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Study in New Zealand | Courses, Costs, and Requirements
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Study in New Zealand | Courses, Costs, and Requirements

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

Would you like to earn a degree overseas? Why not study in New Zealand and work while you’re there! From visa requirements to course options, here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Reasons to Study in New Zealand

beautiful beach in New Zealand

Why choose New Zealand instead of another country? Here are our top reasons:

  • Adventurous cities and attractions
  • Wide range of educational opportunities
  • An opportunity to learn or improve your English proficiency
  • Nature paradise with many excursion and travel options
  • Safe and welcoming country

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why the “Kiwi” country attracts thousands of international students every year. So, if you’re convinced to study here, let’s explore the requirements.

Requirements to Study in New Zealand

pin of new zealand on a globe

Before planning to your trip to New Zealand, make sure you meet the requirements. Below are the main ones:

  • Enrollment in an accredited New Zealand school or university
  • Having a valid student visa
  • Medical & travel insurance that covers your entire stay
  • Demonstrate financial solvency or sufficient funds for your courses

Additional Requirements 

These can vary depending on your nationality or situation. Other factors may require the following:

  • Full-time vacation work rights– this is a letter from your school that confirms you can work during the holiday break
  • Medical exam– if you’ve recently traveled to multiple countries, you may need proof of good health before reentering New Zealand
  • English proficiency test– depending on the courses you plan to take, your school may require proof of language comprehension as an application prerequisite

Student Visa for New Zealand

woman college student in the library

There are a few types of visas that allow you to study in New Zealand, including the Exchange Student Visa, the Pathway Student Visa, and the Fee Paying Student Visa. The last of the three is the most common among those who plan to work.

Student visas are the best option for international students who plan to study in New Zealand for a course for more than three months. Under them, you can work and study full-time in New Zealand for a maximum of four years.

Remember, you must be enrolled in an accredited New Zealand schoolbefore applying for your student visa. This is a prerequisite for the approval process.

Cost & Duration

The Fee Paying Student Visa costs NZ$310. Since processing can take up to 63 days, it’s best to apply for it a few months in advance. Also, make note that there is no refund if your student visa application declines.

Working in New Zealand on a Student Visa

You can work a maximum 20 hours per week during the school semester on a student visa. To work full-time (40 hours or more), it must be during the holiday period when classes are not in session.

Holidays on a Student Visa

Vacation periods and holiday breaks generally occur once the semester ends. These, however, can vary depending on the length of your courses and school. If you’re unsure, you can always check with your school’s administration office and semester calendar.

Other Visas to Study in New Zealand

If you plan to study for a short period or would like> to work more hours during the week without restriction, the Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand might be your best option.

With the Working Holiday Visa, you can work in New Zealand for up to one year, and up to 23 months if you’re from Canada or the United Kingdom. This costs NZ$ 280 and is only available for citizens from certain countries listed on the New Zealand Immigration official website.

For more information on the student visa and others for New Zealand, check out our complete guide on how to obtain a Visa for New Zealand.

Courses to Study in New Zealand 

college students in lecture class

There are three types of courses that you can study in New Zealand: English courses, Vocational or professional certificates, and university courses.

English Courses

Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, there are English courses available for all levels. These classes are flexible and adapt to the level and needs of the student.

General English

Learn the basic aspects of the English language in a general English class. This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension.

Intensive English & Exam Prep 

Take intensive courses that prepare you for internationally recognized exams of English proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Certificates.

Vocational Courses | Certification Programs

You can receive work experience in vocational training schools! These prepare you for immediate career opportunities in specific job sectors.

Undergraduate & Graduate Programs

Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree! New Zealand has a variety of prestigious universities that welcome international students.

Costs to Study in New Zealand

calculating costs to study in New Zealand

Analyzing the trip fees is a very important step. The cost of studying in New Zealand can be around NZ$ 5,000. What does this amount include? Let’s break it down:

  • Plane tickets
  • Student visa
  • Payments of courses & school registration fee
  • School supplies (if any)
  • Living costs (accommodation, food, transportation, etc.)

How to Study in New Zealand | 5 Steps

packing luggage for trip to New Zealand

Now that you have a summary of the courses and types of visas available, let’s review the steps to follow to successfully study and work in New Zealand:

1. Do Your Research

Every great trip requires extensive research and preparation. To change your mindset from “I would like” to “I am going to do it,” here are key questions to learn and answer:

  • How much does it cost to live in New Zealand?
  • What do I need to study in New Zealand?
  • Will I be able to work during my time there?
  • What can I study? How much do classes cost?
  • How are New Zealanders? How is the lifestyle?
  • Do I plan to travel around and explore New Zealand?

Answering all of these questions can help you in your decision-making process. And remember, our Experience Managers here at GrowPro are always here to help you!

2. Customize Your Experience

Once you know where you want to enroll, the costs, and how long you plan to be there, you’ll be one step closer to making the trip a reality. If you need help in deciding, we have dozens of experiences in New Zealand from which you can choose!

3. Start the Paperwork 

Remember, to obtain your student visa for New Zealand, you must first have proof of enrollment at one of its schools. Without registration, you cannot apply for the visa.

If you’re nervous about filling out paperwork, our experts at GrowPro can help you! We’ve done this many times for dozens of other international students going to New Zealand and will do the same for you!

4. Purchase Your Plane Tickets

Searching for affordable flights can be a nuisance. Prices and availability change at different times of the year. Luckily, there are websites like Skyscanner that can help you find great deals on plane tickets.

5. Get Settled in New Zealand

Welcome to your new home! Now that you’re in New Zealand, It is time to look for permanent accommodation, open a bank account, and search for job opportunities.

Do you need help with opening a bank account? Would you like to obtain a phone number while in New Zealand? Our team here at GrowPro can help you with all of these necessities.

Study in New Zealand with GrowPro Experience

women on a tour bus

Are you still weighing your options? Don’t worry! It’s a major decision to move overseas, especially if it’s your first time.

Remember, we’re here to help you! Our website is full of resources, including types of courses, travel costs, tips on job hunting, and more! Also, our GrowPro team can handle all of the visa paperwork so that you focus on preparing for your trip. Check out all of our experiences in New Zealand, where each allows you to create a customized budget and plan.

What are you waiting for? Come study in New Zealand and build lasting memories!

About the author

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

Hey there! My name is Charlotte, and I'm working as an International Project Manager at GrowPro Experience. My goal is to help students all around the world to live the experiences of a lifetime 🙌🏽. I'm trying to inspire students by means of telling the story of former growers, showing what we are doing at each destination and writing about our cities and tips on our blogs. I got a big passion for adventures, doing sports in the park, learning new languages and seeing new places 🌏. That's one of the reasons why I studied European Studies and why I currently work for GrowPro, to expand my horizons. Hopefully, I can inspire you to do the same!

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