Pursuing Graduate Studies Abroad: New Zealand's Opportunities

New Zealand is a highly desirable destination for international students seeking quality education. The country's universities offer a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and research opportunities, all within a safe and welcoming environment. International students can choose from a range of degree programs at eight government-owned universities or 20 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), which are also government-owned. The universities are known for their state-of-the-art facilities, diverse international population, and breathtaking landscapes, providing an enriching educational experience. To enrol as an international graduate student in New Zealand, students must meet specific requirements, including proof of English language proficiency and academic transcripts.

International student visa requirements

International students can apply for a visa to study full-time in New Zealand. To do so, you must pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider. This includes schools, tertiary (study after secondary school) and English language study.

If you are a distance-learning student or are studying outside of New Zealand, you can apply for a visa if you need to visit the country for more than 3 months to attend your education provider, for example, to do practical study or sit exams.

Requirements

• You must have an offer of a place from an approved education provider.
• You must be able to pay the full cost of your courses.
• You must be of good character and in good health.
• You must have approved medical and travel insurance for the length of your stay.
• If you are aged 17 and over and will stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months, you must provide police certificates.
• If your course has an English language or academic requirement, you must provide academic and English language reports that show you meet those requirements.

Working in New Zealand

If you are studying full-time, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) while studying or full-time during the holidays, depending on your visa conditions. You may also be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years after completing your study if you have an acceptable qualification.

English language competency tests

To enrol in a graduate programme in New Zealand as an international student, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements. These requirements apply to international students enrolling in programmes leading to qualifications at levels 3 to 10 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

The specific English language tests and required outcomes that may be used as evidence of English language proficiency for international students are outlined in the Programme Approval, Recognition and Accreditation Rules. The minimum scores or grades for each test or qualification qualify a student for enrolment at each programme level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or General Training: This test is widely accepted by universities in New Zealand and is designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who plan to study or work in an English-speaking environment. The IELTS test covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
• New Zealand University Entrance literacy credits at NCEA level 2 or 3: These literacy credits are accepted as evidence of English language proficiency and are awarded based on a student's performance in specific NCEA subjects, such as English, history, or classical studies.
• International Baccalaureate full diploma in English medium (24 points minimum): The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is a globally recognised qualification that demonstrates a high level of academic achievement, including proficiency in English.
• Cambridge International Examinations: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 120 points on the UCAS Tariff and meet the CIE literacy requirements. These examinations assess a range of skills, including English language proficiency.
• Prior schooling in an English-speaking country: International students who have completed their primary schooling and at least three years of secondary schooling in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Republic of Ireland, or South Africa may be exempt from additional English language tests.

It is important to note that the specific English language requirements may vary depending on the university and programme you are applying to. Therefore, it is essential to check with your chosen university for their exact admission requirements. Additionally, some visa types in New Zealand have no English language requirements, while others may have specific conditions that must be met.

Application essays and letters of recommendation

To become an international graduate student in New Zealand, you will need to submit application essays and letters of recommendation as part of your application.

Application Essays

Universities in New Zealand will require you to write essays on different topics, including your motivations to study abroad. This means explaining why you want to study that particular course at that particular university and in New Zealand specifically. You will also need to detail what you have accomplished so far.

Letters of Recommendation

You will also need to submit letters of recommendation from educators or professionals who can vouch for your abilities and character. These letters should be from professors, school principals, supervisors, or employers. The letters should state that you are a well-performing and studious student who is professional and competent and can do well in pursuing higher education abroad.

Other Requirements

In addition to application essays and letters of recommendation, you will need to meet other requirements to become an international graduate student in New Zealand. Many universities require students to have achieved between 65% to 75% in their previous degree qualifications. You will also need to provide proof of English language competency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score. Some universities may also require you to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), especially for MBA and business-related courses. Finally, some courses may require additional elements, such as a portfolio or work experience.

Postgraduate course requirements

To apply for a postgraduate course in New Zealand as an international student, you must meet the academic and English language requirements set by your chosen university. Each university in New Zealand sets its own entry requirements, so it is important to check the specific criteria for your desired course on the university's website or by contacting the institution directly.

Academic Requirements

Postgraduate courses in New Zealand typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field as a minimum entry requirement. Some universities may also accept a three-year diploma or a professional qualification in a related discipline.

Post-study work visas

International students in New Zealand can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work in the country for up to three years after completing their studies. The length of the visa depends on the qualification completed and the duration of study in New Zealand. If you have completed a master's or doctoral-level qualification in New Zealand and studied for at least 30 weeks, you can work in New Zealand for three years. For qualifications at level 8 or below, the work visa duration will match the length of your study.

To be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, your study must have been full-time in New Zealand for the entire duration required to obtain the qualification. If you have a degree at level 7 or above, you can work for any employer in any job. If you have a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, your job must be related to what you studied, and your qualification must be on the list of Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

If you applied for your student visa on or before 11 May 2022, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa even if your qualification is not on the eligible list. Acceptable qualifications for a Post-Study Work Visa (pre-12 May 2022) include a degree at level 7 or above, studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. If you have a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, it must be on the eligible list, and your job must be related to your field of study.

If you are pursuing a doctoral degree, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after submitting your thesis. Additionally, studying for qualifications in occupations with skill shortages, as listed on the Green List, may increase your chances of securing a job in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions