Study in New Zealand: Application process to Postgraduate courses
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The application process to New Zealand postgraduate courses is a fairly simple process. Similar to undergraduate courses, it is easier to get into diploma courses than degree courses in New Zealand, as the level of competitiveness is different for both these qualifications. Masters Degrees fall under level 8 of study. Higher education in New Zealand has 10 levels of study. Level 1 is for a certificate and level 10 is for a PhD.
Here are the levels and their corresponding qualifications -
- Certificates - Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Diplomas - Level 5 and 6
- Bachelors Degrees/Graduate Diplomas - Level 7
- Honours Degree (Bachelors) - Level 8
- Masters Degree - Level 9
- Doctoral Degree - Level 10
Here we will discuss the admission process to Masters Degree (PG).
Requirements
The requirement for Masters Degree would vary between study programs and levels. For each course Indian students will have to meet a minimum English language requirement. As a general rule, getting admission to degrees is more difficult as compared to diplomas. Foundations and Diploma programmes are available to students who have secured below 60% score in higher secondary education.
The following documents need to be submitted to the universities -
- Attested copies of mark sheets of Class X, XII – Usually, universities in New Zealand ask for the transcripts to be sealed in an envelope and signed-attested by the registrar. You need to repeat this same procedure for each and every school that you have attended.
- Attested copy of undergraduate degree/diploma
- Two reference letters from professors who have taught you during school or manager who has directly worked with you.
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Score reports of IELTS/TOEFL
- Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programmes)
- Proof of funds
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Timeline
The common steps to admission application process are given here -
- Search for colleges and courses – Research universities according to the criteria important to you, whether it is exam scores, tuition fee, ranking of the college etc.
- Contact schools and visit websites for information – In case you need any clarification or advice, you can contact the admission department of the university through e-mail or telephonic call. The universities will give you firsthand information and serve you better than any other resource.
- Narrow down your list of schools – After gathering all the required information, strike off the universities that don’t suit your profile. When you are left with 4-5 universities, start customizing your application process to each university’s requirements.
- Take the entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS
- Write SOPs and ask for LORs
- Apply to the colleges which fit your interests - Most of the colleges in New Zealand accept online applications. Visit each university’s website and create an account to submit your application.
- You will be informed about the status of your application process through this account. Refer to the website of the colleges of your choice to know the process of applying.
Application fee
All colleges require you to pay an application fee while applying. The fee amount will differ depending upon the college and course being applied to, so check with colleges about their application fee. Note that this fee is not the same as tuition fee. This is sort of a processing fee for your application. You will be asked to pay your tuition fee for a semester or a part of it on receiving the confirmation letter.
According to various unofficial sources, Lincoln University New Zealand acceptance rate is around 60%. The acceptance rate indicated that the university is moderately selective at the time of admission. So, to get into the university, make sure to have a good academic record and meet the entry requirements such as having 12 years of schooling and minimum percentage for admission to bachelor’s courses. For admission to postgraduate courses, a relevant degree is required with the minimum grade.
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
- New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
- Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
- Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
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Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(3)
R
2015-07-06 19:08:02
m
2015-03-22 00:20:09
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.