Academic Cycle
The academic calendar differs from university to university in New Zealand. However, the academic year often begins in late February or early March (near the end of the summer) and ends in November (spring).
The majority of New Zealand universities use a semester system. However, a selected few also use a trimester or quarterly system.
Application Process
The application process is relatively similar to all of the other countries of the world. Here is the step-by-step application process for applying to a Kiwi university.
- Choose your university
The first thing that a student needs to do is look for the perfect university. There are 8 universities across New Zealand, all offering unique courses that can appeal to different people.
- Research the requirements
The requirements differ from university to university. It is wise to list these requirements, including mandatory exams and qualifications such as proof of language proficiency.
- Fill out the Application form.
Once students know that they meet the required criteria, they can fill out the online applications. The universities may also request scanned documents; therefore, it is advisable to keep them ready for application. Finally, an applicant needs to pay the application fee.
- Keep an eye out for the acceptance or rejection letter
The university office will usually send an email stating the acceptance or rejection of an applicant. One needs to be wary of this email.
- Pay the fees
Upon acceptance, the applicant must pay the stipulated fee for international students to confirm their place at the university.
- Apply for the visa
On completing all of the above, one can apply for a visa online or at their nearest consulate. Once the application has been screened, the candidate will be asked for an interview where they will present a list of documents confirming their eligibility.
They will be granted a visa to New Zealand upon clearing this stage. If the visa is rejected, they can apply once again.
Student Visa for Indian Students
There are three ideal types of visas that international students can choose from.
- Fee-Paying Student Visa: If a person wishes to study full-time in New Zealand for more than three months, they will require a Fee-Paying Student Visa.
- Pathway student visa: The pathway student visa permits students to study up to three consecutive academic programs for a total of five years
- Visitor Visa: A visitor visa authorizes a student to pursue one or more courses that can last for three months and are excellent for shorter courses. The study plan detailing all programs or courses must be pre-approved for this visa.
Scholarships
Scholarships to study in New Zealand can cover tuition fees and living expenses. They are provided by the university, the NZ government, or the Indian Government.
Some of the scholarships for Indian students in New Zealand are as follows:
- ADB Scholarships at the University of Auckland
- Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships
- New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
- New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
- NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship
- Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship
- Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington
Living and Tuition Costs as Per University
A Bachelor's degree in New Zealand will cost between NZD 20,000 (INR 11 lakhs) and NZD 40,000 (INR 21 Lakhs) in tuition fees. One may earn many Bachelor's degrees in three years or less. Costs for Master's degrees range from NZD 20,000 (INR 11 lakhs) and NZD 45,000 (INR 24 lakhs), with higher fees for subjects like medicine and veterinary sciences.
International Doctoral students pay the same as New Zealand students, from around NZD 6,500 (INR 3 lakhs) to NZD 7,500 (INR 4 lakhs) per year for most subjects.
The cost of living will differ depending on one's lifestyle and residence. Reduced housing and transportation expenses make a living in a small town less expensive than in a city.
To illustrate, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland estimate annual living expenses to be between NZD 20,000 (INR 11 lakhs) and NZD 27,000 (INR 15 lakhs), while the University of Otago, located in Dunedin, estimates NZD 18,000 (INR 10 lakhs) to NZD 21,000 (INR 11 lakhs).