New Zealand is a land of opportunities; the island country is a hotspot for tourists and education seekers. The study abroad aspirants from Asian continent often consider New Zealand among top study abroad destinations. New Zealand’s Higher Education System has Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), Private Training Establishments (PTEs), universities and training institutions. In New Zealand, there are 10 levels for attaining education in which first three levels incorporate schooling education and from Level 4 onwards, there follows tertiary education up-gradation.
For post-secondary education, there are 8 universities, 700 PTEs, 20 ITPs, and 40 industrial training institutions. The international students can opt to study in any of these institutions as per the course requirement and eligibility criteria. The courses offered at undergraduate level include certificate program, diploma program, and bachelor’s program. There are different admission requirements for subsequent levels of education such as –
- At Level- 4, 5 and 6; there are undergraduate programs like certificate program and diploma program. These are usually of 1 year duration. The senior secondary passed students can apply for these programs, provided the student has scored a minimum of 50% and that too from a recognized board. The IELTS requirement is overall 5.5 Band, not less than 5.
- At Level- 7; there are Bachelor’s, diploma and graduate diploma programs. Bachelor’s and diploma programs are for 12th pass students with a minimum score of 50 percentile while Graduate Diploma program is for graduate students. The IELTS eligibility requirement is 6 Band (not less than 5.5).
- To study in New Zealand, two year gap is acceptable.
- If the student has done senior secondary years back but have relevant work experience for the gap years, even then student can apply for the undergraduate program.
- If international student aims to opt for professional programs like law, medicine, nursing or teaching, then IELTS requirement is higher of about 7 Bands or 6.5 bands as per the course. On completion of the degree, the students are even required to register themselves with the appropriate authority.
These are the admission requirements to study in New Zealand at undergraduate level. New Zealand is quite liberal in offering education to international students that is why eligibility requirements are minimal if compared with other developed countries. If you are also desirous of attaining study in New Zealand, you can contact experts at West Highlander. West Highlander is a signatory of pastoral care for international students; hence welfare of students is very important to us. Ms. Parwinder Kaur, key personnel at West Highlander, is a licensed Immigration Adviser by IAA since 2010.