Country Facts

New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to see the new day GMT/UTC +12. Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April.

New Zealand is a unique country. Its scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world, while its people have areputation for friendliness, strength, and independence. There is abundant beauty and diversity in scenery, lifestyle, and culture. New Zealand offers a sample of every possible landscape within a relatively small country. Rolling green farmlands, barren volcanic desert areas, golden beaches with clear blue water, dramatic fiords, and majestic snow covered mountains all combine to form one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.

1. University of Auckland
2. University of Waikato
3. Victoria University of Wellington
4. Massey University
5. University of Canterbury
6. Lincoln University
7. Auckland University of Technology
8. University of Otago

All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subject in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies.

The New Zealanders are easy going, spontaneous, open people. In this multi-cultural country, you'll find friends quickly and feel comfortable as well as secured.

While living and studying in New Zealand, you can afford great, modern, accommodation that is few minutes away from world-class study facilities. Public transport systems are good and cars are affordable. You can enjoy the freshest food of all types, cool cafes, markets, quality boutique shopping, theatres and art galleries.

As an international student in New Zealand you'll enjoy a varied lifestyle and a safe, friendly environment while you study. The local people are renowned for their hospitality and the warm Kiwi welcome extends to everyone.

Application Process

• Fully completed Student Visa/Permit application form

• A valid passport

• Application fee

• A recent passport-sized photograph

• An acceptance letter of a place at an educational provider (eg: a university) in New Zealand

• Receipt showing payment of course fee (if your student visa application has been approved in principle)

• Evidence of sufficient funds for maintenance, via letter/bank statement or the Financial Undertaking form

• Evidence of sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket.

Exam

You will need to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for getting an admission to any New Zealand institution. The school may also have additional tests for graduate students who are prospective teaching assistants.

This test is accepted in New Zealand: IELTS

Most universities and Best College in NZ can assist students for finding accommodation on or near to their campus. Here is a list of most common options:

1. Student Hostels : These are usually located on the campus or nearby, with single or twin rooms. Bed linen and cleaning facilities are provided. Meals are eaten in a communal dining hall, with special dietary needs catered to. A warden lives on site, and social and cultural activities are organised for residents. Hostels usually have computer laboratories and recreation rooms. Some institutions provide "self-catering" hostels where 6-8 students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and living room.

2. Home stay/Private Board : This is a room of your own in a suburban house, usually with a garden and lawns. Your host family provides meals. Interacting with your host family and meeting their neighbours and friends is an excellent way to improve your English. The host family helps you make phone calls, read bus timetables, find a doctor and so on. But home stay is not like living in a hotel. Some "give and take" is expected, as you become part of the family.

3. Going "flatting" : This term means renting a house or flat (apartment) singly or with other people. Choose your own flatmates of the same or opposite sex with mixed accommodation, ranging from a two-bedroom apartment to a large house on its own land. Most rental properties are unfurnished, other than an oven, a laundry facility, curtains and carpet. The landlord does not have to provide heating. You pay for electricity, gas, telephone and water, including connection charges. A "bond" of up to four weeks' rent is held by Tenancy Services and refunded when you move out, if the flat is still in good condition. Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Housing has information about dispute resolution procedures and your rights and obligations. For more information on housing options and arrangements, contact one of our counsellors today.

Working in New Zealand

International students who have graduated from a course that would gain points under Skilled Migrant Category are eligible for a 1 year job search permit.
Once Graduates have gained work this way, they can go on to apply for either a post-study2 year work permit or, proceed directly to apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category. Students are eligible to work up to 20 hours a week. Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more are able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.

Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill shortage and partners of all postgraduate students are able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student's course of study.