New Zealand, famous for its amazing scenery, is a great country – a fun place to visit and a superb study destination. The countryside is unique and quite spectacular, from rolling green hills to golden sand beaches then lush rainforests, all within a few hours’ drive. New Zealand has just over four million people, known affectionately as ‘Kiwis’, who are easy going, warm and welcoming to their neighbors and to those who travel to experience all that is New Zealand. New Zealanders travel overseas a lot and this means they are well used to a range of cultures. New Zealand itself is a multi-cultural nation, with a fusion of Maori (the indigenous people), Pacific Island, European and Asian people combining to make a vibrant and colorful society.
Internationally reputed as a provider of quality education, New Zealand offers a safe learning environment which provides excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. Campuses are highly international, with students from all corners of the globe studying and socializing together. The country offers a progressive education to help students take a leading place in the exciting global environment, with many New Zealanders working internationally or involved in collaborative research with many prestigious overseas universities.
There are many state-of-the-art facilities, and with many institutions spearheading several new technological developments, students have access to more advanced technology than they could wish for. As a result, New Zealand produces top graduates who can take their place in the international arena with confidence. New Zealand offers the best of both worlds: – the sophistication and excitement of a cosmopolitan country mixed with an easygoing lifestyle. Thousands of students are choosing to study here, to further their English, broaden their knowledge and improve their job prospects in the global marketplace.
There is a lot more to New Zealand than just an excellent education system though! New Zealand has a reputation as the ‘adventure capital of the world’; so if you are an extreme sportsperson, there are many opportunities to participate in extreme sports. From white water rafting and skiing to abseiling, mountain biking and snowboarding, you will be spoiled for choice! This beautiful recreational paradise in the south pacific has become a preferred study destination for many international students due to the following reasons: –
SAFE YET MODERN
This country of just over 4 million people is an easy going and one of the safest places on this earth with high quality living conditions and a modern lifestyle. New Zealand has never seen war on its own shores and crime here is extremely low compared to America and Europe. The New Zealand government is also very stable and the New Zealanders are very outward looking and welcoming of new cultures.
BRITISH-BASED EDUCATION SYSTEM
The New Zealand education programs and degrees are based on the world’s most recognized and accredited education system- The British System- without the same expense.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF COURSES AND DEGREES
New Zealand qualifications are of a high quality and have a reputation around the world for being practical, modern and desired. All courses, programs and qualifications offered by New Zealand institutions are quality assured by the New Zealand government. Major employers around the world recognize New Zealand qualifications and employ New Zealand graduates.
COMPETITIVE COSTS
New Zealand offers very affordable tuition fee compared with many other countries around the world. Competitive tuition fees coupled with a low cost of living represents a good value for your money.
MULTICULTURALISM
New Zealand has a dynamic and harmonious multicultural society. Kiwis are friendly and pleasant and are opening their doors to offer you warm and welcoming environments. International students are highly respected in New Zealand and you will feel most welcome here.
SUPPORT SERVICES
New Zealand has a long history of teaching international students and New Zealand institutions are sensitive to the needs of international students. The “International Office” in tertiary institutions provides a high quality support service to help you adjust to your new environment and successfully complete your studies.
RECREATIONAL WONDERLAND
From the rugged mountains to the sandy beaches New Zealand is a land of great variety. This is also true of educational and cultural programs on offer to international students. Although New Zealand has a population of only 4.3 million and is similar in geographical size to the U.K. and Japan, its breathtaking scenery sets it apart from the rest of the world. New Zealand offers exciting landscape and recreational opportunities as well as great outdoors to treasure.
WORKING WHILE STUDYING
All students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and 40 hours during vacations. Many New Zealand institutions offer a student employment service called ‘Student Job Search’ to help you find work.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR)
If you complete your course successfully, you automatically get a 12 months ‘Work Permit’ under the student visa policy. In most instances this permit will be done at your institution itself. This allows you to work full time in any job of your choice. However if you want to get a New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR), then you have to find a job that is relevant to the course that you have completed. Eg: If you have completed a course in IT, then you have to find a job as a programmer, analyst, etc. This will immediately give you a 2 years work permit with all rights like free medical, etc. Upon receiving this 2 years work permit then you can apply for PR and normally will get it within 5-6 months. If you do not find a job that is relevant to your course, you can continue to work in any job for 12 months and try and recover some of the investment you have made towards your study in NZ. You will that way end up by recovering a bulk of the fees you have paid and also end up with an international experience which will come in handy if you have to return to India. There are plenty of jobs in NZ, and while it may not be easy to get one, if you are good enough, you will easily get one. For more information please visit www.immigration.govt.nz.
NO PERSONAL VISA INTERVIEW AND NO OUTRIGHT VISA REJECTION
The Immigration Department of New Zealand NEVER rejects a visa application outright without giving you a chance to explain. Compare this with other countries who do not give you an opportunity to mention your side of the story. As long as you are able to explain clearly why you have chosen a particular course, there is no danger of not getting the visa. We will help you with the course selection that will enable you to create a good ‘Statement of Purpose’ (SOP) that will help the visa officer understand clearly and give a favorable decision.
FURTHER EDUCATION AFTER ACQUIRING PERMANENT RESIDENCY
Once you acquire your Permanent Residency and if you want to study further, then you become eligible for study loans from the Government of New Zealand. You can avail of these loans and pay after you complete the course. Your dependence o your parents can stop after you get your PR. You can also continue to work as much as you like while pursuing your further studies after PR. The 20 hours per week restriction goes away.