Study and Research Opportunities in New Zealand

Long and short-term academic programs are available in New Zealand across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in New Zealand. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are other excellent academic activities that make New Zealand an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in New Zealand and apply.

Scholarships in New Zealand

Fellowships in New Zealand

Grants & Awards in New Zealand

Summer programs in New Zealand

New Zealand as an academic destination

New Zealand is a country with a rather small number of higher educational institutions, yet, it is surprising with education quality.

To imagine the quality over quantity ratio of New Zealand's education system, here is a fantastic fact: 8 out of 8 universities in New Zealand are ranked in QS Rankings. 

The University of Auckland is the top one in the country, surpassing all the other national universities in its global rankings. In the above list of academic opportunities in New Zealand, you will find the link to Auckland's website several times. Due to the diversity of its programs, it's also included in the universities' list with the highest percentage of international students indicator. 

The University of Otago is the second higher educational institution in popularity and the international rankings. It follows the University of Auckland in the percentage of international faculty members and is the second in the country with this indicator. Otago is the oldest university in the country, founded in 1869.

The other six universities you can choose from include

An advantage of New Zealand education is that most of NZ's degree qualifications can be transferred to the UK and Australian institutions. This opportunity is related to the historical past of New Zealand, when it was a part of British territory, therefore maintained connections with the country and kept the main approaches of the US educational infrastructure. 

University types in New Zealand

A quick breakdown of the universitys' structures in New Zealand will help you better navigate among the above-mentioned universities. 

There are four main types of higher educational institutions in the country, presented below with their main characteristics.

All the universities in New Zealand are state-owned. This is especially beneficial for students from the perspective of lower tuition fees. You might both get short certificate courses and more extensive, research-based academic programs lasting up to a full year. 

Similarly to universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology are also state-owned. The courses you can get there are not lower in quality than the ones offered in universities. Moreover, polytechnics and institutes of technology have a more practical approach to the offered academic programs. 

Colleges of education are usually smaller units of larger universities. Their purpose is to provide teacher training. 

In private training providers, there are short and practice-based courses in narrow specific fields, preparing students to work almost immediately after graduation. 

International Student Expenses in New Zealand

Undergraduate studies usually cost from 16,000 to 23,000 USD per year. The fees for Postgraduate courses are usually in the range of 19,000-27,000 USD. The estimated living cost per year in New Zealand is normally near 11,000 USD. 

For an international student, there are good options to reside in residence halls and cut the second important component of their expenses. Halls of residence or student hostels are located in convenient spots, usually exactly inside the campuses or near them. Therefore, you may significantly cut on everyday transportation costs as well. Also, that's not an always-included option, but some student hostels include meals. 

Of course, residing in residence halls doesn't guarantee you much private comfort, as those accommodations are usually shared by 6-8 students, where each of them has a separate bedroom but a shared kitchen and living area. 

So, you may look at other options of staying in New Zealand, an example of which includes homestays. If you choose homestays, you should usually live with a family, getting a private bedroom. An advantage of this option is that you will get meals provided by the family and reside with locals who can guide you on the country's main cultural points. 

There is also a private renting option, which is not as popular in New Zealand as many other countries. Firstly, you might find many of the rented houses unfurnished or only with the kitchen basics. Also, some essential utilities such as heating may not be always provided. 

Student visa in New Zealand

The visa requirements differ based on the duration of your stays in New Zealand. In case of staying for less than three months, the tourist visa is enough. Otherwise, if you choose to study for longer academic degrees, there is a need to acquire a New Zealand student visa. 

The visa procedures, among the provision of the main requirements, also require you to prove that you are financially able to pay your tuition fees and support all the related expenses during your studies in the country. There is also an extended visa allowing you to work part-time during studies and full-time when free of studies. 

However, we hope the funding opportunities provided in this section of ARMACAD will free you from the obligation to work and support your study expenses and help you enjoy your academic journey in New Zealand to the fullest.