With its beautiful surroundings and high standard of living, New Zealand has become an extremely desirable place for tourism and skilled
immigration, as well as adventurous working holiday makers.
The Country
New Zealand boasts a diverse natural landscape. People from all over the world, travel to NZ to experience the stunning scenery and enjoy
the vast range of outdoor activities.
There are just over four million New Zealanders, and every single one is either an
immigrant or descended from one. In fact, people from over 145 countries now call New Zealand home. It was the Mâori who first arrived here over 600
years ago, followed in the 19th century by large numbers of migrants from the United Kingdom. The end of World War II saw an influx of European migrants from
war-weary countries looking to rebuild shattered lives.
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons in NZ are completely
opposite to countries north of the equator. Winter lasts from June until August and summer is between December and February. Because NZ is surrounded by sea,
the climate doesn’t get uncomfortably hot or unbearably cold in the areas where the majority of us live, although extremes will be found, particularly
in our mountain ranges in winter. Overall, temperate climate ranges from 20–30°C (68–86°F) in summer, and from 5–15°C
(41-59°F) in winter.
Migrating to New Zealand
There are four
main entry categories available for people wishing to migrate to New Zealand: Skilled Migrant, Work to Residence, Family, and Business.
Before you start the process of applying for residence, you need to ensure that, at an absolute minimum, you: Are healthy, Are of good
character and Have a high standard of English
Skilled Migrant - This option is for suitably
qualified people, aged 55 and under, who can add value to New Zealand by contributing to an innovative workforce and in turn help our economy achieve
sustainable growth. If you have ‘get up and go’ and the skills we need, you could be just what we’re looking for.
Work to Residence - This option is for suitably qualified people, aged 55 and under, who can add value to New
Zealand by contributing to an innovative workforce and in turn help our economy achieve sustainable growth. If you have ‘get up and go’ and the
skills we need, you could be just what we’re looking for.
Family category - This
option allows for immediate family to be closer by allowing a family member who is already a New Zealand citizen or resident to sponsor
them.
Business category - New Zealand is looking for enterprising people with a proven track
record in business and the capacity to build or invest in new businesses and introduce new skills and technologies. There are a number of business migration
options. The most common one of these is the Long Term Business Visa (LTBV).
Other entry options in New Zealand
are as a tourist ie visitor visa, as a student undertaking a course of study ie a student visa or as a worker on a temporary working visa.
Study in New Zealand
New Zealand's educational institutions are well
regarded throughout the world. There is a great range of opportunities available to international students here: quality secondary school education, a well
established network of English language schools, and internationally respected and recognised tertiary education providers.
The cost of living and education is very affordable compared to other student destinations around the world. The country is stable and
safe. It is a country of natural beauty, with comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
New Zealand has an
international reputation as a provider of quality education. The country offers a safe learning environment, which provides excellent study opportunities,
and support services for international students. Courses are available in academic, professional and vocational studies at universities, polytechnics and
institutes of technology, colleges of education (teacher training), private education providers and secondary schools. With a well-educated population New
Zealanders excel in many areas - arts, science, technology and manufacturing.
There are eight state-funded universities
in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally co-ordinated system of quality
assurance audits at both institution and programme level, each Institution undertakes internal quality checks.
All New
Zealand universities offer a broad range of subject in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine,
Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies.
Costs involved
Tuition fees and living costs in New Zealand vary depending on the course and the institution.
The average international student in New Zealand spends about $320 per week on housing,
food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. This is a realistic guide, but remember that
individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
International students can work
while studying in New Zealand but the money you earn should not be used as your only source of income. To be granted a student visa in New Zealand you need
to have adequate means of financial support.
Tuition fees vary between institutions and the major
subject selected. Under-graduate degrees range from NZ$14,000 to 18,000 for Arts/Law, up to NZ$18,000+ per year for engineering. Medicine and dentistry,
which are restricted programmes, have fees that are higher still. Post-graduate degrees range from NZ$18,000 to NZ$28,000 per year.
Working in New Zealand
International students who have graduated from a course that
would gain points under Skilled Migrant Category are eligible for a 1 year job search permit.
Once Graduates have
gained work this way, they can go on to apply for either a post-study 2 year work permit or, proceed directly to apply for residency under the Skilled
Migrant Category.
Students are eligible to work up to 20 hours a week. Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more
is able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.
Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill
shortage and partners of all postgraduate students are able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student's course of
study.
The Work to
Residence category allows you to get a temporary work visa and/or permit as a step towards gaining permanent residence. Applicants may be qualified in
occupations that are in demand in New Zealand, or may have exceptional talent in sports or the arts.
The Residence from
Work category is for people who are already in New Zealand on a Work to Residence permit, and want to apply for residence.
The Residence from Work category
is for people who are already in New Zealand on a Work to Residence permit, and want to apply for residence.
If you are
a key employee of a business that is relocating its operations to New Zealand, you can apply for a work permit and later a residence permit under our Employee of a Relocating Company
category.
