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New Zealand Graduate School

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand Study Abroad Application Process/Timeline Planning

Bear Education

New Zealand, with its moderate rainfall and abundant sunshine, is a coveted destination for many international students. In a country with no private universities, each national university attracts talent through its own popular academic programs.

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Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand currently has a total of 8 public universities, 19 institutes of technology, 2 teacher training colleges, and 24 technical institutes, offering university and postgraduate courses in small-class settings, emphasizing the cultivation of students' independent and critical thinking abilities. With advantages such as high education standards, low study abroad costs, and relaxed visa conditions, it attracts many international students each year.

Following the British education system, New Zealand's high education standards enhance the international competitiveness of its students. The society is stable, residents maintain good mutual support relationships, transportation is well-developed, and tuition fees are affordable. For international students, it offers high value for money, and the opportunity to work part-time significantly alleviates financial pressure, helping them fulfill their study abroad dreams!

New Zealand universities provide part-time work opportunities for international students. Eligible international students can even work legally for up to 20 hours per week (full-time during holidays), with a minimum legal wage of $13 per hour, easing the financial burden on international students.

Graduate Studies in New Zealand

New Zealand's higher education system primarily consists of two types of institutions:

Traditional Universities

Bachelor's degree programs at universities typically require 3-4 years of study. All eight public universities are government-funded and undergo rigorous government oversight to ensure they maintain excellent academic standards.

Vocational Education Institutions

In New Zealand, vocational institutions and traditional universities coexist harmoniously. Universities provide high-quality academic environments for students seeking specialized expertise and theoretical knowledge, while vocational schools equip learners with job-ready practical skills for immediate workforce en

New Zealand's vocational education institutions (Colleges) are primarily categorized into three types:

A. Institutes of Technology

They specialize in offering various professional programs, including short-term courses that teach specialized subjects and vocational skills. Some of New Zealand's institutes of technology also provide master's degree programs.

B、 School of Education

Originally, the teacher training colleges were merged to form colleges of education. However, over the following 15 years, these colleges of education were further integrated with local universities. By the end of 2005, only the Christchurch and Dunedin colleges of education remained independent institutions.

B. Technical Institutes

English courses are provided for international students, including various specialized technical programs. Students can enter technical institutes after completing Year 12. However, to enroll in degree programs equivalent to university courses, applicants must either meet university entrance requirements, complete foundation courses at technical institutes, or have relevant work experience. For students from Taiwan, graduation from a senior high school or vocational high school in Taiwan is required for admission.

New Zealand Study Express

The New Zealand government announced that student and visitor visa processing will officially resume on July 31, 2022, and updates to the post-study work visa policy will take effect from May 11, 2022. International students enrolled in bachelor's or postgraduate programs will continue to be eligible for the post-study work visa policy.

The duration of the post-study work visa for international students will match the length of their study period in New Zealand. However, international students cannot apply for a second post-study work visa. This update does not affect currently processing student visa applications, international students who qualify under the special border exemption for 5,000 international students, or those currently holding valid student visas.

These policy changes do not impact the work rights of student visa holders during their study period.

Application Timeline

New Zealand universities mostly follow a rolling admission system. Upon receiving a student's application materials, they begin the review process immediately, with notifications typically issued within one month at the latest. However, most institutions still maintain application deadlines, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.

For the Fall intake:

  • Application period is generally September to December, with classes commencing in January or February.

For the Spring intake:

  • Application period is generally April to May, with classes commencing in July.

 

Example for a July (Spring) intake:

One Year Before Enrollment

January - March

Start planning your personal study abroad timeline  
Prepare for specialized exams and application documents in advance

March - June

投遞申請
寄送申請文件及認證成績單、完成各校申請程序

In the Year of Enrollment

July - November

Confirm application results

April - June

Process your visa application, arrange accommodation, and book flight tickets

Departure!

Necessary Documents

New Zealand Year 13 (Form 7) Qualification (for University Entrance)

TOEFL IBT 550 up or IELTS 6.0 up

Foundation Degree

High School diploma

High school transcript

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Frequently asked questions

​Application Process
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Start Planning

We here to assist you every step of the way. You won't feel left alone once you're overseas. We take the time to understand your needs, providing you with a personalized guide for studying abroad!

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Further Reading

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