Every year, thousands of Indian students embark on their
journey abroad, seeking to study at their dream destinations. However, choosing
the right country for higher education can be a daunting task, especially with
the abundance of guidance scattered across social media and the internet. If
you're considering New Zealand as your next study destination, you're making a
fantastic choice. Below, we outline four compelling reasons why studying in New
Zealand could be a life-changing decision for you.
1. Affordable Education in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for being an expensive country, but when
it comes to tuition fees, it's surprisingly affordable compared to popular
study destinations like the USA, UK, and Canada. For example, the cost of a
one-year graduate diploma for international students typically ranges
from $18,000 to $22,000 NZD (with the exchange rate hovering
around 1 NZD = ?44-49). This is comparable to the cost of attending
a reputable private institution in India, making New Zealand a budget-friendly
option for quality education.
2. Study + Post-Study Work Visa for Three Years
In a bid to attract more international students, Immigration
New Zealand has recently extended the Post-Study Work Visa (Open
Job Search Visa) to two years after graduation, compared to
the previous one-year duration. This policy update means that once you complete
your course in New Zealand, you'll be eligible for a two-year work
permit, giving you ample time to gain work experience and explore job
opportunities in the country.
3. Increased Minimum Wage – Earn While You Learn
One of the key perks of studying in New Zealand is the
opportunity to work part-time while pursuing your studies. As of 2024,
the minimum wage has been increased to $17.70 per hour. Students
are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, meaning you could
earn $354 a week (20 hours x $17.70) to help cover living
expenses. This makes New Zealand a highly attractive destination for students
looking to balance work and studies.
4. Growing Economy and Job Opportunities
New Zealand's economy has been growing steadily, offering
more job opportunities for international graduates. While cities like Auckland
are nearing saturation, the government has taken initiatives to promote
regional development, offering 30 bonus points for skilled
professionals who choose to live and work outside of Auckland. This means
greater employment opportunities in various parts of the country, and as an
international student, you can position yourself to thrive in this expanding
economy.
Why New Zealand is a Top Study Destination for Indian
Students
Beyond its affordable education and growing economy, New
Zealand is also one of the most peaceful countries in the world. It offers a
serene, natural environment and a high quality of life. Indian students will
appreciate the easy admission process—requiring an IELTS score of 6.5 for
a graduate diploma—and the overall welcoming atmosphere of the country. Whether
you’ve just completed your 12th grade or are graduating from college, now is
the perfect time to consider studying in New Zealand.
If you want to learn more about studying, living, and working
abroad, create an academic profile with Study Heights today and receive
expert career counselling for both Indian and international students.