Here is a comprehensive guide aimed at Indian students aspiring to study in New Zealand.
Nestled among serene landscapes and hailed as the guardian of tranquility, New Zealand proudly claims the runner-up spot on the esteemed Global Peace Index 2022. With its prestigious universities that grace the global rankings and an education system that resonates with responsiveness, this island nation presents the perfect concoction of prospects, cultural richness, economic vibrancy, and a climate conducive to the flourishing of Indian students. Moreover, the untarnished beauty of its landscapes promises an experience of unparalleled value, leaving no room for regret.
Scholarships for New Zealand
Presenting a compilation of renowned scholarship programs, specially curated for Indian students, that offer excellent opportunities for academic advancement.
| Name of scholarship | Description |
| New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) | The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) is a renowned scholarship program that offers financial support to international students, including Indian students, who wish to pursue doctoral research in New Zealand. This competitive scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance, providing an excellent opportunity for Indian students to undertake high-quality research in their chosen field of study at a New Zealand university. |
| New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships | New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to students from eligible Commonwealth countries, including India, by the New Zealand Government. These scholarships aim to promote educational and cultural exchange by enabling talented individuals to pursue higher education in New Zealand. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other necessary expenses, allowing Indian students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in various fields. The New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are highly competitive and offer a valuable opportunity for Indian students to gain a world-class education in New Zealand. |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) | Apologies, but as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there is no information available regarding the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA). It’s possible that this program was introduced or renamed after my knowledge cutoff date. I recommend referring to the official New Zealand government websites or contacting the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on scholarships and awards in New Zealand. |
| NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship | The NZ-GRADS (New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship) is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the New Zealand government. It is specifically designed for international students who wish to pursue doctoral research in areas related to agriculture, climate change, and food security. The scholarship aims to support high-quality research that contributes to the goals of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases.NZ-GRADS provides financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of the doctoral program. It also offers opportunities for research collaboration and networking with leading experts in the field. |
| SEG Scholarship | The SEG Scholarship refers to the scholarship program offered by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). The SEG is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of geophysics, particularly in the field of exploration and development of natural resources.The SEG Scholarship program aims to support and encourage students pursuing degrees in geophysics or related disciplines. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. The funds provided through the SEG Scholarship program can be used to cover tuition fees, research expenses, and other educational costs. |
| Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship | As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there is no specific information available regarding the “Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship.” It’s possible that this scholarship program is specific to a certain time period or was introduced after my knowledge cutoff.To obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship, I recommend reaching out to the Palmerston North City Council or the Mayor’s office directly. They will be able to provide you with the most relevant and current details about this particular scholarship program. |
New Zealand Student Visa
For individuals aged 18 and above who intend to study in New Zealand for a duration exceeding six months, here is a brief overview of the various types of student visas available to cater to your needs.
| S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
| 1 | Fee Paying Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time |
| 2 | Exchange Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program |
| 3 | Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship |
| 4 | Pathway Student Visa | Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time |
Cost of studying in New Zealand
In New Zealand, humanities, arts, and education courses are generally more budget-friendly, whereas subjects like medicine and engineering tend to be comparatively costlier. When pursuing postgraduate studies, tuition fees typically escalate, with the expenses varying based on the specific program. Similarly, MBA programs are commonly associated with higher costs, averaging between NZ$31,000-50,000 (indicative).
| S.No. | Study Program | Cost (in NZ$)* |
| 1 | Undergraduate degree | $20,500 – $25,000 annually |
| 2 | Master’s degree | $19,000 – $29,000 annually |
| 3 | Doctoral degree | $6,500 – $9,000 annually |
| 4 | MBA | $31,000 – $50, 000 annually |
Intakes in New Zealand
Certain universities in New Zealand may use the term “semester” to refer to their intakes. The country offers two primary intakes for academic programs:
Semester 1: Spanning from February to June.
Semester 2: Occurring from July to November.
Additionally, admissions for vocational courses may be accessible during the months of March, April, and May.
Education system in New Zealand
Education in New Zealand encompasses five distinct stages:
- Early childhood: Tailored for children up to the age of five years.
- Primary school: Geared towards students aged 5 to 10 years.
- Intermediate school: Designed for students aged 11 to 12 years.
- Secondary school: Intended for students aged 13 to 18 years.
- Tertiary education: Aimed at individuals aged 18 years and above.
FAQ’s Related to Study in New Zealand
- What are the requirements to be eligible for studying in New Zealand?
For undergraduate studies:
- Completion of an equivalent of Year 13 education.
- Minimum admission requirement of 50-60% or higher, depending on the university and program.
- Proficiency in the English language is demonstrated through tests like IELTS.
For postgraduate studies:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree with a minimum score of 50-60%.
- For management studies, GMAT or GRE scores may be required by some universities.
- Certain universities may also consider work experience or internships as part of the eligibility criteria.
- Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated through tests such as IELTS.
2. Which exam is required for New Zealand?
For studying in New Zealand, the following exams are commonly required:
- English Language Proficiency Exams:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English Qualifications (such as C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
- Standardized Tests:
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – for management or business-related programs
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – for various postgraduate programs
3. What is the IELTS score for New Zealand?
The required IELTS score for studying in New Zealand may vary depending on the university, level of study, and program. However, as a general guideline, most universities in New Zealand typically require an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for undergraduate programs, and 6.5 or 7.0 for postgraduate programs. It is important to note that these score requirements can vary, and some universities or specific programs may have higher or lower score requirements.
4. What are pathway programs in New Zealand?
Pathway programs in New Zealand are specially designed academic programs that help international students bridge the gap between their current educational qualifications and the entry requirements of their desired university or degree program in New Zealand. These programs are particularly beneficial for students who may not meet the direct entry criteria due to factors such as academic background, English language proficiency, or specific subject requirements.