thirdly, New Zealand is famous for having practically oriented courses which focus more on practical learning than theoretical lecturing in the classrooms. Fourthly, the support service for international students is among the best in the world.
There are plenty of work opportunities available for international students who want to study abroad in New Zealand. On a student visa, you will be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during a regular semester and 40 hours during vacations. PhD students can work 40 hours per week.
You can also seek help from student employment services provided by most universities to find work. There are multiple internships and other practical work opportunities. New Zealand offers post-study work permits at the end of your degree program which you can avail from to work for 12 months in the country.
Canada is touted as one of the cheapest study destinations for international students. Notably, the cost of living in New Zealand is relatively cheaper as compared to Canada even. This naturally entails that the cost of living is cheaper than Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US.
New Zealand has spellbinding natural scenery and rich traditions. It has a temperate climate, unique fauna and flora and landscapes that have the whole gamut from rolling green hills, fjords, glaciers, beaches, and mountains. There is a multitude of adventure activities and thrilling sports in New Zealand. Did you know that Zorbing and Bungee Jumping was invented here?
Study Visa For New Zealand
New Zealand has a proud bicultural tradition. Though it is predominantly an English-speaking country, Maori people and their culture are present in all aspects of society. They are willing to welcome visitors and international students and are very accepting of other cultures. In addition, the New Zealand Student Visa is not as difficult to get. The process is not as stringent as the UK and the USA.
New Zealand ranks very high in the quality of life index. Unlike Europe and Asia, this Pacific country has never seen the war on its own shores. It is one of the safest countries to live in since it has very low crime rates. In addition, the nation has something aptly title “Code for the Pastoral Care of International Students”, which is a comprehensive document that ensures the protection of the rights of international students.
Study Overseas For New Zealand
Applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests to make sure that they don’t face any language barrier while studying in New Zealand. Also, as an initial requirement, minimum of three to four years of work experience is required to apply for the admission into Masters in New Zealand.
However, there is an increase in numbers of business schools who do not require any prior work experience for the Masters. Some business schools in New Zealand accept and recommend GMAT scores while considering admission in Master programs. However, exceptions are here too.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.