Why Study in New Zealand
The New Zealand university system is research-based, as it is historically based on the British higher education model. This means there are a number of similarities between the 2 systems, such as the names of qualifications, teaching methods, and the look and feel of the university campuses.
All academic staff are expected to be active researchers as well as teachers. This insistence on research-informed teaching ensures a high quality learning experience.
The universities’ representative body, the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, has legal responsibility for university course approval and moderation procedures.
The New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit supports this quality assurance method. These systems certify that university education in New Zealand is of a consistently excellent standard.
Unlike the situation in the UK and many other countries, New Zealand does not have massive competition to enter the first year of a university degree. This is because the New Zealand government has invested heavily in university education over the years.
As a result New Zealand has more capacity than it has students. Good students with moderate grades can gain entry to most Bachelor degree programmes without any problems. Therefore, entry requirements are moderate
Campuses are highly international, with students from all corners of the globe studying and socialising together. Students come from Europe, South East Asia, the UK, North Asia, Japan, South America, India, and Australia, amongst many others.
New Zealand also has a well-developed system of pastoral care for international students, backed by a government-monitored Code of Practice. This means you will be well looked after during your time studying there.
Costs
The country has a comparatively low cost of living, abundant fresh food at reasonable prices and a wide variety of student accommodation options.
Transport is also moderately priced, affording easy access to rivers, mountains, lakes, forests and beaches and the recreational opportunities they provide.
Some key Information:
AREA: 268,860 km2
POPULATION: 4 600 000 inhabitants.
CAPITAL: Wellington: 435 019 inhabitants.
MAIN CITIES: Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier-Hasting
TYPE OF SYSTEM: Parliamentary Democracy, Monarchy
CURRENCY: Newzealand Dollar (NZD)
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: English and Maorisk