You need to know what you’ll be studying and where you’ll be studying; that way, you can work out how much it will cost you to make that happen.
Tertiary education providers in NZ, in no particular order, are Universities, Polytechnics, Institutes of Technology, Private Training Establishments, and Industry Training Organizations. Qualifications offered at every level are certificates, diplomas, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. All of which are ranked on the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) Framework.
List of qualifications exempt from assessment in New Zealand
Did you know?
There are only eight universities in New Zealand namely University of Auckland (UoA), Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Massey University (Massey), University of Waikato (Waikato), all in North Island; and Victoria University of Wellington (Victoria Uni), University of Canterbury (Canterbury), Lincoln University (Lincoln), University of Otago (Otago), all in South Island.
The academic year begins in late February or early March and ends in October. Where summer school applies, this will start from early January to mid-February. Some Universities offer to start studies in July, but this is more common for exchange students and postgraduate students.
Participate in the pop quiz: How many did you count?
Bachelor’s degree takes three to four years to complete. You can earn a postgraduate degree like a graduate diploma, Master’s, or Doctorate degree. A Master’s degree takes one to two years to complete, while a PhD degree requires a minimum of three years to complete.
For a PhD, any completion less than three but more than two will require special permission from the necessary authority (T&C’s apply).
Education in New Zealand
Confused on choice of tertiary institution? Follow this link for more information.
The choice of institution
Selecting the right institution is a critical decision that appears difficult for various reasons such as, having too many options!
In more ways than one, the tertiary institution you choose contributes to your social life, especially as an international student. More importantly, if you have no family and love to make friends but are not good at making friends.
To select your school, YOU must research because deciding what programme to study is all on you. Yes, YOU!!
Most common tertiary institutions in NZ that I know about are below. Again, this list is in no order of ranking.
By now, you may notice that the discussions in my post focus more on Universities and emphasise doctorate stuff. Rightly so. I studied for a PhD in a University so, it’s my strong point. That being said, let’s say it is the University for you.
The questions below can help get your thinking started. I’ve put them in a first-person perspective.
- What sort of qualification do I want?
- Are there scholarships available in that area?
- What are the job opportunities available? (e.g. is it under the skill shortage list?)
- Is my studying this degree a migration pathway?
- What’s the specialisation of the university?
- Am I bothered by University rankings (esp. for bragging rights)?
Now, if you’re an overthinker and semi-planner like me, after you’ve answered the above questions, a new set of questions will arise. How do I apply? When does the application open/close? Are application fees charges? What about the requirements for admission? OMG, freak-out mode-activated.
Pheww!! Calm the fuck down!!! I am here to guide you. 😜😉
