New Zealand, out of the limited number of options for study abroad in the Southern Hemisphere, is comparable, if not better, than all other destinations in the region.
There is a perception that New Zealand lacks something that study abroad students look for in overseas programs. The reality, however, is far from that perception.
University is highly regarded in New Zealand and the country has modelled study abroad curriculums which are highly compatible with the requirements of the modern world.
Popular places to apply include Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch.
About New Zealand
New Zealand is small country, lies to the east of Australia and is comprised of two major islands. It is a land of tranquility where you will avoid the general hustle and bustle of huge western cities like New York, London and Paris.
The two islands, North and South are divided by the Cook Strait, named after the famous explorer, Captain James Cook, who chartered the islands on his voyages of 1769 and 1779. The British established sovereignty over the country in 1840 and later granted it internal self government in 1852.
However, the Polynesian Maori were the first settlers in New Zealand who came here approximately a thousand years ago. Despite forming only 15% of the population, the Maori people assert their influence on governance by continuing to keep alive their rich cultural heritage. The Maori language is New Zealand’s’ second official language.
Education System in New Zealand
In New Zealand, local children begin their compulsory primary school at the age of five that lasts for eight years. This is a prerequisite to enter into secondary higher education. High school continues for another five years and at the end offers you a High school Certificate.
From there, the choices for University or college are plentiful. The system incorporates innovative high school summer abroad programs that impart quality training to study abroad students in a number of disciplines. The government and the educational institutions ensure that top scholars are offered a study abroad scholarship and bursaries in order to encourage participation.
New Zealand could be the ideal choice for a summer study abroad because of the amount of affordable courses, the climate and the excursions and trips available.
Best Universities in New Zealand for International Students
The universities in New Zealand value students who have a strong work ethic, an appreciation for the environment and an innovative mind.
Located in Hamilton, the fourth largest city in the North Island, the University of Waikato offers students a chance to research the sciences and enjoy the scenery of the New Zealand countryside. This university has over 2,200 international students from over 70 countries taking classes in computer science, mathematics, engineering, education and law. It is located on a 185-acre campus with green gardens and plenty of wildlife, and it’s only about an hour away from the white beaches of the Bay of Plenty.
The University of Auckland offers a wide variety of study programs to over 5,000 international students every year. These students come from over 90 different countries, so the classes are very diverse and offer new perspectives on the way the world is viewed. You can take classes in everything from business and engineering to science and the arts, and once you’re finished with academics you can either try skiing in the North Island or go swimming in the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula.
A few other top rated universities where you can take study abroad classes in New Zealand are:
• Massey University
• University of Otago
• University of Canterbury
Visa
New Zealand has a long list of countries whose nationals can enter and remain in the country for a 90 day study abroad program without the need for a visa. All other nationals require a valid student visa for study abroad in the country. Visa is usually granted within three weeks of application if the documentation and eligibility are in order.
If you choose to apply for a student visa online you stand to save $50 from the normal visa fee of $120 that is charged for applications received through the immigration branches. However, if you belong to some of the select countries listed by the New Zealand government you may even qualify for a waiver of the visa fee.
The documents required to be submitted are routine and not complicated if you have already been accepted by an educational institution as a study abroad student. To enter the country you will usually need:
• A completed application form
• A recent passport-size photograph
• Evidence of financial-support or sponsorship
• Evidence of onward travel
Scholarships
For more information about how to help pay for your experience check out financial aid, grants and scholarships.
Travel & Free Time
You will have a lot to see and explore when you are not busy in your studies.
The South Island is home to one of the unparalleled relics of the last Ice Age. The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers of New Zealand still flow almost to sea level, cutting through dramatic glacial valleys into temperate rain forests.
For a summer study program abroad you can enjoy the beautiful weather and experience rock climbing at Fiordland National Park, which is the largest of 14 national parks in New Zealand. While at this South Island park you can see wildlife such as dolphins, seals and deer.
If you visit New Zealand for a full term then you’ll have more time to visit the town of Rotorua, which is located on the North Island of New Zealand. There are over a dozen lakes, geysers and hot mud pools to see, and you can even go mountain biking.
New Zealand is known for its rugged terrain, but it also has a well established transportation system that allows tourists to see the sights.
One of the best ways to travel is by railway, especially through Tranz Scenic rail travel services, which offers some of the most wondrous views of New Zealand. You can sit and watch scenery like volcanoes, forests and rivers roll by while also grabbing a meal or buying a souvenir.
You can also travel by bus through more than 1,100 towns and cities that are located in New Zealand, catching a closer glimpse of the culture and actually seeing what people do in their everyday lives.
Since New Zealand’s two islands are surrounded by water, ferries are also great ways to get from one island to another. These ferries are big enough to transport vehicles as well, so if you rent a car you can just sit and enjoy the view.
You can also find motorcycles to rent allowing you to tour New Zealand on your own, or you can take a guided tour from a staff of professionals who know the New Zealand countryside like the back of their hands.