Best Courses in New Zealand for Indian Students

Fortifying its position among other international study destinations, New Zealand offers quite a few high-quality courses. These courses range from graduate diploma (bachelor level) to postgraduate diploma level. Some of the top courses in New Zealand for Indian students are available at large at all major levels of study. Check out the article for all important information pertaining to making a choice of the best course in New Zealand.

There is a wide range of courses that are available for Indian students in New Zealand. There are certificates, diplomas, graduate diplomas, and undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral-level courses offered in New Zealand across all major fields of study. This article will help students navigate the best course options for studying in New Zealand. 

Top Courses in New Zealand

Here’s a lowdown of some of the top courses offered by New Zealand to its international learners after which they would be eligible to apply for a post study work visa depending upon their level of study:

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology – Level 7

What can you learn and earn during this program?

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology – Level 7 includes Project management, systems analysis and design, information technology management, database administration, E-business strategies. Learners will acquire a sound knowledge of the information technology environment and will be able to apply high level skills within a business organization to advice on the efficient use of IT within the organization.
Fee for international students: $18,900 NZD / Rs 8, 58,000 to $26440 NZD/ Rs 12,00,000
Intake: November / April / February / July
Entry requirement:

• A degree conferred by a New Zealand tertiary education institution, or
• An equivalent qualification approved by the Bachelor of Information Technology Programme Committee, or
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate equivalent practical, professional or educational experience to the satisfaction of the Programme Committee
• Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in the written band

• GDICT (Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology) – Level 7

  What can you learn and earn during this course?

  GDICT teaches you professional practice; special topics; software development endorsement including advanced programming, java mobile and web, advanced database, IT project management etc. This 40 week long program endows students with focused instruction in Software Development or Computer Networking, as well as covering core aspects of professionalism relating to the ICT industry.
  Fee for international students: $15,422 p.a/ Rs 7,00,000 to $22033/ Rs 10,00,000
  Intake: Feb/ July
  Entry criteria: A bachelor’s degree, or higher, from an accredited provider in a relevant ICT field is required for entry into this programme.

Graduate Diploma in Animation - Level 7

What can you learn and earn during this program?

Graduate Diploma in Animation - Level 7 includes courses in Computer Practical, Video and Sound Design, 3-D modeling, Maya I, Illustration, Typography in Motion, Animation, Maya II. Through the program, students will acquire an advanced level of knowledge and skills in creative animation techniques, advanced knowledge of the principles and processes involved in generating animation and will be able to employ technical understanding in the relevant industry utilized software.
Fee for international students - $18,083 /Rs 8,21,000 to $24236/ Rs 11,00,000
Intake: July
Entry criteria: A relevant bachelor’s degree with an overall band of 6.0 in academic IELTS.

Read more about: Job prospects for Indians who have studied in New Zealand

Post Graduate Diploma of Computer Graphic Design - Level 8

What can you learn and earn during this program?

The program encompasses self-directed research and assigned projects relating to each student's selected area of specialization. Students will be able to develop applied skills and expertise in their chosen area of specialization. They will also gain a computer graphic design qualification which enables a variety of employment opportunities in design and technology.
Fees for international students: $18,083/ Rs 8,21,000 to $24236/ Rs 11,00,000
Intake: Feb
Entry criteria: All applicants must meet the general admission criteria as approved by the Academic board along with an overall band of 6.5 in academic IELTS.

Check: Post Graduate Diploma Courses in New Zealand

National Diploma in Science (Two years) - Level 5 or 6

What can you learn and earn during this program?

National Diploma in Science (Two years) - Level 5 or 6: These courses would be an excellent choice for Indian students who have completed class 12 (in science).Graduates of this course get an opportunity to work with NZ’s leading scientists in the field of  biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology etc.
Fee for international students – NZD $16120 p.a/Rs 7,30,000 to $22033.46 NZD/ Rs 10,00,000
Intake – Feb & July

Check: All About NZQA/NZQF in New Zealand

Diploma in Technology (Science) -Level 6

What can you learn and earn during this program?

This science program is a 2 year specialized training programme, which equips students with the knowledge and skills required by today’s science community. After two years of study, students you will be ‘work ready’ for employment in modern laboratories. Students may gain employment as Laboratory Technicians in areas such as medical science, analytical services, the dairy industry and conservation.
International student fee: $18,900 NZD / Rs 860,000 to $24236/ Rs 11,00,000
Intake – Feb
Entry Criteria:

• 12 credits at NCEA Level 2 in two subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry, while it is strongly recommended that the other be one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Technology, or
• Equivalent unit standards, or
• Certificate in Technology (Level 4), or equivalent qualification
• Candidates who have English as a second language are required to have an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in the written band.

Read more about: Diploma in Science Courses in New Zealand

Graduate Diploma in Lab Technology (level 7)

What can you learn and earn during this program?

The USP of this program is that it helps with job placements to enhance a student’s employment opportunities. Ideal for Indian science graduates, this industry endorsed qualification opens up gateways for students for a career as a laboratory technician.

Fee for international students: $18,690/Rs 848255 to $24236/ Rs 11,00,000 + $500/Rs 23,000 approx for textbooks (p.a) and travel to work placements
Intake: Feb
Entry criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree in science relevant to this qualification within the last five years (excluding a CPIT BAppSc).
• Students who have completed their degree more than 5 years ago they must have relevant laboratory work experience.
• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.0 in reading and writing subtests and 7.0 in listening and speaking subtests).

Most of the courses mentioned above are offered by government-owned institutes. So the quality of education provided is assured. However, there are some private education providers who offer some very popular courses at highly competitive rates. For instance, Queens Academic Group (QAG) is an extremely well known private education provider in New Zealand.  In its Report of External Evaluation and Review, NZQA has stated that it is Highly Confident in educational performance of the Queens Academic Group Limited. As a result QAG is recognized as NZQA’s Category1 provider.

Green Occupations List of New Zealand

The following is a brief of top courses that are pursued by international students in New Zealand which are a part of the Green Occupation List, hence helping them in turn by getting a job faster in comparison to other subjects' degree programs:

Check: Green List Occupations in New Zealand

Popular Courses Offered by QAG

Some of the courses offered by QAG (Queen's Academic Group) which are highly popular among Indian students are:

• Diploma in Information Technology – Level 7 (BusIT) - This two-year program endows business organizations with multi-skilled personnel who are able to contribute significantly to Information Technology strategies and support within the organization.

• Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunications – Level 7 - This two-year program imparts advanced skills in electronic circuitry and telecommunications engineering technology. The program provides complex technical competence in electronic devices, electronic communications technologies such as radio, integrated electronics systems, and software that governs the application of this technology.

• National Diploma in Engineering – Level 6 - This program imparts basic knowledge and skills for a career as an engineering technician in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or telecommunications.

The percentage of students from India going to NZ universities is much less as compared to private and government-owned institutes.
 “Students should not go for generic business or management courses, instead they should concentrate on pursuing courses that are in the ‘Long Term Skills Shortage List’ of New Zealand so that they have better chances of obtaining work after studying,” says Sophia Chacko.

How to Choose the Best Course for Study in New Zealand?

Some useful tips and information for study abroad aspirants in India aiming for top course admission in New Zealand are as follows:

• Choose your course and college carefully on the basis of your life aspirations. Do not take up a course ONLY because your consultant said you should do it or your friends are doing it.
• Once you have taken the decision, DO NOT wonder whether you like your course and your college in the first few days of the course commencement.
• Give yourself some time. Trust your own judgment. Make friends with at least a few Indian students/ residents. They have gone through the same experience as you and will be able to guide you through the initial hiccups.
• Make genuine efforts to make friends with students from other countries, try and learn their language, know about their culture etc.
• Make the most of your time in New Zealand. You will surely love it once you have acclimatized to the Kiwi lifestyle.
• Most of the information you need is freely and easily available in New Zealand. Hence, it is not really difficult to get your IRD number, find details of bus routes, rent a room on rent etc.
• Last but not least; learn how to do some basic cooking for yourself.

She adds, “Don’t always concentrate on your studies and work. Make time to go out with your friends - there’s so much to do in NZ - bungy jumping, kayaking, jet boating and whitewater rafting. No matter where you live in New Zealand, you are probably less than an hour from the ocean and less than four hours from a ski field. Which means on the same day you can mountain bike, snowboard and surf! ".

Read related articles about studying in New Zealand:

• New Zealand Student Visa Guide
• Study in New Zealand: Selecting a College
• 6 Reasons to Study in New Zealand