New Zealand

International standards, competitive cost and a cosmopolitan culture make New Zealand an ideal study destination for Indian students. Quality education at comparable prices is the rationale behind New Zealand’s popularity. New Zealand degrees are patterned on the lines of the British education system. To top it all, state-of-the-art facilities, a safe environment and a fine students’ support system add to the country’s multiracial, multicultural warmth. New Zealand is an economically wise and safe option for students looking for a high standard of education, and an over-all high standard of life.

“BEST OF BOTH WORLD” qualifications:

The best thing about studying in NZ is that the expenses involved are comparatively less than the other major destinations viz. USA, UK, Canada or Australia. In fact it is almost 50% less than that of USA and UK. Coupled with the lesser costs and International recognition of its qualification, NZ essentially offers “Best of Both Worlds” qualifications. Kiwi Life- even though the country might be small the people think big. The people popularly known as Kiwi’s are renowned for their hospitality and their love for sports and the outdoors.

Undergraduate Study in New Zealand:

At most New Zealand universities the course of study for a Bachelor’s degree consists of a prescribed number of units, papers or courses. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage I or 100—level), second-year (stage 2 or 200 level) and third-year (stage 3 or 300 level) courses. A second year course may be commenced only after prescribed passes in the subject at stage I and a third-year course only after required passes in the subject at stage 2. In each subject the student is required to attend a given number of lectures, tutorials and/or laboratory periods per week. In some courses field trips provide opportunities for on-site study of natural phenomena or social processes. These learning contacts are supplemented by personal reading and research. Students are expected to develop independent study skills with a minimum of professional supervision. Grades given in tests, assignments, and practical work, count towards the final grade for a course. Most courses have a final written examination held either at mid-year (June) or the end of the academic year (October/November).

Post Graduate Study in New Zealand:

The first degree a student is able to gain in New Zealand is as elsewhere, a Bachelors degree. With a completed Bachelor’s degree, a graduate may be able to go on to a Master’s degree. These degrees may be awarded with Honors, an indication both of the challenge the course presents and of the student’s achievement in it.

Postgraduate Diploma:

A one-year full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.

Graduate Diploma:

This ia a one-year, full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

Master’s Degree:

The Master’s degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor’s degree. The course of study is usually of one or two year’s full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor’s degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. That is normally reflected in the content of the work; in the mode of teaching which is likely to emphasis seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many master’s degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelors (Honors) course, the degrees may be thesis-only. However, increasingly Masters’ degrees by papers, or papers plus research, are becoming available. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it, and an ability to undertake research into it.

Doctorate:

New Zealand Doctoral Research scholarships are a significant educational opportunity. Doctorate programs generally take at least 3 years of full time study to complete. It is a fully research based degree. PHD students pay domestic tuition fee which is a ‘benefit’ of fee difference from international fees to domestic fees’. Scholarships are also awarded to the students on the basis of academic merit and research ability by the university. The scholarship funding covers international tuition fee, a monthly living allowance, travel, health, insurance, books and thesis allowance.

Employment

Industry:

NZ industries work side by side to encourage and sustain the economic activity and the benefits it brings to the people of NZ. Over 60% of NZ GDP is generated by services. This includes : The computer software development industry, film, television and commercial production industry, services like banking, finance, advertising, property, tourism & hospitality, and food processing. The manufacturing sector has shown strong export performance growth, which has encouraged investment and employment growth.

Employment:

International students enrolled in a tertiary program of study are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students can work full time (40 hrs) in New Zealand only during the summer holidays. The average wage for part time jobs is between NZ$10 – NZ$12 per hour. International students who have graduated from a course in New Zealand that would gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category may apply for a one year open work visa. Eligible student’s partner may apply for a work permit, valid for the duration of the study course.

Future Scope:

New Zealand Education is a strong pathway leading to migration opportunity:

• All students successfully completing a 3 years duration Diploma, Degree, PG course or course under the skilled shortage list gain Points towards Skilled Migrant category, for Permanent Residency.
• Any student gaining points for Skilled Migrant category as mentioned above can apply for a Job Search Visa of 1 year where they can work full time.
• On gaining Job offer within the period of Job Search student can either apply for 2 years Work Permit or Permanent Residency depending on their eligibility for SMC.
• Requirement of 2 years work experience is waived off if the student has NZ qualification.
• Spouse of the students going for Post graduate courses or for courses listed in immediate or long term skill shortage could accompany on a work permit.
• New Zealand Permanent Residency holder enjoys many benefits like subsidized tuition fees for higher education, low interest rates & easy loan facilities.Traveling to any Euro national country becomes very easy & many other benefits (refer www.immi.govt.nz).