New Zealand has become an emerging top destination for studying abroad and not just because it is a beautiful country, thanks to its excellent education system, internationally accredited qualifications, ample research opportunities, and matchless quality of life. Some reasons for New Zealand being an excellent destination for studying are listed below-
Globally recognized qualifications– All eight universities of New Zealand consistently rank high in QS World Rankings* and Times Higher Education Rankings and qualifications from any of these are accredited across the globe, opening doors to prospects everywhere. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also ensures that institutions are registered to enroll international students and comply with qualifications standards. A qualification from any of the universities will give students an edge over the others. The institutions have a well-balanced curriculum with equal weightage on practical and theoretical knowledge.
British-based education system- One of the main reasons for New Zealand being a preferred destination among Indians is that the education programs and degrees are influenced by the UK education system. Being a colony of the British Empire, it follows the tested and the most recognized system of British education which is very similar to what is followed in India. The country focuses on research-based teaching which means students will be taught to work independently as well as a team at various levels. Students will learn to think critically, question and benefit from student-teacher interaction and learn to implement the concepts learned in the classroom, and develop a different approach towards solving a problem. Students have an opportunity to get hands-on experience and knowledge to prepare them to excel anywhere in the world. The degrees you obtain at any university in New Zealand are at par with Universities in Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK. Graduates from Universities in New Zealand enjoy global reputations for technical innovation, research and are in great demand around the world.
Great quality of life– New Zealand ranks second on the Global Peace Index 2018*, which shows the country’s social tolerance and political stability. New Zealand also offers a wonderful multi-cultural environment that exists in perfect harmony with the country’s outdoorsy lifestyle. With all kinds of natural landscapes ranging from snowcapped mountains and steaming volcanoes to rolling green hills, golden sandy beaches, and lush rainforests, New Zealand means wanderlust. Studying and living here provides every student a chance to grow with its diverse culture and natural beauty all at once.
Work while you study– As an international student in New Zealand, students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours every week during their semesters and full-time during breaks. In fact, if students are pursuing a research master’s or a doctoral degree, they will be allowed to work full-time. Working part-time not only helps students make ends meet, but is also a great way to meet new people, build contacts while getting to know more about different cultures and ideas as students broaden their horizons.
Excellent programs and courses- All the programs offered by the state-funded universities in New Zealand go through stringent quality checks and all non-university education programs need to be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), a New Zealand government organization responsible for quality control. In fact, students won’t get a student visa if the course they’re planning to pursue in New Zealand is not approved by a quality assurance body like NZQA. The Universities in New Zealand offer a wide spectrum of courses in diverse fields- from engineering to social service, students can pick a course that appeals to them or a course that takes them to greater heights. Excellent quality of education, superior teaching standards, and an opportunity to learn from the best will surely give students an edge over the others. Industry-specific knowledge and hands-on experience are often a part and parcel of any course which ensures that the students graduating from these colleges are instantly absorbed by the finest employers across the world.
Innovation and research– New Zealand provide an abundant amount of opportunities in research for students, with the country boasting highly experienced faculty, well-equipped laboratories, access to the latest technology, equipment, and opportunities. The country’s innovative spirit has made it a hub of new technologies, research, and development in various fields such as healthcare, physics, geology, engineering, astronomy, computer science, agriculture, etc.
Lower living expenses and affordable educational costs- The cost of living in New Zealand is much less compared to many top educational destinations. Fresh food, accommodation, and transport are reasonably priced, making life in New Zealand less expensive as compared to countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, etc. Educational costs for similarly structured programs and qualifications are much lower in universities in New Zealand when compared with destinations such as the USA, the UK, etc. International students also get a chance to choose from a wide range of scholarships available for their studies. Scholarships are provided by the university and the Government and are mainly based on the previous or ongoing academic performances of the applicant.
Great Job Opportunities- According to Universities New Zealand which is the sector voice for all eight universities representing their collective views nationally and internationally, after graduation, 97% of the students get employed and 90% of them get into job profiles that are relevant to the course they’ve pursued. The latest data (2019) from SEEK Employment Trends shows opportunities were up by 9.4% and the majority of industries recorded an increase. According to Chris Whelan, the executive director of Universities New Zealand, after graduation, 97% of the students get employed, and 90% of them
International exposure and diversity- Universities in New Zealand have a vast number of international students thereby offering the students a truly international ambience. As per Education New Zealand’s Acting Chief Executive John Goulter’s estimates, there are likely to be more than 1.2 lakh international students in New Zealand in 2016! All NZ university campuses are international with students from Europe, Japan, India, South America, and Australia enrolled in various programs.
If you are thinking of studying in New Zealand? Well, you’re in the right place to start this magnificent adventure! Choose Myglobaluni to experience this new chapter.
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*This is a three part series of Pursuing Further Education in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide