University preparation in New Zealand for international students

New Zealand's education system operates under the vigilant oversight of the Ministry of Education, ensuring rigorous standards that align with the British educational model. This thorough approach is evident in both scheduled and surprise inspections that the government carries out annually, checking for compliance with academic, hygiene, and sanitation standards across public and private higher education institutions. The stringent oversight ensures a level playing field for all university applicants, with consistent admission criteria.

University Admission Requirements in New Zealand

• Completion of Secondary Education: A 13-year secondary education certificate is a must. For international students, there's an option to undertake university prep courses in New Zealand, typically lasting 1-2 years. More on this under the 'University Preparation Course New Zealand' section below.

• Proficiency in English: Universities primarily recognize the IELTS standard, with a required minimum score of 6-6.5. Some institutions also accept TOEFL. You'll need to submit a valid test certificate with your application. Note that these test scores usually remain valid for 2 years, but certain universities in New Zealand mandate that the test should be taken no more than 18 months prior to application.

• Recommendation Letter: While not always compulsory, some universities may request a recommendation letter, especially if you've previously studied at another university for a year.

• Motivation Letter: This document should outline your personal reasons for choosing the particular university, be it a desire for quick immigration, career aspirations, or other motivations.

• Timely Document Submission: Ensure all required documents are submitted 3-4 months ahead of the admission deadline. It's advisable to verify exact dates with the university's administration.

University Preparation Course New Zealand: If as an international student, you need additional academic preparation before entering a New Zealand university, the Foundation program is the way to go.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• Advanced English: Both written and spoken aspects of the language are covered extensively.

• Specialized Subjects: Deep dives into specific subjects based on the faculty or course you're aiming for.

A key criterion for entry into these preparation courses is holding an international language certificate like IELTS or TOEFL. If your English proficiency needs a boost, preliminary language courses are available, culminating in a test and a certification of completion. After completing the university preparation course, students undergo an examination to confirm their qualification, paving the way for university admission.

What does Preparing for University in New Zealand consist of?

 For details on university preparation course fees and associated costs, it's recommended to directly consult the respective educational institutions or their official websites.Below there is a table with a list of institutions where you can take Foundation program, as well as language preparation:

For many aspiring students, university prep courses in New Zealand provide a straightforward path to higher education. However, what if you're keen on bypassing these university preparation courses and diving directly into the educational realm? Thankfully, New Zealand offers other avenues.

Direct Admission Without University Preparation Courses: Aside from gaining admission after completing the first year at a local university, there's another intriguing option for foreign students. Unlike many countries, New Zealand permits international students to work. The going rate starts at €9 per hour, capped at 20 hours weekly. However, it's worth noting that enrolling in a Foundation program doesn't grant students the right to work part-time. As a result, many prospective students grapple with university preparation course fees and daily expenses such as housing, food, and clothing.

A viable alternative to the Foundation program is joining a technological institute in New Zealand. Here's what students can expect:

• Transition to University: Upon successfully completing the initial phase and earning a diploma, students can seamlessly transition to a university.

• Work Opportunities: International students don't forfeit their right to part-time employment during academic semesters and holidays.

• Acquiring a Robust Specialization: Graduates emerge with a solid industrial or technological specialization. Consequently, one can opt to forgo university and dive straight into the workforce post-graduation.

• Balancing Work and Study: The flexibility offered allows students to juggle employment with their academic pursuits. This could be a combination of full-time studies coupled with part-time work or vice versa.

Preparing for university in New Zealand is an exciting journey, marking the transition from secondary education to higher studies. However, this phase also comes with its financial implications, which range from application fees to preparatory courses. For prospective students and their families, understanding these costs is crucial for seamless planning and transition.

Application and Testing Fees: One of the initial expenses faced by students is the application fee charged by most universities. This fee can vary, but students can expect to pay anywhere from NZD $50 to $150 per application. Furthermore, some courses or programs may require entrance tests or assessments. For instance, if a student's first language isn't English, they might need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL. These tests also come with their own registration costs, which can range between NZD $250 to $350.

Preparatory Courses and Tuition: Some students opt for preparatory courses or foundation programs to bridge the gap between high school and university. These courses, offered by various institutions, focus on equipping students with the academic skills required for university-level studies. Depending on the length and nature of the program, costs can range from NZD $15,000 to $30,000 for a year. Additionally, students might seek out tutoring or coaching for specific subjects, entrance exams, or to strengthen their overall academic prowess. The cost for such tuition can vary widely based on the tutor's expertise and the duration of coaching.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Beyond the direct costs of applications and preparation, there are other considerations. These include the cost of acquiring necessary study materials, books, or digital resources. For those traveling for university interviews, open days, or entrance tests, there will be associated travel and accommodation expenses. Moreover, there might be costs for document translation, transcript evaluations, or other administrative tasks, especially for international students.

In conclusion, while the prospect of attending a university in New Zealand is thrilling, it's essential to be aware of and budget for the various preparatory costs involved. By doing so, students can ensure a smoother transition and lay the foundation for a successful academic journey ahead.

When considering the financial aspect of studying in New Zealand, it's crucial to weigh the university preparation course fees against other educational pathways. By evaluating the total cost of preparing for university in New Zealand, students can make informed decisions that align with their career aspirations and financial circumstances.

New Zealand educational institutions provide the opportunity to receive a high-quality and comprehensive education. New Zealand welcomes international students and offers a variety of programs in the arts, science, technology and medicine. It is important to note that the New Zealand education system places a high value on practical learning and research projects, making it attractive to students from all over the world.

New Zealand has several outstanding universities: the University of Auckland, the University of Otago and the University of Canterbury. These educational institutions are known for their quality education and global recognition. However, it is worth remembering that the choice of university also depends on your specialization and interests.

To apply to university in New Zealand, you will need a Certificate of Education or equivalent, results from English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, letters of recommendation from teachers or employers, and a completed application. The level of requirements may vary depending on the specific university and program, so it is important to carefully review the requirements on the website of the selected institution.

Yes, most universities in New Zealand require proof of English language proficiency. To do this, you will have to take an exam such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score required for entry may vary depending on the program, but ensuring a good level of English is very important for successful study and adaptation in New Zealand.

The cost of studying in New Zealand can vary significantly depending on the level of education and the chosen program. Typically, bachelor's programs cost between NZ$20,000 and 35,000 per year, master's programs cost between $20,000 and $40,000 per year, and doctoral programs cost between $6,000 and $9,000 per year. It is also important to consider the costs of textbooks, housing and other necessary items.

Yes, many universities and organizations in New Zealand provide scholarships for international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, athletic success, research projects, or other criteria. Therefore, it is worth exploring different options and applying for scholarships that suit your interests and abilities. This can greatly help financially while you study in New Zealand.

The length of study in New Zealand depends on your level of education and the chosen program. Bachelor's programs usually last 3 years, master's programs last 1-2 years, and doctoral studies can take 3 to 4 years. It is also worth considering that some programs may provide the opportunity for accelerated study or interruption of study for internships and practice.

Yes, international students have the opportunity to work in New Zealand while studying. Students are generally entitled to work no more than 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. This is a great opportunity to earn extra money and gain experience that will be useful in your future career.

The cost of living in New Zealand can vary depending on the city and lifestyle, but on average, international students can expect to spend between NZ$12,000 and NZ$15,000 per year for housing, food, transport and other expenses. It's important to note that students have a variety of housing options to choose from, such as university campuses, apartment rentals, or room-sharing, which also affects the final costs.

Yes, after finishing your studies in New Zealand you can extend your visa. This may require continuing education at a higher level (for example, moving from a bachelor's to a master's degree) or finding a job in accordance with the rules governing work visas. It is important to monitor the deadlines and requirements associated with visa extensions and submit the necessary documents in a timely manner.