Types of Education Institutions in New Zealand

If you are aware of the levels of higher education available in New Zealand, you would know that there is a marked difference in degree courses and diploma/certificate courses in the country. Since the teaching approach is different for these courses, it is natural that they are taught at different kinds of institutes. Here we look at the types of educational institutes in New Zealand.
English Language Schools
These institutes offer English language courses to international students who need to complete English language course before starting their academic studies. Most of the courses at these English language schools have flexible beginning dates throughout the year. Their duration could range from four weeks to 12 months and are highly customizable depending on the needs of the student. Many international students who are already good at the English language could also be required to do foundation courses before the beginning of the academic session or pre-university orientation course, all of which are taught at these institutes.
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.
New Zealand has only eight universities. They are all are government owned and research-based institutes. All kinds of courses from the certificate level to various doctorates are offered at these universities. What distinguishes a university from other institutes is a wide diversity of courses, teaching and research opportunities that maintain and assists a student in the application of the knowledge gained and helps further develop intellectual independence.
Typically an academic session starts twice a year during February and July. Months from November to January are counted as summer break. An academic year is usually split into two semesters consisting of three months each. A semester has a two-week long break at midway, and the academic year has a six-week long break in the middle of the yearly session.
ITPs are New Zealand’s vocational and applied education institutions. AS the name suggests they are similar to polytechnics in India. The only difference is that these institutions are owned and funded by the government. Along with vocational education, ITPs provide practical training as well.
Traditionally, universities have always focused on academics and theoretical studies while polytechnics were focused on practical training. However, over the years both institutions have expanded the programs they offer, thus creating an overlap. Nowadays, ITPs offer courses that are considered equal to university courses, and range from certificate courses to degrees to postgraduate studies etc.
A typical academic year at ITPs has two semesters, from February to June and from July to November. Similar to the universities the academic sessions start in Feb-March but some six-month courses do start in July.
PTEs are polytechnics like ITPs but are privately owned and funded. So the fee is a bit higher compared to ITPs and the entry requirements are more lenient. There are some PTEs which specialize in a particular area or subject like business or travel etc.
All PTEs are required by the law to meet the national standards in terms of curriculum and academic standards. What PTEs do is fill the gaps in the education arena, by providing training not available at the state institutions. They offer niche courses like travel, tourism, design etc. The teachers are usually industry professionals rather than academic professors. The goal for most students at PTEs is to enter the professional field quickly so the main focus is to gain employment right after finishing the course.
PTEs offer courses that are accredited by the New Zealand Qualification Authority in the form of certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
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.
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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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.