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Study in New Zealand

Voted amongst one of the most developed and safest environments in the world, New Zealand has emerged as a hot destination for students from all across the globe. New Zealand Degrees command respect and regard internationally. World class standards, competitive cost and a cosmopolitan culture make New Zealand an ideal study destination for Indian students. Most other countries do not allow overseas students for jobs but in New Zealand they can work part-time for 15 hours a week provided they enroll for full-time courses that are of 12-month duration. After completion of their studies, students are further encouraged to stay behind and work.

Application Procedure
Application forms:
Send enquiries at least 8 to 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are three ways to get application forms.

  • Requesting Application Forms via email : You can request application forms from the university websites. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to request application material.
  • Downloading from the Net : Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on their websites. They can be used for applying.
  • Collect Forms from University Representatives : Most New Zealand universities have representatives in most major cities across the world. You can contact agents/representatives for application forms as well application guidance.
Eligibility for Graduation:
Admission to a University in New Zealand requires a completion of twelve years of elementary and secondary education.

In the Indian context, this implies qualifying in class 12th examination or junior college as applicable. The acceptable degrees include: Indian School Certificate, Intermediate Certificate, Higher School Certificate, Higher Secondary Certificate, All India Senior School Certificate.

Most universities ask for a minimum of 75% aggregate marks and a minimum of 60% in English.

In case the criteria is not met, you may be required to complete one year of education in any university in India or do a foundation course in some university in New Zealand.

Any further details can be discussed with the respective universities.

Eligibility for Post Graduation:
Most New Zealand universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. is equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree.

However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to New Zealand Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech or other such courses.

For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.

Application Requirements:
For Graduation:
The following documents must accompany your application form:
  • Certified copies of all your academic transcripts and/or work experience endorsed by an appropriate person, for example, school results certified by the school principal. If your documentation is in a language other than English, an official certified translation must be provided.
  • Evidence that you meet the English language requirements (IELTS test scores etc).
  • If you are applying for credit for previous studies, you must complete the credit transfer section on the undergraduate application form. You’ll need documents to support your application for credit, including certified copies of all official transcripts or results from previous studies, plus copies of the subject syllabuses.
For Post Graduation:
Two copies of the following documents must accompany your application form:
  • Certified copies of all your academic transcripts and/or work experience endorsed by an appropriate person, for example, academic results endorsed by your former academic institution. If your documentation is in a language other than English, an official certified translation must be provided.
  • Evidence that you meet the English language requirements (IELTS test scores etc).
  • Curriculum vitae/resume detailing your work and personal history.
  • An outline of your proposed research.
  • Evidence of any government support or scholarship or your own financial situation.
Letter of recommendation:
Letter of reference or recommendation letters can play an important part in admission. It should be from someone who has taught you in some course or someone you have worked under. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.

The teacher must indicate his/her position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.

Note: Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include about two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.

Statement of Purpose:
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, if required for the course you are applying to, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for admission because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual.

A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals

Standardized Tests
If the student is not proficient in English, he may be required to take the IELTS (International English Testing System). Every institute has its own minimum scores with respect to this test.

IELTS : For most courses and institutes, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. A minimum score of 6.5 is usually required by most institutes.

If the student does not obtain the minimum score required by the institute, he/she will have to go in for a 3 to 9 month bridging course in English at the institute before the start of the chosen program of study.

Some universities and colleges may accept TOEFL scores instead of IELTS scores.

Visa Procedure:
To study in New Zealand you must complete the requirements for the issue of a student visa. You will be given the required forms by the New Zealand Government office (the visa issuing officer) in our country. Requirements for a student visa will normally include :

  1. A written offer of a place, which notifies you that you have been accepted by an educational institution in New Zealand to study there.
  2. Either a receipt for payment of course fees (You are not required to produce the receipt before your application has been approved in principle)
    or - Evidence that you are exempt from course fees. For e.g. A New Zealand Government Scholarship.
  3. A complete and signed ‘Application for Student Visa’ form, with a passport-size photograph. You will be required to pay a non-refundable student visa application fee.
  4. A guarantee of accommodation - a written assurance from an educational institution or other person that suitable residential accommodation is available to you in New Zealand.
  5. Your passport or certificate of identity, which must be valid for the period of time for which you are applying to study.
  6. Evidence that funds are available for your maintenance throughout your stay. One of the four is acceptable as evidence :
  7. A completed ‘Sponsoring a student’ form, in which your sponsor gives a financial undertaking that he or she can transfer to New Zealand NZ $7,000 a year : this amount is considered minimum for a year’s living expenses.
  1. A letter from your educational institution confirming that your living expenses have already been paid for as part of your fees.
  2. A bank document showing that funds of the required amount will be available to you in New Zealand ($1000 for each month of your stay for short term study, $7000 a year for long term study)
  3. An award of a full New Zealand scholarship
If you intend studying in New Zealand for more than 24 months, you will need :
a) Completed New Zealand Immigration service medical and chest X-ray certificates
b) Character clearances, which must be two original character references (if under 17 years of age), or a local police clearance (if you are 17 and over). You will be advised of the procedure for obtaining these by the New Zealand government office.

All these documents are essential before a student visa is issued. When the overseas New Zealand government office is satisfied that your application is complete and in order, you will be issued a student visa.

New Zealand embassies, consulates and New Zealand High Commission across the world where you can apply for a student visa.

Office in India:
New Zealand High Commission in India
New Zealand Trade Development Board
50-N, Nyaya Marg,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi-21

Email : edunz.india@tradenz.govt.nz
Published date : 25 Jun 2010 02:26PM

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