6 reasons to study in New Zealand

23 Oct 2017

“There’s a real purity in New Zealand…It’s actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore.” – Elijah Wood

So, you’ve made the decision to study overseas. Awesome – good choice! A global quest of self-discovery is about to begin, and this is a decision you certainly won’t regret. You’ve weighed up every option, now sit back and observe your future taking shape – but first you must decide exactly where you want to study…

It’s common practice for prospective students to compare New Zealand against education giants like Australia, the UK and US. The cold, hard truth of the matter is, these countries don’t exactly make it easy – let alone desirable – for eager prospective students who are keen to take the plunge. But New Zealand’s international student population maintains a steady rise, spurring further growth within the nation’s global education sector.

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand) on Jul 31, 2017 at 1:43am PDT

From its snow-capped sierras to its star-spangled skies, these breath-taking panoramas are a muse for the mind, and unparalleled motivation for the body and the soul. Not only this, but New Zealand is home to leading tertiary education systems that have taken the education realm by storm, producing tomorrow’s influential innovators, visionaries and entrepreneurs. Still not convinced? Well, that’s all about to change – here are 8 reasons to study in New Zealand:

1. Experience beautiful landscapes – and a hub for outdoor adventure

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand) on Jun 14, 2017 at 2:34am PDT

New Zealand is rugged, rural and pure. It’s blessed with biodiversity and natural scenes that are nothing short of stunning. Jagged mountain ranges, meandering coasts, petal-laden meadows and twinkling lakes – this is a region that really has it all.

But did you know that Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to ever reach the summit of Mount Everest, was a New Zealand native? Spurred by the natural beauty of his home country, Sir Hilary was stirred by the taste of adrenaline, a heritage that continues despite decades that have passed. Visitors of the region continue to test the limit, trying an array of blood-pumping ventures like ziplining, zorbing and bungee jumping.

2. New Zealand is a country that’s both stable and sustainable

Powered by a strong and sturdy government that revels in seclusion from the rest of the world, the New Zealand economy seems pretty much untouchable. And with a regional-wide employment market that’s constantly expanding, graduate opportunities are rife for the nation’s qualified graduates – both native and non-native. Plus, the people here are happy, taking pleasure in life’s most simple of things, while the fact that immigration is embraced means you’ll quickly adjust to the quirky and lovable Kiwi way of life.

It’s also a place that’s incredibly progressive in terms of sustainability. For somewhere that’s so rich in the fruits of the earth, it makes sense that its people want to care for and maintain it. Auckland’s motivational goal to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2020 is just one example of the nation’s efforts to make a lasting sustainable impact.

3. The charming Kiwi people

Kiwi folk are known worldwide for their likable charisma – something, as a student, you just can’t resist. This is a vibrant, bi-cultural community, where social inclusiveness forms an effortless part of everyday life. These people are proud to stand among the world’s greatest travellers, and it’s largely their acceptance of other cultures that allows them to be just this. Above all else, this makes transitioning to New Zealand life as simple as chowing down a sweet, sweet Kiwi piece o’ cake!

4. It’s globally connected

On top of serving as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific (APAC), this region is incredibly well-connected to the rest of the world. Despite its isolated setting, technology has enabled borders to blur, and New Zealand is actually a front-running player in some of the key global markets we see active today.

5. It has a lower cost of living and affordable tuition

Compared to the likes of Canada, the US and UK, New Zealand offers an outstanding quality of life for an unmistakable fraction of the price. And to get those student senses tingling, you’ll be pleased to know that the cost of studying in New Zealand is much less compared to countries that offer similar programs.

6. New Zealand boasts world-reputed tertiary institutions– and a host of quirky courses!

The region’s education system is modelled on the world-class British system, so your hard-earned New Zealand degree will be recognised in most countries around the world. In fact, The Legatum Prosperity Index wholeheartedly believes that New Zealand is home to the best academics in the world based on household income, economic growth and quality of life.

The Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) sector is positively booming, making this region the model destination for hands-on, vocational studies.

And if you seek a study experience that’s outside the box, courses in Māori Studies, Wine Science and Viticulture are the norm in this awe-inspiring region.

Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, you better believe! So, if you’re about to pack your bags and board the first plane to New Zealand, it’s worth considering these two institutions for your brand-new Kiwi home…

EASTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (EIT)

Ranked one of New Zealand’s top institutes of technology , EIT is an exceptional institution that provides a comprehensive spectrum of higher study courses – including the nation’s widest range of viticulture and wine-based qualifications. This is an Institute that’s committed to providing quality education, serving student, industry and employer needs through globally-recognised programs.

EIT actually offers more than 130 courses, from certificate and diploma to degree and even postgraduate-level. There are campuses not only in Hawke’s Bay but also in Gisborne and Auckland. Viticulture & winemaking is just one of an impressive range of subject areas at EIT that includes fashion, art and design, business, hospitality, forestry, veterinary nursing, health science and more.

As an institute of technology, EIT delivers the technical and professional higher education and skills training to produce work-ready graduates. EIT produces qualifications that are internationally-respected and are excellent for vocational training.

Through the unique provision of hands-on learning taught by experienced practitioners, EIT refines confident, worldly and conscientious students with the power to take on the world. “So whether you are a school leaver, international student, someone looking to up-skill or to extend your formal qualifications, you can have full confidence that in choosing to study at EIT you have chosen one of the outstanding tertiary education institutes in New Zealand,” says Chris Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Institute of Technology.

OTAGO POLYTECHNIC (OP)

Otago Polytechnic is proud to provide a leading-edge, hands-on education, career-centred education. From adventure and snow sports to aboriculture, to beauty therapy, architecture, cookery, communication design and everything in between, this is an institution that helps make your career dreams become reality.

“Here, you’ll gain a top-quality qualification, have an amazing and enriching time, and put yourself in a great position for a career you love,” the Polytechnic explains.

“As educators, we offer innovative ways to study. With online tools and blended delivery options, time and distance are no barriers to gaining the education you need. We can even give credit for knowledge gained in your career.

“We make a difference through our applied research and enterprise, and our commitment to sustainability. And we are pleased to partner with our communities, using our expertise to find creative solutions and opportunities.”

OP’s high-end programs and members of faculty are known around the globe. For the past ten years, 18 teachers have been granted prestigious national Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards.

And in a recent survey, 92 percent of graduate employers rated the Polytechnic’s graduates as equal or above those from other tertiary institutes. It’s no wonder so many of OP students carry on to lucrative and rewarding careers!

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International