Last week we discussed the basics of the higher education facilities in New Zealand from the perspective of an international student. Let us look into further details including the process of seeking admission to institutions in New Zealand.
Postgraduate admission
We will have a quick look at the steps for the postgraduate admission in one of the typical New Zealand universities. First you can gather information about the range of postgraduate studies offered by the university from the option page in the university web site.
You can submit your application for admission to the programme of your choice on the strength of your academic record and your English language proficiency. You must have achieved good grades in an undergraduate degree from a recognised university. Normally the field of study in the postgraduate programme should be the same as that for the undergraduate degree.
A Bachelor’s degree from an Indian university, in your chosen subject of study, with good marks would be adequate for admission. Sometimes you may be required to undertake a bridging or qualifying course before being admitted to a postgraduate programme.
If you desire admission as a postgraduate research student, you will have to send along with your application, the details of the area of research proposed, background of any previous research and your publications if any.
These details would determine your suitability for selection as a postgraduate research student. You will have to submit documents such as certified true copies of university academic transcripts, showing the courses studied and the grades achieved, certified true copies of degree certificate and mark sheets evidence of English language competence
The English language proficiency expected for postgraduate admission is usually 6.5 in IELTS (Academic). Instead of this, a score of 90 in Internet-based TOEFL may also be accepted. This point has to be clarified early from the concerned Dean, if you are an aspirant for admission.
The application form can be downloaded from the university web site. You should satisfy yourself that you fulfil the entry requirements, as proved by your certificates. The acceptance into a postgraduate program is normally based on academic merit. It is at the discretion of the concerned Dean of the faculty.
Undergraduate courses
In view of various factors including the expenditure involved, it is desirable that you plan for postgraduate studies overseas. However, there are facilities for undergraduate studies as well in New Zealand for international students.
All university entrance qualifications gained outside New Zealand have to be approved for admission to New Zealand universities. Qualifications such as IB (International Baccalaureate), SAT, and GCE ‘A’ level will be considered favourably.
A pass in the 12th Standard of the CBSE, ISC, or Higher Secondary examination in India, with at least 75 per cent average marks and 60 per cent in English would be normally sufficient. In certain cases, a university may ask you to complete one year of study in an Indian university, if you do not have 75 per cent marks in the 12th Standard examination.
The requirements of English language proficiency have to be satisfied, through the specified scores in IELTS. For undergraduate programmes a score of 6.0 in IELTS (Academic) would be adequate. However, for certain disciplines like education, a higher score like 7.0 may be required. A TOEFL score of 80 in the Internet-based format may also be accepted, in lieu of the IELTS requirement.
You should find out the closing date for filing application for admission, and submit your application along with the required supporting documents well in advance of the closing date for your desired programme.
They may ask for additional documents before your application is assessed for selection. Once you are informed of your selection, you can proceed further as directed by the university concerned. Each university has its own specific styles of communication with the students, and specific modes of response expected. You should follow these strictly. You may have to pay the fees well in advance to allow your visa application process to be completed on time.
New Zealand International Scholarships are funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by ‘Education New Zealand’. The Scholarship Manager can be contacted by e-mail: scholarships@educationnz.org.nz. The New Zealand Government has instituted international scholarships with a view to strengthening educational partnerships with other countries. Two typical fellowships/ scholarships are indicated below.
The LEARN Fellowships (‘Livestock Emissions & Abatement Research Network’) focuses on improving the understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock agriculture, and helps researchers in the area.
The NZIDRS (New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships) are available to overseas students for three years of doctoral research in New Zealand universities. It covers full tuition fees, and allowances for living, health insurance, travel, book and thesis, and one-off establishment. You should be specifically travelling to New Zealand, to take up the NZIDRS. The Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit. You should have a record of sustained academic excellence in the chosen field of study, as supported by academic transcripts and letters of reference. You should also have scored at least 6.5 in IELTS (Academic).
The research scholars are permitted to undertake up to twenty hours of employment per week at their host university in a teaching or research capacity within their field of study.
You have to address the Scholarships Manager, Education New Zealand Trust, PO Box 10-500 Wellington, New Zealand 6143.
You can try for Commonwealth Scholarships. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India administers a few scholarships for doctoral research in NZ in areas such as Soil Science, Dairy Technology. It may be indicated that the availability of scholarships for studies in New Zealand is limited.
