Combining the benefits of a developed country with the charm of a quiet and peaceful countryside, New Zealand offers some distinct advantages over other countries as a destination for education. An important one of which is the affordability – getting a degree in NZ actually works out to be cheaper than many courses in other countries.
Another significant advantage is the welcoming nature of the New Zealanders and the relative ease in getting there. Getting yourself an education in New Zealand can change your life forever.

Education System l Student Visa l Expenses l Parttime Jobs

Education System
Typically, a bachelor's degree will take three years, and a further year of study will lead to an Honours degree. Not every degree follows this 3+1 pattern: there are some four year degrees (which may or may not be awarded with Honours), and some specialist bachelor's degrees which take longer to complete. Typically, Honours may be awarded with first class, upper second class, lower second class or third class, but this can vary from degree to degree. A bachelor's degree may be followed by a Master's degree. A candidate who does not hold an Honours degree may be awarded a Master's degree with honours: such a degree usually involves two years study, compared to one year for a Master's degree for a candidate who does have an Honours degree. A candidate who has either a Master's degree or a bachelor's degree with Honours may proceed to a doctoral degree.
Entry to most universities is "open", that is to say that one only needs to meet the minimum requirements in the school-leaving examinations (be it NCEA or Bursary). A greater number of courses at NZ universities now have selective admissions. Mature students usually do not need to meet the academic criteria demanded of students who enter directly from secondary school.

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Student Visa
If you are not already in New Zealand and are applying to New Zealand to study, 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 your country. Requirements for a student visa will normally include :

- VERY IMPORTANT : A written offer of a place, which notifies you that you have been accepted by an educational institution in New Zealand to study there.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Your passport or certificate of identity, which must be valid for the period of time for which you are applying to study.
- Evidence that funds are available for your maintenance throughout your stay. One of the four is acceptable as evidence :

• 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.
• A letter from your educational institution confirming that your living expenses have already been paid for as part of your fees.
• 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)
• 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.

Living Expenses
The approximate annual living expenses are about NZ $ 10,000 - 12,000, which includes accommodation as well as other daily expenses.
However, the expenses are different for different people depending on the lifestyles and this is just a rough idea.
New Zealand has the lowest cost of living among most developed countries

Parttime Jobs
If you are studying in New Zealand, you must not work unless allowed to do so by the New Zealand Immigration service. You can be granted permission to work for upto 15 hours a week.
If you have a student permit, you may be granted a work permit or a variation of your student permit to allow you to gain practical experience on completion of a three-year course, or over the summer vacation.

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