College Selection Process for New Zealand

Planning to head to New Zealand to pursue higher studies, but haven’t selected a potential college yet? Here is an article to help you out.
It is always wise to weigh your options well before zeroing upon a college, especially when you’re heading to a new country all together. We give you the most important factors to consider while choosing a college on the Island country.
6 Steps to choosing a college in New Zealand
College Rankings
Research well about potential colleges before reaching a decision. Factors like college’s highest (and lowest) acceptance rate, best programs, most international students, value for money should be taken into account. Ratings like QS World University ratings can be considered to evaluate the colleges, as these international ratings give students a clear picture about the colleges.
Here are a few top New Zealand colleges based on popular courses (source: QS World Rankings)
| Top Law colleges in New Zealand |
|||
| University of Auckland University of Canterbury |
Victoria University of Wellington The University of Auckland University of Otago University of Canterbury University of Waikato |
The University of Auckland University of Otago |
The University of Auckland University of Canterbury University of Waikato Victoria University of Wellington University of Otago |
Size of a college
It is important to inquire about the strength of the colleges, the number of faculty members, students etc. to know more about the environment of the college and analyse the pros and cons of the institute.
Financial Factors
This is the factor, which more or less determines a student’s choice of college – the finances required to study in a college. One must consider the finances required for tuition fee, the boarding, and study material, before applying for education loans.
Facilities available
While a good college would offer an idyllic academic environment, social environment, athletic and other extracurricular opportunities, location, placements and a good faculty to contribute to a student’s personal growth, a poor college would fail to do so. Hence when choosing a college it is wise to scrutinize the facilities it offers beforehand.
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Campus activities
It would not be wrong to say that a college stays in limelight for its academic achievements, its placements, its accomplished alumni, fraternity and of course its campus activities. Thus, when researching about a college it is beneficial to keep a tab about its campus activities too.
Academic requirement
Last but not the least. All the research would go in vain if your college does not offer recognised and the best education in your chosen field. Hence, a good college must offer an apt study environment and expertise in your chosen field.
The University of Auckland offers the best UG and PG programs for international students at an affordable tuition fees. Auckland Unversity Master in Project Management is slightly better than the Master in Management because of its tuition fees for first year. Mentioned below is the tuition fees for first-year for international students:
| Program | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Project Management | INR 25.11 L |
| Master in Management | INR 26.11 L |
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
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Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application

International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.
Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application