Studying in New Zealand for Taiwanese Students

Imagine a first world country comparable to Germany and Japan, minus the frantic pace of life plus the grandeur of nature. Now, imagine that you are right smack in the middle of it as you pursue world-class education in the company of one of the most welcoming group of people in the planet. Sounds too good to be true? Better believe it. All of it is possible when you decide to move to New Zealand.

Before You Go to NZ

Any Taiwanese student who intends to study in New Zealand for more than three months needs a student visa. It will cost you TWD 1300 per application. You or your representative can lodge your application at the New Zealand Visa Application Centre in Taipei. The Centre is open from 8am-3pm on Mondays-Fridays, except on holidays. Make sure to bring all the original documents with you. It’d also be wise to secure photocopies so you have a backup. Documentary requirements vary from one type of visa from another. For details regarding requirements for a general Student Visa, a Student Visa for partners of Work Visa Holders, and Students and Trainees Work Visa, visit <http://www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand/taiwan/student_visa.html >.

Getting There

When you travel from Taiwan to New Zealand, you would fly across 6,000 miles of land and sea. That would take you at least 11 hours and 41 minutes. Flights shouldn’t be a problem as multiple airlines including Air New Zealand, China Southern, China Eastern, and Air China fly to Taipei to Auckland. Prior the flight, be cautious of your food and water intake. You wouldn’t want an upset stomach while in a long flight.

All NZ cities and towns are connected via buses so it would be easy to get around. City-suburban rail services are likewise available in Auckland and Wellington.

Cost of Studies

Studying overseas is a major investment. As such, you can expect to shell out a considerable amount of money. Fees depend on the duration and level of studies you wish you pursue. State primary and secondary schools have fees ranging from $ 11,000 to $ 13,000. Private schools charge considerably higher and fees start at about $ 25,000.

Costs are considerably higher in the tertiary and post-graduate levels, but international PhD students can enjoy the same rate paid by NZ natives pursuing a PhD. Full list of New Zealand university fees can be found here <https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/sites/default/files/uni-nz/Fees%20for%20International%20Students%202018.pdf >.

Can’t quite afford the fees for a New Zealand education? It’s not time to worry yet! Government-sponsored as well as school-specific scholarships and exchange programs are available. Find out what is applicable for you here <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/search-results?nationalityid=193 > .

Cost of Living

Prior to moving to New Zealand, you have to understand that the cost of living is significantly higher. On the average, the cost of living in Auckland is 40% more expensive than in Taipei.                                                             The price difference can be seen in basic necessities like food. A 0.33 litre bottle of water costs $ 2.45 in Auckland, but just $ 0.97 in Taipei. Same is true for a basic meal in McDonalds. When in Taipei you can get one for $ 5.89, you have to shell out double when you are in Auckland.

This is not a comprehensive comparison. Your ultimate living cost will depend on your lifestyle and the exact region of NZ you decide to stay in. Naturally, city centres are more expensive than places away from it.

Want to learn how to cut living costs? These five tips may be of great help <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/ >.

Opportunities

Being an international student in New Zealand will present you with numerous opportunities, not just after you finish your studies, but even as you are studying. Certain student visas will enable you to work for 20 hours a week during the term. Tertiary students can work full-time during the Christmas and Holiday period provided that their course is worth more than 120 credits. Masters and PhD students don’t have any restrictions on the hours they can work so if they are up for it, they can juggle full-time studying and full-time work at the same time.

Kiwis take pride in their “Can do” attitude. Most international professionals who thrive in the NZ workplace imbibe this attitude too. Make the most of your stay by not just making money on the side, but also honing your character.

Deciding to leave the familiar for the unknown is a bold step. Don’t be haunted by the “what-ifs” and “should haves”.  Start your New Zealand journey now. It definitely worth it.