Getting a qualification from New Zealand is highly regarded worldwide. Students here gain both practical and theoretical skills, making them very competent when they graduate.
New Zealand is a comfortable and safe place to live. Kiwis, as New Zealanders are known, are known for their warm and friendly nature. It's a multicultural country where students quickly feel at home, make friends easily, and experience the unique and spiritual culture of New Zealand. Kiwis are naturally curious and adventurous, which encourages new thinking, exploration, and research. This is why New Zealand degrees are known for being practical, modern, and in demand all over the world.
In certain fields like forestry, food processing, biotechnology, forensic science, and marine engineering, New Zealand's qualifications are considered among the best globally. Kiwis are welcoming, love to travel and enjoy meeting people from different cultures. English is the main language spoken, and there's strong support for international students to improve their English. Both secondary and higher education in New Zealand offer an exciting academic environment.
New Zealand is a well-established democracy with a safe and stable political system. It's known for its natural beauty, offering a wide range of recreational and cultural experiences. The cost of living and tuition fees are competitive compared to other countries. Traveling to New Zealand is convenient with direct flights from major cities. The climate is moderate with enjoyable seasonal changes, making it a good place for studying and having fun. New Zealand is home to a diverse range of ethnic communities.
Living in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its high-quality living conditions, and one key aspect is accommodation. In many cases, your place of study will be just a few minutes away from where you live, and most educational institutions will help you find a place to stay.
Here are the main options:
Halls of Residence/Student Hostels
These are usually on or near the campus and offer single or twin rooms. They provide bedding and cleaning facilities. You'll eat in a communal dining hall, and they can accommodate special dietary needs. A warden lives on-site, and they organize social and cultural activities. These hostels often have computer labs and recreation rooms. Some institutions have "self-catering" hostels where 6-8 students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and living space.
Cost: Around $250 per week.
Some cities have self-catering private or independent hostels. The cost for a furnished room with shared kitchen and lounge facilities is $100 - $150 per week, plus utilities (power, water, etc.).
Homestay/Private Board
This involves having your own room in a suburban house, typically with a garden. Your host family provides meals. Interacting with your host family and meeting their neighbors and friends is a great way to improve your English. The host family can also assist you with things like making phone calls, reading bus timetables, or finding a doctor. But keep in mind that homestay is not like staying in a hotel. Some "give and take" is expected, as you become part of the family.
Cost: About $180 per week, plus a one-time administration fee of around $150.
Going "flatting"
This term means renting a house or apartment by yourself or with others. You can choose your own flatmates, whether they are of the same or opposite sex, and you can find a variety of accommodations, from a two-bedroom apartment to a large house with its own land. Most rental properties are unfurnished, except for an oven, laundry facilities, curtains, and carpet. The landlord doesn't have to provide heating. You'll be responsible for paying for electricity, gas, telephone, and water, including connection fees. A "bond" (security deposit) of up to four weeks' rent is held by Tenancy Services and will be refunded when you move out if the flat is still in good condition. Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Housing, can provide information about dispute resolution procedures and your rights and obligations.
The accommodation office at your educational institution will likely have a noticeboard with advertisements for flats. You can also find rental properties listed in newspaper classified ads, usually on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Keep in mind that rental agents may charge fees for their services.
Flatting offers more freedom but also requires maturity. You'll need to cooperate with flatmates to handle cooking, cleaning, and bill payments.
Cost: Bond plus about $140 per bedroom per week (cheaper in smaller cities), plus food, power, telephone, and other expenses.
Education System in New Zealand
Universities in New Zealand:
New Zealand's university education started in 1870, and it follows a tradition similar to the British university system. There are eight publicly funded universities in New Zealand, and they are globally recognized for their academic and research achievements. In addition to a coordinated system for quality checks at both the institution and program levels, each university also conducts its internal assessments to maintain high standards.
All New Zealand universities provide a wide variety of subjects in Arts, Commerce, and Science. Each university has its own areas of expertise, such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture, and Environmental Studies.
There are 8 universities and a few exceptionally reputed institutes of technology, polytechnics, and private institutes, namely: