Study in New Zealand: International Student Guide

In New Zealand, there are only two accepted forms of English Requirements including ILETS & PTE

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It’s a globally recognised test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Taking the IELTS is typically a mandatory step to study in New Zealand.

Types of IELTS Tests

There are two types of IELTS:

• IELTS Academic: Required for study purposes (this is the one you’ll most likely take)

• IELTS General: Usually for work or migration purposes

My Experience

I took my IELTS exam through the British Council. I spent a lot of time understanding the requirements and preparing accordingly. The type and level of program you choose will determine:

• The overall band score required

• The minimum score in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)

PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. Like IELTS, it is an English language proficiency test designed for non-native English speakers who want to study, work, or migrate to New Zealand.

Factors to consider when choosing a course

Hopefully by now your educational consultant has come back with a couple of course options that fits with your career aspirations. It’s time for you to shortlist the program by using some of the parameters to help you make a decision. These are decision making criteria I used.

Pro Tip: Create your own excel sheet and compare the programs side by side:

1. Course Fees: Compare the cost of each program to ensure it fits your budget.

2. Course Duration: How long does each program take to complete and what is the next intake date?

3. Internship/Placement Options: Prioritise programs which offer practical training options to gain work experience in New Zealand.

4. Program Content: Review the course structure and modules (if available) to make sure that it matches your interests and career pathway.

5. University or PTE: There are 8 universities in New Zealand. PTE stand for Private Training Establishment. There are more than 400 PTEs which offer programs at over 1000 locations in New Zealand. They are not publicly renowned like universities. They meet the provider quality education criteria and are independent. The cost and style of each education provider differs.

6. Location and lifestyle: Before you decide on a course, find out as much as you can about the place you will live, the education provider you will study with, and about living and studying in New Zealand.

1. Travel Distance and Duration

New Zealand is geographically distant from most countries.

Depending on your location, the journey can take up to 20 hours or more.

After arriving in New Zealand, you might need to take an internal flight (e.g., 1 hour or more) to reach your final destination.

2. Flight Stops and Layovers

Long-haul flights to New Zealand often include one or more refueling stops.

Common stopover locations include Asia, Australia, or the Pacific Islands.

You can usually arrange an overnight stay at a stopover location if you want to rest during your journey.

3. Transit Visas

You may need a Transit Visa for countries where your flight stops. For example, if your flight stops in Australia (even if you don’t leave the plane), you’ll likely need an Australian Transit Visa.

Always check with the nearest embassy or consulate or visit the official immigration website for visa requirements. If a Transit Visa is required, allow up enough time for processing. Plan your travel and visa applications well in advance to avoid delays and over-spending.