What makes New Zealand the ideal academic choice to pursue higher education? Here are the top reasons that highlight the academic benefits the country offers.

1. Study at QS-ranked universities

New Zealand has over 8 universities that are ranked on the QS-World University Rankings of 2024. To name a few are The University of Auckland (Rank 68), University of Otago (Rank 206), and Massey University (Rank 239). These universities have been ranked well for several reasons, such as offering a wider range of course options, offering access to advanced state-of-the-art facilities to educate students, engaging with tutors who have experience working in the industry, and the reputation the university holds amongst the corporate world.

2. Engage in a unique learning environment

When pursuing a course in any of New Zealand’s universities, you can be assured of receiving a quality learning environment. In classrooms, theoretical learning is constant, but the emphasize is laid more on practical skill learning as well as independent learning. Tutors here encourage students to have more open discussions, participate in debates and come up with solutions to tackle the industry’s current issues.

The best universities in New Zealand make use of the ‘kiwi’ teaching style. This means you can access interactive learning where the ‘learn by doing’ approach will be practised. This unique teaching style will also benefit you upon graduation since you will be more confident to take up responsibilities and work better to find a solution that matters.

3. Access well-structured course programs

All courses designed in New Zealand are updated persistently since the New Zealand Qualifications Authority monitors them. The courses offered at New Zealand universities focus on three core development for a student, experiential thinking, independent learning and putting theoretical learning into practice. Upon completing a course, you can enhance your critical and analytical thinking and independently identify challenges and solutions.

4. Access affordable education

New Zealand’s education is for everyone; the proof is access to various cost-effective universities. Most New Zealand universities offer a cheaper tuition rate since they are state-funded. Having said this, despite offering affordable education, these universities do not lack the quality of the academics offered there.

For instance, University of Waikato is a cost-effective university where tuition fees go up to NZD 43,575/year. The university is highly reputed and is well known for pursuing courses such as social sciences and humanities. Here are a few examples of the cost-effective universities in New Zealand, Lincoln University, Auckland University of Technology, and University of Canterbury.

Apart from this, you can also access affordable education in New Zealand with the help of scholarships. Universities in New Zealand offer plenty of scholarship opportunities for students based on the degree level chosen. The purpose of these scholarships is to provide either full funding or partial funding opportunities for students to cover related expenses such as living costs, room costs, travel costs, tuition fees, or equivalent expenses when staying in New Zealand.

5. Experience the ‘practice what you learn’ approach

One of the best factors in pursuing education in New Zealand includes practising what is being learned. Tutors here educate students intending to help the latter remember their lessons even after classroom hours. The purpose of education here is to encourage better confidence and support for students to unleash their maximum strengths. In New Zealand, you will not just learn concepts; you will be able to convert those learnings into practical doings, which will enhance your course training.

6. Apply to your dream job immediately and easily

Upon graduation, you can be assured that you can easily land your dream job. In New Zealand, besides learning, universities there will also encourage you to participate in internships. This will give you a better opportunity to develop and enhance your skills and knowledge, thus preparing you better for the real job world.

Finding jobs in New Zealand as an international student isn’t tricky as top organizations are aware of how skilful a student is, especially when a degree from a top university in New Zealand is exhibited. The country also offers a post-study work visa option to retain students to work for up to 3 years or as per the study level and duration of study completed. Apart from this, New Zealand also released a ‘green list’ informing students to apply for jobs with a skill shortage in the country.

7. Ranked as one of the safest countries to live in

As per the Global Peace Index of 2023, New Zealand ranks 4^th as the most peaceful country, with a GPI score of 1.313. You can be assured that as an international student, New Zealand proves to be one of the safest countries to live in.

8. Learn how to live a ‘relaxed lifestyle’

Another factor that compels students to study in New Zealand is the country’s relaxed culture. You will enjoy a warm and friendly environment amongst locals, live quietly, explore the diverse food cultures and experience the work-life balance.

9. Offers an exceptional social life

New Zealand also has a fun side to it. As a student, the nightlife in New Zealand is one that is most spoken about. After university, dive into the local clubs, walk across the Te Wero Bridge, enjoy a comic night in the Darkroom or unleash your adventurous side and go bungee jumping. With all this, you will have a good time in New Zealand.

10. Teaches you how to be independent

We believe that this quality is one of the prime reasons you should invest in New Zealand’s academic space. In universities, the tutors encourage students to practice learning independently, develop responsibility to enhance their knowledge further and not limit learning to classrooms only. This trait will also prove beneficial when working on tasks at your dream job.