New Zealand – Study Guide

Quick Facts

• Location: Southwestern Pacific Ocean, made up of two main islands (North & South)

• Capital: Wellington

• Major Cities: Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North

• Languages: English & Māori

• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZ$)

• Government: Constitutional monarchy & parliamentary democracy

• Area: 268,021 km²

• Population: 4.77 million (2017 est.)

• Time Zone: NZST (UTC+12)

Climate

• Mostly temperate climate

• North Island: subtropical summers

• South Island: alpine areas can reach -10°C in winter

• Coastal influence → mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, abundant sunshine

Economy

• GDP: 185 billion USD (2016)

• Key Sectors: Agriculture, forestry, tourism, education, and services

• Recognition: Degrees are globally recognized under the Lisbon Recognition Convention

Why Study in New Zealand?

• British-based education at a lower cost compared to the UK

• Degrees respected globally, especially by UK employers

• Top Universities: All 8 ranked in QS World Top 500; strong in engineering, computer science, agriculture, veterinary science, and business

• Teaching Standards: Small classes, high personal attention

• Balanced Learning: Focus on academic + practical skills → creative, flexible graduates

• Adventure & Lifestyle: Hiking, beaches, mountains, and unique landscapes all close by

• Quality Assurance: Strong education regulation ensures consistent standards across institutions

• Low Living Costs: Affordable fresh food and student housing options

Living in New Zealand

• Culture: Rich Māori traditions (carving, weaving, haka, tattoo) alongside modern arts, film, theater, and music

• Food: Māori cuisine includes kūmara (sweet potato), taro, fish, birds, earth-oven (hāngi) cooking, and geothermal steaming

• Safety: Ranked 4th safest country in the world (2015 Global Peace Index)

• Welfare: Institutions must follow NZQA’s Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students

• Health: Most international students are not entitled to free healthcare; private insurance is required

Money Matters

• Course Fees (ITPs): NZ$ 16,000 – 25,000

• Universities:

  • Undergraduate: NZ$ 18,000 – 25,000

  • Postgraduate: NZ$ 25,000 – 40,000

• Living Costs: NZ$ 12,000 – 15,000 per year

Arrival & Accommodation

• Housing Options:

  • Halls of Residence (ideal for new students)

  • Shared flats/houses with friends

  • Homestays (living with host families, meals included, cultural immersion)

• Heating Note: Some older homes lack insulation → check heating before renting

• Restricted Items: Certain imports banned (objectionable publications, dog-tracking collars, etc.) – see NZ Customs website before travel

• Welcome Week: Orientation to make friends, settle in, and learn about student life

Transport

• Within Cities: Bus, bike, or walking common in smaller cities

• Public Transport: Strong bus networks; Auckland & Wellington also have commuter rail and ferries

• Rail Travel: Limited but scenic intercity routes (e.g., Auckland–Wellington, Christchurch–Greymouth)

• Flying: Popular for long distances (Auckland–Wellington flight = 1 hour vs. 8-hour drive)

Banking

• Many students open an ANZ bank account when applying for their student visa (FTS scheme)

• To open another account:

  • Proof of Identity (Passport)

  • Proof of Address (Accommodation contract, bill, or university letter)