New Zealand has several types of post-secondary educational institutions: universities, colleges, private institutions and polytechnics. There are 8 universities in New Zealand, which all offer high quality education. It’s also important to note that all universities have their own international students sections dedicated to foreigners who wish to study in New Zealand.
Programs and courses offered in New Zealand tend to be are highly ranked on a global level. Many of them appear in international university rankings, such as the Times Higher Education Top 500 and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Top 500.
Eight of New Zealand’s universities feature in the 2016/17 QS World University rankings – the best ranking universities in New Zealand are University of Auckland (81) and University of Otago (169). Other listed universities include University of Canterbury (214), Victoria University of Wellington (228), the University of Waikato (292), Massey University (340), Lincoln University (343) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (441-450).
One great advantage to studying in New Zealand is the unique approach to education the country has. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and find their own solutions, which is how many develop and perfect unique strengths and ideas whilst studying in the country.
New Zealand universities offer plenty of opportunities to study at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD, with a wide range of quality postgraduate programs at the Masters and PhD levels. In New Zealand, Masters Courses last for two years and PhD courses generally last 3 years.
Specific qualifications are also on offer, such as Graduate Diplomas and Honours. Graduate Diplomas are one year long courses, often used as transition courses for students who wish to study at a Masters level for a subject they don’t have an undergraduate degree in. Honours are specific degrees offered in New Zealand and Australia. These are one year long programs taken after a Bachelor’s degree, often open only to high-achieving students. In some cases, Honours can be the first year of a Masters qualification while in others it’s the pathway to a PhD.
About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country located in the Pacific Ocean. The country mainly comprises of two islands, the North Island and South Island, although there are also numerous smaller islands. The closest countries to New Zealand are Australia and the Pacific island nations: Fiji, New Caledonia and Tonga.
Despite its isolated location, New Zealand is a developed nation with great connections with the rest of the world. There are frequent international flights as well as fast internet connections that connect New Zealand with the rest of the world.
New Zealand is a country of great beauty. Many people encountered New Zealand’s great natural beauty for the first time through the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, which was filmed in New Zealand. As can be seen from the films, the country offers great geographic diversity: mountains, coasts, and lakes, along with unique plant life and animals, although you won’t find any Hobbits. New Zealand offers a rich mix of various cultures, including Maori, Pakeha (people of European descent), Asian and Pacific peoples. It is a country made for those with adventurous spirit.
If you choose to study in New Zealand you will be able to explore all of this scenic beauty and unique culture. As an international student you will also be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle full of various social opportunities.