How Much Study Gap is Accepted for New Zealand?
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Is there a fixed study gap limit for New Zealand? A study gap of less than six months requires no proof, while longer gaps must be justified with valid documents such as work experience letters or medical certificates. There are several ways to effectively explain and justify your study gap.
New Zealand is a popular study destination for Indian students. Many websites claim that 'New Zealand universities allow a study gap of 2 to 10 years.' But is this true? What are the actual gap policies according to Immigration New Zealand? In reality, there is no fixed duration for an acceptable study gap in New Zealand. This article will help you to understand the easy study gap rules of New Zealand.
- Study Gap Policy of New Zealand
- Importance of Justifying Study Gap with Valid Reasons
- Acceptable Gap in NZ
Study Gap Policy of New Zealand
Immigration authority assesses each application individually. Your study gap will be accepted if you will give valid explanation with supporting documents. Apart from INZ’s assessment, some universities in New Zealand may have their own rules related to accepting study gaps for admission. To get accurate information, check official website of university.
Remember, you do not need to provide any proof for a study gap of less than 6 months. However, if your study gap exceeds this period, make sure you have a valid explanation along with proof.
Importance of Justifying Study Gap with Valid Reasons
INZ will assess your application on an individual level and may ask you about your study gaps. The objective of this assessment is to understand your intention behind pursuing higher studies in New Zealand.
You need to provide a valid reason for your study gap. It includes work experience or health issues. Keep in mind that no reason will be considered valid unless you provide proper supporting documents.
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Acceptable Gap in NZ
Below, we have mentioned the commonly accepted study gap duration for different education levels:
| Level of Education |
Acceptable Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Diploma Courses |
Up to 2–3 years (with justification) |
| UG Courses |
Up to 3 to 5 Years (Varies by universities) |
| PG Courses |
5+ years (Only, if supported by work experience) |
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 tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
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With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.