Fact File

Location:New Zealand lies southeast of Australia between latitudes 34 degrees south and 47 degrees south.

Area:268,680 sq km (103,737 sq miles)A little bigger than the UK, Japan, and California, and a little smaller than Sweden

Population:4.37 million (June 2010)

Climate:A huge range but the North Island is generally warmer
Summer = December, January, February, March (but March is often hot too). Average maximum temperature = 20 - 30º Celsius (68 - 86º Fahrenheit)
Winter = June, July, August. Average maximum temperature = 10 - 15º Celsius (50 - 59º Fahrenheit).

Capital city:Wellington

Major cities:Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin

People:New Zealand European, Maori, other European, Pacific Islander, Asian

Languages:English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language

Religions:Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist

Currency:New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Government:Unicameral House of Representatives – (commonly called Parliament)

Head of State:Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister:John Key (since November 2008)

Foreign Minister:Murray McCully

Main exports:Wool, food and dairy products, wood and paper products
National sports Rugby all year round (go the All Blacks!). Netball for women in winter, and cricket in summer.

ADMISSION ELIGIBILITY

The international students must meet the New Zealand requirements to become eligible for the student’s course. Candidates with better academic background are preferred by universities. Postgraduate and master programmes may vary between faculties, and in case of management programme there is requirement for students to show an evidence of relevant work/research experience.

For Diploma Level 5 or Level 6 – student must have completed 12th standard of education from home country.

For Bachelors Level 7 – student must have completed 12th standard of education from home country.

For Graduate Diploma – student must have completed 3yrs bachelor degree from home country.

For Post Graduate Diploma – student must have completed 3yrs bachelor degree from home country.

For Masters – student must have completed 3yrs bachelor degree from home country.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

IELTS:

A score of 5.5 and above with no band less than 5.0 for Level 7 and below courses

A score of 6.5 and above with no band less than 6.0 for Level 8 and above courses

VISA PROCESS

The applicant requires a student visa for studying full time for more than 3 months.The students are likely to get student visa to study in a course at an education institution, which is certified and authorized by the New Zealand qualifications authority.Each student visa and student permit will specify the course of study, the school or institution and its particular location.Student visa will be granted for that time till students have enrolled and paid course tuition fees in schools.

Students, who are studying a long-term course at a secondary school,university or polytechnic,will usually pay tuition fees annually.Visa application should be deposited for minimum 2 months following to the starting date of course. After receiving admission,students must have a medical examination by one of the doctors certified by the New Zealand Government and instantaneously,they need to arrange for a Police Clearance Certificate.

After submission of visa applications,New Zealand Government provides the “Approval in Principal” of visa.

HOUSING AND ACCOMODATION

There are several options for student accommodation in New Zealand.

Halls of Residence are generally located at a short walkable distance from the campus. They are fully furnished single or twin-share rooms with a shared dining hall, lounge and laundry.

Homestay/Private Boardmeans live with a New Zealand family in their home with fully furnished room. A homestay is a great way to get to know some friendly New Zealanders and get a close-up look at New Zealand’s way of life and culture.

Flat and Independent housesis renting an apartment or house (flat). Flats range from one-bedroom apartments to four or five bedroom homes, and can be found just about anywhere. Flat mates will share the cost of rent and usually the phone and energy bills.