By Naaznin Somani, Auckland, NZ- A SSN Member
Overview
New Zealand's small economy is heavily dependent on overseas trade. Traditionally, a large proportion of New Zealand's exports, mainly agricultural products, went to the United Kingdom. In the past 20 years, however, New Zealand has adapted to a changing world so that Asia is now more dominant. Our largest merchandise export markets are Australia, USA and Japan. New Zealand has developed its agriculture and manufacturing industries to suit the needs of niche markets. Dairy and meat exports still make a large contribution to New Zealand's economy. However, industries such as forestry, horticulture, fishing, manufacturing and tourism have become increasingly significant.
For example, among the 26,000 students currently enrolled at the University of Auckland, there are over 3,000 international students from over 60 different countries.
Why Students Choose to Study in New Zealand
There are over twelve thousand international students currently studying at Universities all over New Zealand - and probably twelve thousand reasons why they chose New Zealand as the place to come for their education.
But as I talk with students three reasons come up again and again: the world-class quality of our degrees; the cost-effectiveness of both tuition and living costs in New Zealand, and the unique and magical natural environment.
World-class Qualifications
University education in New Zealand is based on the British model of research-based teaching.
All university staff are expected, as part of their job description, to be engaged in original research, in creating new knowledge and in the publishing of papers in their area of expertise.
This means that even at the undergraduate level, and certainly at post-graduate level, students can expect to be taught by teachers who are at the frontier of knowledge in their discipline.
While the teaching input in New Zealand is excellent, students are also encouraged to be intellectually curious and independent.
New Zealand graduates are known around the world for their fresh thinking, creativity and hands-on approach to new challenges.
For a small country New Zealand has made a remarkable contribution in a diverse range of fields:
Physics - Sir Ernest Rutherford, the first person to split the atom, did his first two degrees at Canterbury, New Zealand before moving to the then better-endowed laboratories of Cambridge.
Engineering - the jet boat, the Britten motorcycle, world exporting company Tait Electronics.
Computer science - the Jade development system and the software unit of Trimble GPS Navigation is based in Christchurch.
Philosophy - the Blackwells Philosophical Gourmet site recently named Canterbury as one of the best schools of mind and cognitive development outside the US.
And the list goes on - as do our graduates, many of who are working in key positions in Europe, the USA, and Asia.
Details and Statistics for a Higher Education in New Zealand
Most degrees at New Zealand’s University require a minimum of three C's in Bursary (A level equivalency), however, there are different entry requirements to different degrees. Entry requirements also differ depending on the highest level of education obtained, i.e. GCSE, A levels etc. A detailed guide to determining which degree you are eligible for is on the Auckland University website, which provides entry mark requirements as well as additional requirements.
No degrees need an entry test, however, some require interviews prior to applying for the degree, such as Education (telephone interview), Nursing and Human Biology.
Mature students are welcome to join the university on consultation with the department they wish to join.
There are a few degrees that International students are unable to apply for, these include:
BPhar Bachelor of Pharmacy
BHBH Bachelor of Human Biology (Honours)
MBA Master of Business Administration
GDBUS Graduate Diploma in Business
MEDMG Master of Educational Management
GDARM Graduate Diploma in Arts Management
MBCHB Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
There are English language entry requirements to the University, which are also mentioned on the Auckland University website. Overseas Representatives for Auckland University are located in India, Pakistan, Kenya and the UK, providing information on the programmes offered at the University of Auckland as well as NZ government regulations.
What Courses Can I Study?
Your course of study and educational institution must be approved for foreign students.
The educational institution will advise you if their courses are approved.If you have any queries you will need to contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) -http://www.nzqa.govt.nz
Can I Study Part Time?
If you are a visitor or worker in New Zealand and wish to study part time, you may apply for a Variation of condition (http://www.immigration.govt.nz) to study.
You will need to show evidence that you:
• are enrolled in the course,
• have paid the fees for non New Zealand students, and
• have paid the Variation of Conditions fee.
What is the Year Like?
The Tertiary year begins at the beginning of March (the first full week of March) and ends around mid November. Each semester is 12 weeks; with mid-semester breaks (2 weeks) in between the semesters and inter-semester break (3 weeks) ending the first semester and beginning the second.
Tertiary year - Starts - March
Semester One - 6 weeks
Mid-semester break - 2 weeks
Semester 1 cont. - 6 weeks
Study break/exams - 3 weeks
Inter-semester Break - 3 weeks
Semester Two - 6 weeks
Mid-semester break - 2 weeks
Semester 2 cont. - 6 weeks
Study break/exams - 3 weeks
Tertiary year - Ends - November
Cost:
A second important factor to consider is cost. Due to New Zealand’s low exchange rate, tuition fees are approximately half those of an equivalent quality course in the US or the UK. The exchange rate at the time of publication was USD 1 = 1.70 NZ Dollar
New Zealand education is among the best in the world, with a modern and technologically developed society. Therefore, the lower cost does not mean a compromise on quality.
It is the relative weakness of the currency of a small economy that does this to us - to the advantage of your study budget!
What Will a Degree Cost Me?
Fees for degrees range from $NZ12,000 to $NZ35,000 depending on the degree. Duration of the degrees also vary between 2-4years, (the Diploma of Education is 1 - 1 1/2years).
In 2003, in NZ dollars the cost of a:
Bachelor of Arts was $15,000- $18,000 duration 3 yrs,
Bachelor of Commerce or a
Bachelor of Business
& Information Management, $17,250 3 yrs,
Bachelor of Engineering, $21,500 4 yrs,
Bachelor of Education (Bed, Teaching), $15,500 3 yrs,
Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc), $17,250 3 yrs,
Bachelor of Science (BSc), $18,000 3 yrs
How Much will Living in New Zealand Cost?
Living costs are also much lower, it varies by country, but you can expect to pay between 50 to 70 per cent of what you would in UK or USA.
ACCOMODATION
A 1 bedroom Unit near University or in the city area would approximately cost $220-230NZ.
A 3 bedroom house in the suburbs (15-20km from the city, 20-25min by car, 30-45min by bus) would approximately cost $350-375NZ, which could be shared by a few others to become cheaper.
The Auckland University accommodation website provides more information about staying on campus. Other NZ property websites will provide an estimate to how much you can expect to pay for accommodation in New Zealand.
If you intend to go flatting or rent privately, you would have to budget for extra expenses. Paying guest facilities are not common in the Muslim community, however it may be possible to find a recent migrant family looking for a boarder/lodger.
Catered Muslim meals can be arranged from members in the community, although Halal food is widely available in Auckland.
LIVING COSTS
The cost of living in NZ is considered to be the cheapest worldwide with the highest of quality. Although the general cost of living in NZ can vary, the Auckland University website provides useful information in this area.
On average, students will need approximately $15,000NZ per/year or $300- 400NZ per/wk, including accommodation. General costs may include (in $NZ):
Supermarket - $20 per/wk for basic, everyday items. For items such as meat, fruit etc - $50-60 Entertainment - $30 per/wk and
Car expenses - approximately $30-40 per/wk for petrol
How Does New Zealand Compare?
For individual items in $NZ a:
Take-out pizza - large $12
Milk per litre $1.90
Coca Cola per can $1.50
Coffee Cappuccino or latte $3.50
Meal at food court per meal $10
Meal at restaurant $15 - $40
Local calls made from a public telephone (per minute) $0.50
Local calls made from a cellphone (peak/off-peak per minute) $0.24 - $1.39
Bus fare per trip (Stage 1 - 8) $1.20 - $7.90
Monthly Bus pass (Stage 1-3 -- Stage 3+) $69.00 - $115.00
Taxi - km ride $8
Petrol/Gasoline per litre $1.25
Parking per hour rate $2 - $3
Parking per day rate $5 - $12
Visit to doctor $45
Other expenses may include:
Bank fees (fee charged by bank for transactions and services),
Transport such as buses, train or the ferry will vary, however there is a 20% discount of the adult cash fare for tertiary students.
Location
Location should not be the dominant factor in your decision-making, but can still play an important part in the decision process.
Other things being equal, you need to think where you would prefer to spend those crucial years of your life while you gain your qualifications and your intellectual training.
New Zealand's beautiful and unspoiled natural environment is legendary, as proven by the shooting location of the hit movie Lord of the Rings, as well as being the choice of destination for around 40,000 backpackers annually from Europe.
With a land area about the size of Norway, or 70 per cent of that of Japan, New Zealand is home to many things; artistic landscapes, from golden sand beaches to the ice-carved fiords and mountains of the Southern Alps, lush forests to the open countryside, volcanic and thermal areas to the crystal lakes, beautiful wildlife and a pleasant climate. The main cities of New Zealand also offer the cosmopolitan lifestyle, where the society is diverse, sophisticated and multicultural, and the honesty and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the greatest advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse elements are so close to each other!
ACTIVITIES
NZ also offers many extra curricular activities to pass the time, such as indoor sports, i.e. bowling, indoor rock climbing, ice skating, squash, badminton etc. And hosts a wide variety of outdoor sports like, bush walking, golf, kayaking, rugby, cricket, skiing are only part of what New Zealand has to offer, not to forget the endless sightseeing to be done. However, the New Zealand experience isn’t complete without sampling the extreme sports New Zealand is so famous for, such as bungy jumping, white-water rafting, paragliding, zorbing, abseiling and flying by a wire to name just a few.
FOOD
Halal food is not a problem in New Zealand, the availability of groceries such as meat, and places to dine out are almost everywhere. Most major shopping centres in Auckland now have Halal fast food, including Indian, Lebanese, Iranian, Mexican, pizza and the list goes on. Auckland also hosts many Halal restaurants and cafes who, as well as providing delicious food, it also makes for a great night out.
MOSQUES
Most mosques are located in Auckland. There are approximately 14 established Islamic centres, one of these for the Shia community (The Islamic Ahlulbayt Foundation of New Zealand). As New Zealand is such a diverse and multicultural society, all religions are respected and can be practised freely, such as wearing a headscarf.
Employment and Visas
Can I Look for Employment?
Under New Zealand Immigration laws, an International student can work up to 15 hours per week, if your intention is to study for at least two years. Students undertaking employment may apply for authority to work under the following circumstances:
- to fulfil course requirements
- up to 15 hours per week for tertiary students undertaking a long term course of study
- during the Christmas and New Year holiday period
- on completing your course of study, or
- as a postgraduate student.
There are many services aimed at aiding students in the job-hunting process. These part-time jobs may include, retail, the petrol station, supermarket, fast food outlets, sales and marketing or fruit picking on the farms (subject to seasons).
The Wage Guideline
Under the Minimum Wage Order 1997:
16-20yr olds - at least $4.20/hr
20yrs or over - at least $7.00/hr
A work permit is required; the final decision of work status is made by the New Zealand Immigration Services
What Is A Student Visa?
A Student Visa is:
- an endorsement you need in your passport to facilitate your travel to New Zealand for the purpose of study
- an endorsement you need in your passport if you are in New Zealand and wish to travel overseas and return to New Zealand for the purpose of study
- an endorsement showing you have permission to travel to New Zealand and may be granted a Student Permit when you arrive, and
- able to be issued for a single (one journey) or multiple (more than one journey) entry.
Who Does Not Need A Permit Or Visa To Study In New Zealand?
You do not need a visa or permit to study in New Zealand if you are:
- a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand Resident Permit holder
- an Australian citizen or an Australian resident who holds a current Australian resident return visa
- one of a group of people who are exempt from the requirement to hold a permit to be in New Zealand
- studying a course of no more than three months (while on a valid visitor permit)
- a holder of a Limited Purpose Permit granted for the express purpose of attending a course of study or training, or
- a holder of another type of temporary permit of which you have varied the conditions of your permit to allow you to undertake your course of study or training.
Refused A Visa Or Permit?
You can be refused a visa or permit if:
- you do not meet the entry requirements
- you are not a genuine applicant for a study visa or permit, or
- you are a person to whom Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1987 applies and you do not have an exemption.
Can my Visa or Permit be Revoked?
Student permits are issued to enable a person to undertake a particular course of study at a specified institution. Failure to do this may constitute a breach of the permit conditions, in which case the permit may be revoked. Educational institutions wishing to report students who have breached these conditions can do so.
Do I Need A Police Certificate?
If you are 17 years of age and over and intend to stay in New Zealand for a total of more than two years, you must provide a police certificate to show you are of good character. In order to prove you are of good character, you must supply the following:
- a police certificate from your country of citizenship, and
- Police certificates from any country you have lived in for five years or more since reaching the age of 17 years.
Your police certificate must not be more than six months old at the time your application is lodged.
More Useful Information
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Most students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless they are a:
• resident or citizen of Australia
• national of the United Kingdom in New Zealand, or
• holder of a temporary permit that is valid for two years or more.
For advice on eligibility and/or entitlements, please refer to the Ministry of Health website http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf
If you do not belong to one of these special categories and you receive medical treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs of that treatment.
It is strongly recommend that you have medical insurance for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.
STUDENT EXCHANGE SCHEMES
You may apply for a Student Visa to study in New Zealand as part of an approved exchange scheme.
These may be Government-to-Government, established formal exchanges or private exchanges for one off situations only.
For further details of current exchange schemes available, contact the New Zealand Immigration Services
Should one or their organisation wish to establish an exchange scheme, contact New Zealand Immigration Service to find out what information is required for the proposal to be considered.
Relevant Websites
UNIVERSITY
http://www.auckland.ac.nz/ - University of Auckland
Go to 'Visitors' -> 'International Students', includes information on everything you need to know, e.g. entry requirements, degrees, fees, useful information etc
Or e-mail int-questions@auckland.ac.nz
ACCOMODATION
http://accommodation.auckland.ac.nz
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/property - provides a general idea of property prices if you do not go through university channels
JOBS
http://www.jobs.co.nz - http://www.netnz.com/jobs/NZjobs.html (shortcut) - lists all relevant websites for finding a job in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND
http://www.purenz.com
http://www.nzherald.co.nz - National newspaper
If you wish to find out more about University education in New Zealand, you can contact the author by emailing cetab@world-federation.org