New Zealand

Why Study in New Zealand ?

• The country offers excellent work and growth opportunities to skilled people.
• Students have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world with a degree from New Zealand in hand.
• Education system of New Zealand is designed as NZQF (New Zealand Qualification Framework) which is administered by NZQA (New Zealand Qualification Authority). NZQF is one of the world's first qualification framework of its kind, which is very simple and gives a clear picture for level of skills.
• NZQF consists of 10 qualification levels, which are divided from basic knowledge to doctorate level:
  • (i) Level 1 to 4 : Certificate Courses
  • (ii) Level 5 & 6 : Certificate and diploma courses
  • (iii) Level 7 : Bachelor's Degree / Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diploma
  • (iv) Level 8 : Bachelor Honors Degree / PG Diploma / PG Certificate
  • (v) Level 9 : Master's Degree
  • (vi) Level 10 : Doctoral Degree
• Five New Zealand universities were ranked in the top 400 universities in the world by the 2013-2014 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
• NZ's eight universities are part of the international university community. Moreover, the government of this nation invests a big amount of money for the education and accommodation of overseas students.
• There are limitless sports, recreation, and leisure opportunities
• Along with that New Zealand has a British based education system.
• Peaceful and green environment of the country is another major reason why you should study in New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria of New Zealand Study Visa

To qualify for a student visa, you'll need:

• to be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
• proof you have enough money to live on while you're in NZ, and
• a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you have enough money to buy one.

New Zealand Study Visa Requirements:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand
• A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand education provider, which states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee and whether the tuition fee is in domestic and foreign currency. The course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
• A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if you're under 18 years)
• A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one
• A Medical Certificate from state hospitals authorized by NZQA.
• Academic Credentials and Proof of English proficiency.

Processing Time for New Zealand Study Visa

Immigration New Zealand takes around four weeks (20 working days) for processing for student visa applications submitted online, and between five and six weeks for applications submitted as hard copy. Processing can take up to three months during busy periods, however, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

Upcoming Intakes in New Zealand

New Zealand universities and institutions offer two major intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The two intakes available in New Zealand are:

• Semester 1: February to June
• Semester 2: July to November

Admissions for vocational courses may also be available in the months of March, April and May.

Dependents

Dependent children of certain kinds of student visa holders can apply for a student visa to allow them to go school while their parents work or study in New Zealand. The children can be treated as domestic students, which means they don't have to pay tuition fees to go to a primary or secondary school. It is not possible to add your partner to your student visa as a dependent. They will need to apply for their own visa to be in New Zealand if they wish to work or study. They have the option of applying for a Partner of a Student Work Visa, provided that you (as the student) are either:

• i) Studying towards a Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Immigration New Zealand Long Term Skill Shortage List, or
• ii) Studying toward a Level 9 or 10 qualification (masters or PhD)

If your course of study does not fall into either of these categories, your partner will need to apply to be in New Zealand of their own accord, for example under the Working Holiday Scheme, the Essential Skills Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category.

Work Approval for Students:

Part-time work

Your visa conditions will allow you to work up to 20 hours a week if you are doing a full-time course that:

• is at least 2 academic years in duration, or
• is at least 1 academic year in duration and part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme, or
• results in a New Zealand qualification which gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Full-time work

Your visa conditions will allow you to work full-time during scheduled breaks in study if all of these apply:

• you are studying full-time for at least 1 academic year
• your course is worth at least 120 credits, and
• your course is delivered over a period of at least 8 months (minimum two semesters).

Your visa conditions will allow you to work full-time during the Christmas and New Year holiday period if:

• you are studying full-time, and
• your course has a minimum duration of 2 semesters during a period of at least 8 months.