Lana Oconnell
Whether you are a domestic or international student depends on your citizenship, residency, and visa status. In Australia and New Zealand, for example, a student is considered domestic if they are a citizen, permanent resident, or resident visa holder. International students are those who do not fall under these categories. An international student's status can change to permanent resident, making them eligible to apply as a domestic student.
Characteristics of domestic and international students
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domestic student | – New Zealand citizen |
| – New Zealand permanent resident | |
| – New Zealand resident visa holder | |
| – Australian permanent resident residing in New Zealand | |
| – Australian citizen residing in New Zealand | |
| International student | – Not a New Zealand citizen |
| – Not a New Zealand permanent resident | |
| – Not a New Zealand resident visa holder | |
| – Not an Australian permanent resident residing in New Zealand | |
| – Not an Australian citizen residing in New Zealand |
What You'll Learn
International students in New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular destination for international students due to its reputation as a safe and welcoming country, its diverse range of courses, and its commitment to academic excellence and holistic learning experiences. The country offers a secure and inclusive environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and campus life without apprehension.
The New Zealand education system is known for its hands-on, practical approach, ensuring that students gain tangible skills and real-world experiences highly valued by future employers. The pedagogical approach emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, which is particularly advantageous for those seeking careers in business management, computer science, information technology, agriculture, and forestry.
To study in New Zealand as an international student, careful preparation is needed, including meeting specific examination requirements such as IELTS, SAT, or course-specific tests. Most students will also need to apply for a student visa, which typically requires an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider and evidence of arranged accommodation.
The New Zealand government has shown a commitment to expanding educational opportunities for international students, with initiatives like "Global Pathways" targeting students who wish to study in their own country before transitioning to on-campus programmes in New Zealand. The country's borders reopened on 31 July 2022, and while international enrolments are recovering, they are expected to remain below pre-pandemic levels in the near future.
Dubai: A Haven for International Students?
You may want to see also
Domestic status for international PhD students
For the purpose of university admissions, an international student is one who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the country in which they are applying to study. International students are typically required to pay an international student fee and may also be required to provide evidence of financial support, particularly if they are applying for a visa.
On the other hand, a domestic student is usually a citizen or permanent resident of the country in which they are applying to study. Domestic students typically pay lower tuition fees than international students and are not required to provide evidence of financial support.
For PhD admissions, the requirements for domestic and international students can vary depending on the university and the country in which the student is applying to study. In some cases, international PhD students may be eligible for domestic student status, which can impact their tuition fees and funding opportunities.
International PhD students who have already been granted permanent residency in the country in which they are studying may be considered domestic students for the purpose of admissions and tuition fees. This typically means that they will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students and may have access to the same funding opportunities. However, it is important to note that the requirements for permanent residency can vary depending on the country and university, and the application process can be complex.
In some cases, international PhD students who have not yet been granted permanent residency may still be able to obtain domestic student status. This may be possible if the student has a strong connection to the country, such as having previously studied or worked there. Additionally, some universities may offer domestic tuition fees to international PhD students who are able to demonstrate a strong financial need or who are receiving a scholarship or assistantship that covers the cost of their tuition.
FAFSA and International Students: Who's Eligible?
You may want to see also
Permanent resident status
International students who have filed an application for permanent residency in a country but have not yet been granted approval are often still considered international applicants. This means that they are required to submit the international application fee but are usually not mandated to provide financial documentation.
Once permanent residency is obtained, an international student can be reclassified as a domestic student. However, it is important to note that the requirements for being considered a domestic student vary depending on the specific college and state. While some colleges may simply require permanent residency, others might have additional criteria, such as the duration of residence in the state. Most states and colleges will only consider a student as a domestic student if they have lived in the state for at least a full calendar year, and some states may even require the individual to have been working during this period. Alternatively, graduating from high school in that state may also be sufficient for domestic student classification in some cases.
It is worth noting that the terminology and fee structure in the United States differ slightly from the standard international and domestic student classification. US colleges typically use the terms "in-state" and "out-of-state" fees instead. Obtaining a green card or permanent residency does not automatically qualify an individual for in-state fees. To be considered an in-state student, one must typically satisfy the residence duration requirements specified by the state and college.
The process of obtaining permanent resident status and the subsequent change in student classification can be complex and time-consuming. It is always advisable to consult the specific rules and regulations of the college and state in question to ensure a smooth transition from international to domestic student status.
International Students: US Citizenship Application Strategies
You may want to see also
Commonwealth Supported Place
CSPs are available for eligible domestic students only. To be eligible, students must meet specific criteria relating to citizenship, residency, and course requirements. Most CSPs are for undergraduate study, with only some providers offering CSPs at the postgraduate level. There are no CSPs offered for higher degrees by research.
To apply for a CSP, you must submit a request for Commonwealth assistance via an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) by the census date. eCAFs are only available from your university or higher education provider. Your letter of offer will tell you if you have been offered a CSP.
It is important to note that a student may choose not to be a Commonwealth Supported student for a unit of study. In such cases, the student must notify the provider in writing on or before the census date.
Best US Banks for International Students: Top Picks
You may want to see also
Enrolment as a domestic fee-paying student
The University of Adelaide defines domestic fee-paying students as those who pay their tuition fees directly to the university. These students may be eligible for FEE-HELP to cover some or all of their tuition fees. The annual fee depends on the program of study and enrolment load. The university provides a Course Planner and a Continuing Students Fee Calculator to help students estimate the cost of their courses.
Deakin University states that domestic full-fee-paying students are charged fees based on the number of units studied and the discipline of those units. Students can view their invoices in StudentConnect and have several options for payment. Withdrawing early from a unit or course may result in a full or partial refund of fees.
It is important to note that domestic fee-paying students are typically responsible for the full cost of their program, including tuition fees and other related expenses. However, they may be eligible for government loans, scholarships, or other financial support to help with their educational expenses.
Vanderbilt Financial Aid: International Students' Opportunities Explored
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the country where your degree-seeking program is located. If you have dual citizenship in the country where your university is located and are recognized as a citizen by that country, you are likely to be considered a domestic student. However, each university and country may have specific criteria, so it is essential to check with the institution directly.
In this case, you would still be considered an international student. Your student status is primarily determined by your citizenship status, not your previous education. However, some countries may offer specific concessions or scholarships for international students who have completed a certain level of education within their borders, so it is worth exploring these options.
Yes, universities and immigration departments often require proof of your student status. Typically, a passport or birth certificate can be used to prove citizenship and, consequently, domestic student status. For international students, a valid student visa or study permit may be required, along with proof of financial support and other relevant documents as outlined by the specific country's requirements.
Yes, there can be additional benefits. Domestic students often have priority access to scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities offered by the university or government. They may also have an advantage when applying for internships or work placements that have citizenship requirements. Furthermore, domestic students may find it easier to navigate the cultural and social aspects of university life, as they are more familiar with the local customs and practices.
