Study in New Zealand
Why not get to know New Zealand in a different way? At the other end of the world you can also perfect your English, send your children to school (and get a supervisor visa) or even spend part of your studies and then immigrate!
The country is very well prepared for students, after all the training of around 100,000 foreign students is one of the most important industries in the country.
English skills
Study towards the goal of a final examination, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) originates in the UK and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) in the USA.
Access to New Zealand universities and immigration requires IELTS minimum levels. Both systems are very well structured and help to improve language skills in all aspects.
Many universities, employers and governments around the world demand the Cambridge Exam, a targeted English course is therefore useful.
There are over 50 institutions where you can improve your English, not only in Auckland, but from Northland to Southland you can choose your dream destination.
Schooling in New Zealand
Before a guest year it is important to clarify how well qualifications are recognized from the home school and back home again after return, details should be discussed with all parties involved.
Depending on the visa schooling is free of charge or subject to a fee.
Children usually visit school from their 5th birthday onwards. Under 14 years of age a child must be supervised by a legally authorised person (usually a parent).
Direct link to the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand school authority: www.education.govt.nz.
Tertiary studies
85,000 foreign students study in New Zealand Institutions, most of which are from China, India, Japan and South Korea. Their annual contribution to the economy is about NZD 1.5 billion.
New Zealand has 8 universities: Auckland University (www.auckland.ac.nz), Auckland University of Technology (www.aut.ac.nz), University of Canterbury, Christchurch (www.canterbury.ac.nz), Lincoln University, Christchurch (www.lincoln.ac.nz), Massey University with campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington (www.massey.ac.nz), University of Otago, Dunedin (www.otago.ac.nz), Victoria University of Wellington (www.victoria.ac.nz), University of Waikato in Hamilton and Tauranga (www.waikato.ac.nz). Also worth mentioning is the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) in Invercargill (www.sit.ac.nz).
Polytecs and private tertiary schools
There are a further 14 Industry Training Organizations (ITOs), 600 other Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and 18 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs).
Search engine for courses in New Zealand: www.careers.govt.nz.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) consists of 10 levels and regulates a range of qualifications from certificates to doctoral level. The levels are based on learning complexity, level 1 being the least complex. At secondary school students work towards an NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) certificate, which covers NZQF levels 1 to 3. NCEA Level 3 is necessary for university entrance.
New Zealand Qualifications Authority: www.nzqa.govt.nz.
Immigration and student visa
A student visa is necessary for those who wish to study in New Zealand for more than three months. A 'Fee Paying Student Visa' e.g. allows for a stay of up to 4 years with the right to work while studying. With a student visa you can usually work up to 20 hours per week, during the regular semester breaks students are often allowed to work full-time. One parent and legal guardian can accompany and care for children who are on a student visa.
Immigration New Zealand is the right place to start: www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visa-lists/all-student-visas.
Specialised websites for foreign students are www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/studying-in-nz and www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz.
