Student Life in New Zealand

Student Life in New Zealand

Congrats on joining a programme in New Zealand. Read this quick guide to prepare for student life in New Zealand

Rents vary a lot in New Zealand, as each major city has its own real-estate pricing. On an average, a single bedroom flat may cost anywhere between NZ$ 130 to NZ$ 350 a week based on the city.

That’s “Welcome to New Zealand” in Maori the language of the original inhabitants whom Captain James Cook discovered on 8th October 1769, when he landed on the sands of what we know as New Zealand today!

New Zealand today is a beautiful mix of modern glass-and steel structured cities and verdant hills and lakes of the country-side. New Zealand is an amazingly beautiful country with verdant grassy meadows, pristine beaches, thickly forested hills, beautiful lakes and the ocean surrounding the island. Some famous blockbusters shot in New Zealand include - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong, The Last Samurai, Avatar and The Hobbit.

New Zealand as a Study Destination:

The following factors make higher education in New Zealand an attractive option:

Medium of instruction is English
Qualifications are internationally recognised
Research-oriented employer-friendly courses
Less expensive when compared to living in the USA or the UK
Friendly people and great respect for people from other countries
A mid-sized community of expatriate Indians
Equally distributed institutions across the country
Part-time work opportunities

Quick Facts:

Capital City - Wellington

Other cities - Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin

Currency - New Zealand Dollar

Area - 268 000 sq km

Population - 4.4 million

Religion - Christianity

Languages - English and Maori

Climate - varies region-wise, mild, temperate, maritime climate

Universities in New Zealand:

There are eight universities in New Zealand, which offer courses in subjects ranging from arts and psychology to astronomy and medicine. As per the QS World Rankings the universities are ranked as listed below:

Auckland University of Technology
Lincoln University
Massey University
The University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington

This article on the top academic institutions in New Zealand will give you a better insight on which institution to choose.

Student Visas:

The New Zealand government ensures that every student gets a fair chance to study in New Zealand and all visa applications are screened with great care. Visit the New Zealand Immigration website for more information on entry requirements, opportunities and eligibility criteria to study in New Zealand.

Accommodation:

When you choose to go abroad for higher studies; post your admission confirmation, your first major worry would be to find an appropriate accommodation option that fits your budget. In most cases opting for accommodation on-campus helps as it saves travelling time and also comes with meal-passes and access to palatable food. Students may also choose to be independent and not be stifled down by University-rules and choose to stay on their own or in a shared-flat. Rents vary a lot in New Zealand as each major city has its own money-dynamics and real-estate pricing. On an average a single bedroom flat may cost anywhere between NZ$ 130 to NZ$ 350 a week based on the city where you live.

Leisure Activities:

New Zealand is a sport and nature-lover’s dream come true. Visit the beautiful Egmont National Park, south of New Plymouth to view amazing flora and fauna. The Huka Falls with its bluish tinted crystal-clear water hurtling down the rocks. Visit Lake Taupo the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand and sample the fresh trout caught in the waters with a Kiwi twist. Go to Mount Cook and climb the mountain and have a stunning view of the scenery around. The adventurous can try visiting the Tasman Glacier, which is 4 kilometres wide and 600 feet deep. The glacier covers an area of 101 square kilometres. The glacier is part of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Watching a cricket match or enjoying a rugby match with the ‘All Blacks’ team performing their ceremonial dance are options for sport-lovers. For a country of its size would you believe it if I told you that New Zealand has in excess of 600 museums! Museums to preserve Maori culture, museums that document the rule of the British monarchy in New Zealand, science and technology museums; there is a museum to satisfy all curious minds!

The various cities - Auckland - known as ‘the city of sails;’ Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin all have their own charms and places of interest. Studying in New Zealand is an amazing experience and I am sure this article would have kindled your interest! Good luck with your quest for a great study experience in New Zealand!

Embassy Information

Indian Embassy

High Commission of India, Level 9, 180 Molesworth Street

PO Box 4045

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

Office hours:

Monday-Friday : 9:30 AM - 5:30PM

Telephone Number for General/Consular Services: +64-4-4736390

Telefax - (+64)-4-4990665 and +64-4-4737149

Email - hicomind@hicomind.org.nz

Sri Lankan Embassy