Your main worry when choosing New Zealand as a study abroad destination is receiving a top-notch education at a reasonable cost. The degrees earned in New Zealand are highly regarded and enjoy international acclaim. The universities in New Zealand, which are based on the British educational system, place a strong emphasis on developing individual abilities by offering a wealth of chances for research and creativity.

The nation boasts a breathtakingly gorgeous terrain, economic stability, excellent standards of living, prospects for employment after graduation, and a tranquil environment. Combining these elements, English-speaking nations should consider New Zealand as a viable study abroad option.

In the guide below, we have illuminated the fundamental prerequisites for studying abroad in New Zealand and how to acquire New Zealand student visa:

Australian citizens and people with residency permits do not need a student visa to study abroad in New Zealand. To enrol in New Zealand’s institutions, students of all other countries must get a student visa. Once one of New Zealand’s universities has approved your admission application, you will receive an acceptance letter and be required to pay the tuition and registration cost.

After completing the admissions procedures, you will go to the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate in your neighbourhood. The Embassy will walk you through the process step by step. Obtaining a student visa typically takes four to six weeks. The prerequisites for submitting a student visa application will vary depending on your nationality. Typically, the Embassy will request the following paperwork from the student:

New Zealand offers overseas students a simple post-graduation visa process that results in permanent residency. No matter what kind of study programme they are enrolled in in New Zealand, all overseas students are eligible for the post graduation visa.

However, the length of your post-graduation visa depends on the course of study you finished in New Zealand. Holders of a postgraduate diploma or degree are eligible for a postgraduate visa with a validity of two to four years. The post-graduation visa period for international students who have completed other courses, degrees, or diplomas that are not equivalent to post-graduate level is almost 12 months.

The students can work in any firm or corporation and wherever in New Zealand for the duration of their post-graduation visa. A points system underpins the application process for obtaining permanent status. The points system is an eligibility requirement that determines which category of permanent residency the applicant qualifies for. You will be invited to submit a formal immigration request if you meet the requirements for any category of permanent residency by earning the necessary points, and vice versa

In truth, New Zealand’s study costs are considerably less than those of other English-speaking nations. The cost of tuition is higher for subjects in medicine and veterinary science than for other subjects.

The price you might anticipate paying for an undergraduate degree at a New Zealand institution ranges from NZ$22,000 (about $14,900 per year) to NZ$32,000 (around US$21,700 per year).

You can anticipate paying between NZ$26,000 ($17,660 per year) and $37,000 ($25,100 per year) to study in a postgraduate programme in New Zealand.International students who enrol in PhD programmes must pay the same tuition as New Zealand residents, which ranges from NZ$6,500 (about $4,250 per year) to $9,000 (around $5,886 per year).

New Zealand has a higher than average lodging expense compared to Australia. Managing monthly housing costs will be difficult for international students. Food, transportation, and entertainment are affordable costs of living.

The ability to work part-time in New Zealand on a student visa makes it possible to manage the monthly budgeting challenges. A student can make about $1400 by working 20 hours per week, and perhaps more if they have particular professional talents. The following estimates represent the costs of daily consumables, transportation, and lodging:

On-campus lodging costs between $180 and $200 a week.

$120 weekly for a single room in a shared apartment.

Private One-Room Apartment Rental: $200 to $350 Weekly

Hostel costs between $140 and $250 a week.

Transportation The metro trains, buses, and ferries that make up New Zealand’s public transportation system. In New Zealand, cabs are an expensive form of transportation. Depending on how far you travel daily to get to work, school and home, a monthly pass for public transport would run you between NZ$120 and NZ$250.

Food In a restaurant, a standard lunch or supper meal for one person will cost about NZ$18.

One kilogramme of potatoes costs NZ$3.45, one kilogramme of tomatoes costs NZ$6, and a dozen eggs cost NZ$7. A loaf of bread will cost $2.06 NZD for two individuals to eat for one day.

While there are no English language requirements for applying for a student visa, most universities will request proof of your English proficiency before admitting you. Popular language proficiency tests for international students include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET).

Some institutions also accept the IELTS Indicator for those unable to take the test in person due to Covid-19 restrictions. Costs for these tests range from £40 to approximately £200. While most universities in New Zealand accept these tests, specific score requirements may vary. It’s best to contact your chosen university directly to clarify their expectations.

In New Zealand, all international students over the age of 18 are permitted to work 20 hours per week, and students participating in postgraduate Masters or PhD programmes are free to work as many hours as they like (without a cap on hours). There are several opportunities for part-time work in New Zealand. After attending classes, you can pursue internships or traineeships to gain professional experience, or you can work at other occupations.

In New Zealand, the hourly minimum wage is $16. Depending on your job kind, talents, and experience, you will always be paid at least this much or more. Your student visa for New Zealand will act as a work permit, thus a second one is not necessary. You can work as a waiter, cashier, tutor, sales consultant, data entry specialist, translator, warehouse employee, call centre representative, or as a freelancer.