Study in New Zealand: Application process to Postgraduate courses

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.
Related readings:
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 ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
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Comments
(3)
R
2015-07-06 19:08:02
m
2015-03-22 00:20:09
International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 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