New Zealand

The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and/or polytechnics. The academic year in New Zealand varies between institutions but generally runs from late January until mid-December for schools and polytechnics, and from late February until mid-November for universities.

Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree will take three years, and a further year of study will lead to an Honors degree. Not every degree follows this 3+1 pattern; there are some four-year degrees (which may or may not be awarded Honors), and some specialist bachelor’s degrees which take longer to complete.

Master’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree may be followed by a Master’s degree. A candidate who does not hold an Honors degree may be awarded a Master’s degree with honors; such a degree usually involves two years study, compared to one year for a Master’s degree for a candidate who does have an Honors degree. A candidate who has either a Master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with Honors may proceed to a doctoral degree.

Undergraduate Diplomas
1 or 2-year diploma programs for students who have just completed schooling and are looking to start higher studies but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. Most of these diplomas further staircase into a bachelor’s degree.

Graduate Diploma
A one-year, full-time course of study for bachelor degree graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

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.

Intakes
The academic year in New Zealand is from late February to mid-November and most Universities have 2 semesters with summer holidays of about 4 weeks in June. Intakes are in February, July. Some courses and institutions offer September intake as well.

English Language
Requirements All students must be fluent in the English language if they are to succeed at university in New Zealand. A band of 5.5+ for undergraduate & 6.0+ for postgraduate courses is desirable.

Documentation
Documents needed for applying for a study visa in New Zealand are: resume, statement of purpose, mark sheets & certificates of X, XII, till Graduation or relevant degree transcripts (If applicable), Certificates of extra-curricular activities, work experience certificates (If applicable), a copy of the student’s passport , and preferably reference letters from colleges & employers.

Cost
The tuition fees to study abroad in New Zealand vary from course to course and university to university. An undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree can cost anywhere between NZ$ 18,000 and NZ$ 25, 000 approximately per year. The cost of studying a Diploma or Post-Graduate Diploma in New Zealand may cost NZ$ 10,000 to NZ$ 20,000 approximately per year, while cost of studying for a Post Graduate Diploma may be anywhere between NZ$ 15,000 and NZ$ 30,000. The estimated living cost or living expenses in New Zealand can be NZ$12,000 and NZ$ 15,000 approximately per year.