Further study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a range of internationally recognised degree courses and it's becoming increasingly popular with students. It boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, and with a population of only four million it remains natural and unspoilt - but is it the right place for continuing your study?
Postgraduate study in New Zealand usually lasts for two years, which consists of a year of taught material followed by a year of research, but specialist programmes can take longer. You should apply directly to the university in question. It's calculated to cost on average NZ$18,000 (£6,390) per year. The cost of living is similar to that in the UK, and the New Zealand education authority have approximated weekly living expenses at £150, but obviously this depends on where and how you choose to live. Since it's in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed: the first semester usually runs from February to June, and the second from July to November, while the long summer vacation takes place in December and January.
Visas
If you're going to study in New Zealand, you will need a visa and, in specific cases, vaccinations and screening. The student visa is the most common visa for postgraduate study as it allows you enough time to complete your course, and also spend some time travelling around. You will need to present written confirmation that you have a place on a course. If you'll be studying for less than three months, you can enter on a visitor or working holiday visa. UK citizens can travel to New Zealand under a visa free agreement, where you will be granted a visitor permit on arrival. This allows you to be in the country for up to nine months, but you can't take any form of paid work. Details and application forms can be found at the Immigration New Zealand website.
Scholarships
A range of scholarships are available, including the New Zealand International Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships. The scholarships have very early application deadlines - in some cases as far as an entire academic year ahead of starting the course. Find more information on these and other scholarships online or from your careers service.
