Cost of Living

Comment

It's possible to travel economically in New Zealand. Budget travellers can expect to get by on less than NZ$85 a day if camping or staying in hostels and self-catering. Motor camps and motels all have kitchens for guests' use, so staying in these also gives you the option of doing your own cooking. One of the main reasons people come to New Zealand is to participate in the activities the country is known for. Some cost nothing - tramping, swimming, birdwatching - but as so many enjoyable activities are expensive, they can end up being a major part of your travel budget. If you stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and spend money on rafting, bungy jumping and the like, be prepared to outlay about NZ$230 a day.

The currencies of Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Japan are all easily changed in New Zealand. You'll have no trouble with the major travellers' cheques and credit cards. Banks will give cash advances on Visa and MasterCard, but for American Express card transactions you must go to an American Express office.

Tipping is becoming more widespread in New Zealand, although many Kiwis still regard it as a rather odd foreign custom. Nevertheless, it is on the increase, principally in the major centres where there's been more foreign influence. You should tip 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant (not in a simple cafe) if you feel you have received exceptional service.

Education System Overview

New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It offers a safe learning environment which provides excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments. There are also a number of English Language Institutes and private English Language Schools.

Secondary Schools

New Zealand Secondary schools usually provide for students from Year 9 until the end of Year 13. Many international students enroll at secondary schools for senior studies in 12th and 13th Year (aged 16-18 years) as preparation for tertiary studies in New Zealand or in other English-speaking countries. New Zealand secondary schools provide broad education to students aged 13-18 years. Some schools have classes for students aged 11 and 12 as well. Most secondary schools are state established but there are also a number of other schools which have special philosophical or religious traditions. These schools are either private or integrated schools. Integrated schools were privately funded in the past, but are now state funded.

The entry requirements, courses and educational standards of all secondary schools are similar and prepare students for the same national qualifications.

Polytechnic Insitutions / College of Education

Twenty five institutions in New Zealand are part of the polytechnic system and provide education and training in a broad range of industry and occupation based vocational studies. Many polytechnics now offer undergraduate degree programmes as well. Specialised training for teachers is available at colleges of education which provide studies in early-childhood, primary and secondary education. Additional university studies may be undertaken as part of the courses. All colleges offer specialist courses for trained teachers.

Universities

New Zealand has seven national universities offering degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in academic and professional studies. All universities offer a broad range of subjects for degrees in commerce, science and the arts. Each university has also developed its own specialist subjects, such as engineering, computer studies, medicine and agriculture. There are also a number of private tertiary institutes and private training providers. Private English language schools are among the many private training establishments in New Zealand providing a wide range of tertiary and vocational courses. Short term English language courses use modern teaching methods, including laboratory work and conversational classes. Many polytechnics and universities also offer English language training. Students are advised to enroll in courses approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for which the issuing of student visas has been approved. These courses meet international standards and are recognised world-wide.

Distance Education

New Zealand also has a comprehensive and experienced system of distance education, providing extensive education in courses similar to those in conventional New Zealand educational institutions. Distance education standards are high and qualifications are fully accepted by other institutions.

Requirements

1.	Complete the 'Application for Student Visa' Form. These are available at the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission and your local travel/education agencies. With the 'Application for Student Visa' you will need to include:
	A recent passport-size photograph.    Payment of a non-refundable visa application fee.    An 'Offer of Place' from a New Zealand education school or institution which states that you have been accepted by the school, the name of the course, the minimum time to complete the course, whether a course fee is required to be paid or the student is exempt from the fee (e.g. scholarship students). This 'Offer of Place' will be sent to you by the New Zealand institution who has confirmed your enrolment.    Evidence of payment of course tuition fee or evidence of exemption from fee. Note: Students are no longer required to produce evidence of payment of course fees before their applications are approved in principle.    A guarantee of accommodation. A written assurance from a New Zealand education institution or other persons that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand. Most New Zealand institutions will assist you with accommodation.    Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and return travel back to your home country.    You will need to provide medical clearance and character references ONLY for courses which are longer than 24 months. Contact the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for further information on this.
2.	Students will only be issued with a student visa if they have enrolled in an approved course at an institution or establishment which is accredited to offer it.
3.	If your application for a student visa is approved you will need a passport which will be valid for three months beyond your initial date of departure from New Zealand.

Getting a Student Visa

New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS), is a government authority responsible for issuing permits and visas to enter New Zealand.

Students are advised to contact the nearest New Zealand Embassy or High Commission to obtain information on visa regulations.

Please note: With many countries, New Zealand has agreements that mean a student visa is not normally required for one single course of study or training of not more than three (3) calendar months' duration.