Nipuna Careers | Top Cities and Universities in New Zealand

March 2, 2023 / 04:52 PM IST

New Zealand is an island country in the South pacific ocean. Its closest neighbour is Australia. The country has two major land masses, North Island and South Island, and there are around 600 other islands. The capital of the country is Wellington. Maori and English are official languages. It is a country with a rich cultural history connected to Maori, European, and Asian immigration. The majority of the people here are of European descent. The population of New Zealand is around 5 million. There is an increase in population by 12,400 yearly because of migration (immigration and emigration). New Zealand has a variety of landscapes, unique flora, and fauna. It has the top universities in the world providing research facilities that make it one of the preferred destinations for students.

The currency used is the New Zealand dollar. New Zealand has a flourishing and high-income economy. In 2021, it is ranked among the top 15 countries in the world on the Human Development Index. It is ranked 4th in the index of economic freedom. The Service Sector, Tourism, and Agriculture are some of the major industries here.
The weather in New Zealand is pleasant and it has something to offer throughout the year. Summer in New Zealand is from December to February when the average daytime temperatures are 20-25 C, Winter is from June to August and the average daytime temperature is 12 -16 C. Temperatures are temperate but can vary a lot within a day.

Education in New Zealand

The education programs available are school education, certificate courses, bachelor programs, Ph.D., post-graduate programs, diplomas, etc. Postgraduate Fees range from about $30,000 to $45,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science.
A room in a flat (shared house): $140 to $293 per week, depending on the city. You should budget at least $80-$120 per week to cover basic grocery costs. The cost of living in New Zealand is lower than the United States, however since it is a trade-dependent economy some products may be costly because of import and export charges.
When applying for a student visa, you’ll be required to provide evidence that you have at least NZ$20,000 to cover your living expenses for your first year of study. The funds required will be lower for shorter lengths of study.
Certain student visas permit students to work up to 20 hours per week, or full-time in the holidays.
New Zealand offers high-quality education, and all eight of its universities are in the top 3% of the world.
According to the Global Peace Index, New Zealand occupies second place as one of the safest and most secure places to live in the world.
New Zealand has been investing in attracting International students for education in the country. They are trying to provide a better support system for students. Scholarships are also available, which can be checked here on Official websites of universities. New Zealand fully opened its borders in August 2022 after the pandemic.

Top cities in New Zealand
Auckland: It is one of the top 50 best cities in the world. It attracts tourists with its beautiful landscapes and activities. Beaches and star gazing, sky jumping and whale safari, art, and food are some of the many attractions. Its central business district is New Zealand’s leading economic hub.

Auckland offers opportunities in the fields of Engineering, IT, and medicine. The University of Auckland and Auckland Univer sity of Technology are some of the top universities.
Christchurch: It is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. The city has beautiful parks and gardens. Located on the east coast close to the Southern Alps, its mountains are spectacular. Consumer prices and rent prices in Christchurch are lower than in Auckland. Bungee jumping, rafting, biking, and windsurfing are some of the things tourists do here. The University of Canter bury and Lincoln University are some of the top universities here.
Wellington: It is the capital of New Zealand, located at the southern most tip of the Northern island close to the Cook straight and Rimutaka range. Temperature is moderate all year with warm summers and mild winters. The city has beautiful beaches and bays. Eateries here cater to different tastes. People who like to enjoy the beauty of nature can also explore it by bike, foot, kayak, or ferry. The city offers many jobs in the financial sector and public administration.
Hamilton: The city is on the banks of the Waikato river and is famous for its gardens, gourmet restaurants, and colourful street art. Many national and interna tional sporting events such as rugby, cricket, rowing, boxing, and other concerts and festivals are held here. The Hobbiton movie set is another popular attraction. The cost of living in Hamilton is lower than in Wellington. The University of Waikato is a top university here.
Dunedin
The city is located on the south coast of the south island. You can witness Scottish and Maori culture here. It has one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It is known as the Wildlife capital of the country. It has many heritage attractions, scenic highlights, gardens, wildlife, and nature.
Tauranga
It is a coastal city in the Bay of the Plenty region on the north island. It is the fifth most populated city in the country. Watersport lovers enjoy this place.
The other popular cities in the country are Napier and Hastings, Lower Hutt, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Whangarei, New Ply mouth, Nelson, and many more.

Top Universities in New Zealand
University of Auckland: It has consistently ranked the best university in the country. It has around 7000 international students. The annual tuition fee for 120 points is approximately 48000 NZ$ approximately. English proficiency requirements are an IELTS Overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0, a TOEFL with an Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21, and PTE with an Overall score of 68 and a writing score of 21. It also considers Cambridge proficiency scores. It offers courses in Arch aeology, Nursing, Arts, Geog raphy, Education, Engineering, Medical, Law, etc. Website:https://www.auckland.ac.nz/

University of Otago: Founded in 1869, this university located in Dunedin has an international reputation for excellence. Over 200 subjects with flexible options are offered of which Commerce, Humanities, Health Science, and Business are a few. 95% of its graduates go directly into jobs. The majority of the postgraduate tuition costs are around 42000 NZD. Website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/

University of Canterbury

It is a public research university based in Christchurch. Interna tional students seek admissions in courses like Arts, Engineering, Business and Accountancy, Fore stry, etc. Course fees range from 34000 NZ$ to 46000 NZ$. International students need to have minimum academic qualifi cations along with English language proficiency. Website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/
Massey University: This university located in Palmerston North is a public university established in 1921. Aviation, Dispute Reso lution, Veterinary medicine, and Nanoscience are a few famous courses. Many other subjects are offered in creative arts, health, humanities, social sciences, and business streams. Students from over 100 countries come to study here.
Website:https://www.massey.ac.nz/
University of Waikato: It is a public research university in Hamilton. This university was founded in 1964. IELTS 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in any band), TOEFL Ibt 90 with a score of 21 in writing, an Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills below 50 are minimum scores required in language fluency exams. Masters programs of 1 year with 120 points costs around 34,000NZ$ to 42000 NZ$, 1.5-year course with 180 points costs up to 62000 NZ$ depending on the course. Courses in Engineering, Management, Legal studies, etc are offered.
Website: https://www. waikato.ac. nz/
Victoria University of Wellington: It is a public university established in 1897. The university has around 22000 students, with international students from over 100 countries. The university is in the top 2% of the world’s best universities. More than 10 subjects offered here are ranked the best. Band of 6.5 in IELTS, Score of 90 in TOEFL with at least 20 in writing, and PTE a score of 58. Courses in Humanities and Social sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Health, and Law are a few offered. They are in the range of 32000 NZ$ to 60000NZ$.
Website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/
Lincoln University and Auckland University of Technology are other universities. Students have to ensure they fulfil the required eligibility criteria before applying for colleges. The admission cycles and dates vary from one university to another. So, as international students ensure you have enough time to complete the visa process. Plan and Prepare in advance to study in this beautiful country.