New Zealand
List of Universities
• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington
Other Institutions
• Aoraki Polytechnic
• AIS St. Helens
• Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
• Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology
• Design & Arts College
• Edenz College
• EIT Hawke’s Bay – Taradale
• Manukau Institute of Technology
• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
• Northland Polytechnic
• NZMA
• Open Polytechnic of NZ
• Otago Polytechnic
• Pacific International Hotel Management School
• Southern Institute of Technology
• Tai Poutini Polytechnic
• Tairawhiti Polytechnic
• Telford Rural Polytechnic
• UCOL
• UNITEC Institute of Technology
• Waiariki Institute of Technology – Rotorua
• Waikato Institute of Technology
• Wanganui UCOL
• Wellington Institute of Technology
• Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki
• Whitireia Community Polytechnic
Cost of Living
Fees Payment Methods
Fees – What they cover, Payment Methods
Not only world-class in quality, the cost of education in New Zealand is very competitive compared to other countries.
You will need to pay in advance, because proof of payment is needed to get a student visa or permit. There is usually an application or processing fee that is not refundable, even if your application is not successful.
Cancellation and Refunds
The Education Amendment Act 1991 protects tuition fees.
If you cancel before the course starts, for instance because your visa or visa extension is not granted, or you are transferring to another institution, most or all of your tuition fee will be refunded, except for the registration and processing fees.
If you cancel in the first week or so of the course, only part of your fee will be refunded. After that, you probably will not get any refund at all.
What the Fees cover:
Tertiary study – (NZ$18,000-$25,000 per annum, contingent on your course. Up to $40,000 for postgraduate courses.)
GST (tax)
Registration and enrolment
Student health and counselling
Language support
Use of most campus facilities
Expense in Additional Fees
Additional costs vary according to your age, the course you are taking, and the type of accommodation you choose, so the following estimates are only a guideline.
For Tertiary Study:
Textbooks and stationery $500 per annum
Student ID card $20
Student membership $30
Photocopy cards $100
Transfer from airport up to $50 (may be included in orientation Program fee)
Bus fares $30 – $60 per week
Tea-Coffee $1 – $3 per cup
Nights snacks $7 per one-course meal
Living Cost
Many international students admire the high standard of living in New Zealand. In general, the cost of living is akin to that in Australia, and less than in Britain. The cost of education, in particular, is highly competitive, which means that in New Zealand, you can afford a world-class education.
It costs 45 cents to post a letter within New Zealand. A Big Mac at McDonald’s costs $3.95. Local telephone calls are free. It costs between $8.50-$12.00 to go to the movies. Public transport is more expensive than in countries with greater population density. It is recommended that tertiary students budget for up to $20,000 in living expenses per annum.
About New Zealand
Democratic Elections
New Zealand has a very stable political environment. Elections are held every 3 years. Most of the 120 members of parliament represent a particular geographical area (their electorate) and have a lot of personal contact with people in that area. Some MPs represent only a particular party, to ensure that their party has the same weightage in parliament as it received at voting time. There is no “Upper House” in parliament.
Visiting Parliament
Parliament buildings, especially the “Beehive” a round building that contains offices of the party in power, are a Wellington landmark. Members of the public may walk in the grounds and tour the buildings. There is a public viewing gallery and the debates are also broadcasted on the radio.
Legal System
New Zealand does not have a written constitution, but functions on traditions inherited from Britain. Power is distributed between the legislature (parliament), the judiciary (courts) and the executive (government departments, local bodies and the ruling party) so that no branch of government monopolises. A Governor-General represents the Queen. The Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed by representatives of Maori tribes and the British Crown in 1840, is regarded by many people as a founding document for modern New Zealand society.
Police
New Zealand police have an impeccable reputation. They do not carry guns. The police are also responsible for traffic control and giving drivers alcohol test. You have the right to a professional interpreter if you have to go to court or are questioned by the police.
Visa Process for New Zealand
The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) is the government authority responsible for issuing visas and permits to enter New Zealand.
Studying in New Zealand as a Visitor
If you are in New Zealand as a visitor, you may take a single course of study that lasts less than three months without needing a student permit. If you want to take more than one course, and/or study for longer than three months, you can apply for a student permit while you are in New Zealand.
Going to New Zealand to Study
If you are outside New Zealand and planning to study full time for more than three months, you will need a student visa and a student permit, unless you are from a country that has a special agreement with New Zealand.
Application Requirements
Application forms can be obtained from Marconis office or from: www.immigration.govt.nz/forms To get a student visa and permit, you have to be enrolled in an approved course at an institution that has been accredited to offer that course.
Your Application will require:
A recent passport-size photograph.
Payment of a non-refundable application fee.
Marconis Institue can assist you with your application.
You need:
Evidence of payment of the fee or exemption from the fee. (Not necessary if your application is being approved in principle.)
A written guarantee from a New Zealand education institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand.
Evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are studying.
A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.
For courses longer than 24 months, you will also have to provide medical and x-ray certificates that are less than three months old (for students intending to be in New Zealand over 9 months, see the paragraph below regarding Screening for Tuberculosis). If you are over 17, a police clearance certificate.
If your application is approved, your passport must be valid for three months after your planned date of departure from New Zealand.
See: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/study
Screening for Tuberculosis – a new requirement (from 1 April 2004)
People applying for student visas or permits who intend spending more than 6 months in New Zealand now must be screened for tuberculosis (TB) if they:
Have NOT previously provided a full medical screening test to the New Zealand Immigration Service and;
Do NOT hold a passport from any of the identified low TB risk countries* (see below); or
Have spent (lived and/or visited) a combined total of three months or more (in the five years prior to applying) in a country/countries NOT identified as a low TB risk country* (see below);
For example: If you hold a UK passport and, at any time in the five years prior to applying, you spent five weeks in Thailand and seven weeks in Fiji, you will need to have a TB screening examination.
Note: This does not apply to pregnant women and children under the age of 12.
Procedure
If you need more information, you can free phone 0508 55 88 55 or visit the immigration website: www.immigration.govt.nz
Identified low TB risk countries : Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, (New Zealand), Norway, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.
Exam Procedure
Tertiary
How you are assessed will often influence the way you study. The two main types of assessment are examinations and class work. Sometimes your overall mark will be a combination of the two.
Examinations
These usually involve writing essays or short paragraphs or answering multiple-choice questions. Examinations take place at the end of each semester.
During an exam, students are not permitted to communicate with other people or eat or drink anything except water. Supervisors check everybody’s student ID card. For each exam there are different rules about what kind of dictionaries, books and calculators are allowed. There are also regulations about pre-empting the exam and what to do if you are sick on the exam day.
The student learning centre at your institution will run workshops about exam techniques and dealing with stress.
Class Work
This includes essays, assignments, laboratory reports, spot tests, fieldwork, presentations, special projects and practical work. Active participation in class may also be taken into account.
Take note of the criteria for assignments. An essay must not exceed the word limit given, and must be handed in on or before the deadline, otherwise you may lose marks or fail the course. Your lecturer may approve an official extension of time if you give a reason and do not ask at the last minute. If you are having difficulty with an assignment, discuss it with your tutor or get help from the student learning centre. They want you to succeed and will be happy to help. It is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is a normal part of student life.
Learning to Speak up for Yourself
Some university courses involve relatively few hours per week of formal lessons. A high degree of self-motivation and self-discipline is needed since you will be expected to do a lot of reading so that you can participate in class discussions. Students are expected to have original thoughts and be able to defend them in debate. This is how we show respect for our teachers – by participating fully in the academic process. In some cultures, it is not appropriate to challenge teachers, however it’s an important part of the British-style education system.
