The education system of New Zealand mainly focuses on both educational attainment and practical learning. It is rated as one of the best education systems in the world .The country’s education system is based on a 3-tier model which includes primary and intermediate schooling, after that secondary schooling (high schools) and the final one, is the tertiary education at universities and polytechnics. The nation is ranked as the best-funded education system in the world since they have the highest percentage of public funding in the education sector.

Universities in New Zealand provide a variety of courses and programs to the students depending on their area of interest, so that students can undertake flexible courses.

The country offers numerous options for international students.

• Level 1, 2, 3, and 4- Certificates
• Level 5 and 6 Diplomas
• Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree and graduate diploma
• Level 8 Post Graduate Diploma
• Level 9 Master’s Degree
• Level 10 Doctorate/PhD

In every academic level, there are numerous options for students, who wish to study abroad in New Zealand.

You'll need a student visa if you’re planning to study in New Zealand full time and the course is for longer than three months.

Student visa requirements include:

1. An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
2. A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if the applicant is under 18 years)
3. Evidence of sufficient funds to live on while studying in New Zealand.
4. A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.

Depending on the choice for your course and university, the tuition fees varies accordingly.

Mainly the tuition fees structure is segregated into following 3 sections:

$12,000-$20,500 approx. - diplomas/certificates

 $22,000 to $32,000 approx.-Bachelor’s degree

 $26,000 to $37,000 approx. - Master’s degree

 $6,500 to $9,000 approx. per year for a PhD.

Several educational institutes in New Zealand offers scholarships for international students who opt to for bachelor’s/master’s/PhD degrees. The amount of scholarship varies in relation to the University as well as the academics of the students.

A tertiary institution is any university or polytechnic college in New Zealand that offers courses to students for education post-secondary schooling. The New Zealand tertiary sector covers private training establishments (PTEs), institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), universities and workplace training.

These offer a range of educational options, often in flexible ways to meet the needs of adult learners.  Tertiary education providers offer courses which range from postgraduate study and research.

Yes, degrees from New Zealand institutions are accepted worldwide and known for their quality of education. Students having New Zealand degree have a wide range of job opportunities all over the world & hold a prestigious value universally.

Unfortunately, most international students are not eligible for public health services in NZ.

You would require medical insurance it is advisable that you apply for one while processing your application for admission in any university there.

A medical insurance can be obtained in the following ways:

1. It might be included in the University/polytechnic tuition fees
2. The health insurance can be availed by the international student after receiving the Approval in principle (AIP) from their selected educational institution.
3. International students also have an option of getting a health insurance from their home country, before flying to New Zealand.

The cost of medical health insurance is approximately $500-600 NZ (INR 25000-30000)

International students will need some place to live while studying, and there are plenty of options available. From apartments in the city to homestays in the countryside, they will find something that suits their lifestyle.

The residing options include the following:

1. Halls of residence or hostels: Usually just a walk away from campus, halls of residence offer fully furnished single or twin-share rooms with a shared dining hall, lounge and laundry. Meals are often included and you’ll find a lively programme of social activities. A number of the larger institutions also provide private hostels that run in a similar way, and some have self-contained apartments (which we call ‘flats’).

1. Homestay or private board: With a homestay you live with a New Zealand family in their home, usually in a fully furnished room of your own. They’ll provide you with meals and help you to settle in to day-to-day life in New Zealand. A homestay is a great way to get to know some friendly New Zealanders, develop your English skills and get a close-up look at New Zealand’s way of life and culture.

1. Renting an independent accommodation: Flats range from one-bedroom apartments to four or five bedroom homes, and can be found just about anywhere – close to cities and campuses or further out in the surrounding suburbs, where you’re more likely to find gardens and car-parking space.

 Most flats include basic equipment such as an oven, dishwasher, washing               machine and clothes dryer. You and your flat mates will share the cost of rent and usually the phone and energy bills.

The cost of accommodation will vary depending on how you want to live. The national median rent for a three-four bedroom house is NZ$565 per week in 2020, or NZ$215 a room per week.

New Zealand’s immigration policies include a post-study work pathway to work for international students who have gained an acceptable New Zealand qualification.

If you have achieved a New Zealand qualification, you may be able to apply for a post study work visa that lets you stay in New Zealand for up to three years. This will allow you to get some practical work experience.

If your work is in an occupation that has skill shortages, this improves your chances of finding a job in New Zealand. You may be eligible to apply for a further work visa or residence visa.

New Zealand student visas usually allow full-time students to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. This applies to both secondary school and tertiary students. Research masters and PhD students can work 40 hours a week all year round. 

International students will be paid at least the minimum wage per hour, though there are chances of earning more than this. International students will also be paid for annual and public holidays, and for rest breaks.

Alternatively, a student can search for part time jobs from various platforms like:
a)    Student support services. 
b)     Student Job Search, a national organization that helps students find part-time work throughout New Zealand.  
c)    Many part-time jobs are also advertised on the job-vacancy websites like Trade Me and Seek.