In case you are unaware, New Zealand became famous globally after allowing its scenic natural beauty to be included as a part of the LOTR (Lord of the Rings) movie franchise. Its people are famous for their kindness and willingness to accommodate all visitors and its relative geographic isolation has enabled its citizens to stay away from most of the problems faced by other developed nations. From the high quality of the education to the beauty of the natural surroundings, it truly is a wonderful place to live and learn, thus attracting multitude of students from other countries each year. Read on to find out more about how you can secure admission into one of the eight major universities in the country.

The top eight universities of New Zealand are counted amongst the top 3% of all universities globally based on the recently announced QS World University Rankings. Depending on the courses you choose, you may have the option to work during and after your studies. With the diverse study options available, students have the flexibility to complete a programme in the way that best suits them. Most courses encourage critical and independent thinking employing theoretical and practical learning for a balanced approach towards education.

These government funded universities are:

University of Otago: The oldest university in New Zealand was found in 1869 and is one of the premier institutes spearheading research in the country. Specifically important for students wishing to take up courses in medical, biomedical, biological science, natural sciences, liberal arts and law papers.

University of Canterbury: Established in 1873 by scholars hailing from Cambridge and Oxford universities, the University of Canterbury has gained international reputation for its academic excellence in teaching and research in courses like Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Forestry.

University of Auckland: Established in 1883 and is considered to be the largest and most recognized one in New Zealand offering courses in Arts, Humanities, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Management, Engineering and Technology. It is especially renowned for its courses in Social Sciences and Medicine.

Auckland University of Technology: Recognized as the university that reflects the changing world, AUT University was established in 1895 as a Polytechnic and formally deemed to be a university in the year 2000. AUT is New Zealand’s second largest and fastest growing university offering 250 different courses that are globally competitive and ranging from Business and Law, to Creative Technologies, and Sports & Recreation.

Victoria University of Wellington: this University was established in 1899 and is considered New Zealand’s most internationalized university with courses offering a global outlook. It’s faculty of Law, Business and Earth Sciences are drawn from all parts of the world. Overall it offers 100 courses within seven different faculties.

Massey University: Massey is one of the newer universities having being founded in 1927 and is considered to play a defining role in the development of New Zealand and its land based industries with its graduates who are innovative, creative and connected thinkers. Massey Wellington is the undisputed base for a number of unique research centres, and is home to New Zealand’s most distinguished School of Design dating back to 1886.

University of Waikato: The University of Waikato was established in 1964. Specifically renowned for its courses in arts, business analysis (financial), communication studies, computer graphic designing, management and Maori and Pacific development. Students are free to select papers/ courses from across its academic offerings.

Lincoln University: Established in 1878, Lincoln upholds its values as a solid ground that has prepared its students for the international arena and has showcased its commitment towards transforming land, government, people and economies. Its specialist papers attracts students who wish to take up courses in sciences, commerce, environment management and planning as well as viticulture and oenology.

The education system in New Zealand

New Zealand follows a three-tier model for education with its institutions for primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary education at universities or polytechnics. The academic year usually runs from January to December for schools and late February to November for Universities but can change depending on the requirement of courses. It is not uncommon to see consolidation of schools and colleges with mergers and acquisitions for universities closely affiliated to them. Most students can work for 20 hours a week when studying in New Zealand. In addition to a centrally coordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and programme level, each university undertakes internal quality checks. All new programmes are accredited through a national university qualifications committee. A recent OECD report indicates that international students now make up more than 16% of its tertiary student population

Every student who would like to pursue their future studies in New Zealand has to fulfil certain criteria and procedures to become eligible. For instance: International students, who want to study in New Zealand for any course with duration of more than three months, require a student visa. One important point to remember is that tuition fees in New Zealand are on the higher side and therefore many universities require students to showcase proof of funds up to NZ $15000 for each calendar year that they are studying in NZ. For many students, universities might ask for the funds to be transferred to them so that students can demonstrate their genuine intent and funds to study in the country. While applying for the visa, students will need to complete the application process by applying online or using the paper form.

For students, who have been asked to validate that they have the capability and financial worthiness to study in New Zealand, a fund transfer scheme is a good option. Post submission and review of the application documents, the NZ immigration authorities will send across an Approval In Principal (AIP) to students. It is then that students should open an account with ANZ bank and remit the fund to their NZ account and receive their confirmation letter. It is critical to note that if the duration of their course is longer than two academic years, then students will need to provide a plan of payment to show that they have access to funds and the ability to meet the rest of the course cost and living expenses. It is for this reason, that the New Zealand based universities ask for Fund Transfer Schemes so that they can facilitate the processing and application of students who would like to study in New Zealand for a year or longer. Avanse Education also offer pre-visa loan disbursement facility to help students secure this critical funding for their study and stay in New Zealand. It’s time to get the Avanse Edge.