The New Zealand Universities autonomously decide which applicants they accept to study. Obtain all the necessary information from the university to which you want to apply. This is the only way you can be sure that nothing goes wrong with your application. In general, the requirements for studying abroad in New Zealand are similar to other Anglophone countries.
Bachelor in New Zealand
For a bachelor’s degree in New Zealand, universities usually expect a high school diploma and proof of sufficient English skills. Incidentally, this applies to international applicants for all courses. Proof is provided by standardized tests such as the TOEFL or the IELTS.
Master and PH.D. in New Zealand
Anyone wishing to complete a master’s degree in New Zealand must have a bachelor’s degree or, alternatively, a master’s or diploma degree. To begin doctoral studies in New Zealand, applicants must have a master’s degree. In some cases, the old master’s or diploma degrees are sufficient; However, this is decided by the respective New Zealand university in individual cases.
Transfer Bachelor
The so-called Transfer Bachelor is an interesting option for everyone who is already studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. This allows study achievements already made in Germany to be counted towards the Bachelor’s degree in New Zealand and to acquire the Bachelor’s degree there.
Requirements:
- The German course contents correspond to those at the New Zealand university
- The foreign students spend at least half of their study time in New Zealand
Study Abroad New Zealand
A Study Abroad program in New Zealand is ideal for those who only want to spend a semester or two abroad in New Zealand. Here, students can freely choose their course, regardless of subject and semester, from the entire range of the New Zealand university. Since it is only one or two semesters without a degree, the application is much easier than for a full degree. Applicants must have a high school diploma or a university entrance qualification and sufficient knowledge of English. In addition, some universities require one year of study experience at a university in your home country.
Costs and financing of studying in New Zealand
According to agooddir, the New Zealand universities generally raise tuition fees. These are significantly higher for international students during their studies in New Zealand than for their local fellow students, as the study places for New Zealand students are subsidized through taxpayers’ money. The Ph.D. programs are an exception. Here New Zealand students have the same expenses as their international fellow students. Depending on the university and subject, the bachelor’s and master’s programs can be expected to cost NZ $ 24,000 to NZ $ 36,000 per academic year for most degree programs. Some Masters programs are even more expensive.
The cost of living in New Zealand varies from region to region. Basically, you should plan to spend between NZ $ 1,200 and NZ $ 1,700 per month.
There are several options for international students to finance their studies in New Zealand. Financing is easiest for Study Abroad students. Under certain conditions, you are entitled to benefits under the BAföG abroad. This grants the students a grant of up to EUR 4,600 towards tuition fees for a maximum of one year and additional grants to cover flight and living expenses.
There is also the possibility of applying for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or from various organizations and foundations. New Zealand universities and the New Zealand government also give scholarships to international students. There are particularly many offers for doctoral students. Those who cannot get hold of a scholarship can fulfill their dream of studying in New Zealand by taking out a student or education loan with low interest rates.
New Zealand visa and entry requirements
International students who are studying in New Zealand for more than three months need a student visa. The application should be received online or at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Hamburg at least five weeks before the start of the journey. For the visa you need
- a ” Confirmation of Enrollment / Offer of Place ” from the New Zealand University
- proof of sufficient financial means for the time in New Zealand
- a valid passport
- a return ticket
- a transcript from your home university
- 163 euros for the processing fee
The student visa includes a work permit that allows international students to work up to 20 hours a week during the semester. Full-time employment is also possible during the semester break.
In addition to the visa, you need travel and health insurance. Both types of insurance are required by law in New Zealand. The New Zealand government’s guidelines for insurance benefits are relatively strict. It is therefore the easiest way to get an insurance recommended by the New Zealand university. The cost of this is around NZ $ 600 a year.
It may be cheaper to get insurance in Germany. Make sure that insurance is in line with New Zealand government guidelines. No specific vaccinations are required for New Zealand. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a travel doctor in good time before departure in order to have at least the most important vaccinations refreshed.