Month: December 2020

Types of Education Providers in New Zealand

International students who want to pursue higher education in New Zealand must first apply for an offer of a place to an education provider. There are three main types of education providers in New Zealand. These are Private Training Establishment (PTE), New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) formerly known as Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics (ITPs), and University. Study programmes designed for international students are regulated within the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is responsible for quality assuring all courses and tertiary education organisations other than universities. The Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) and the Academic Quality Agency (AQA) have delegated authority for quality assurance of university education.

English Eligibility to Study in New Zealand

For PTE, and NZIST the NZQA sets English language entry requirements for international students through the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules 2018 and the Training Scheme Rules 2012. If the approved entry requirements for a specific programme are higher than those listed in Rule 18, the student must meet the higher level required by the provider. There is a range of evidence that providers can use to verify an international student’s English language proficiency.

All education providers are responsible for ensuring that the international students they enrol, have the required level of English language proficiency for the level at which they intend to study. Students can prove this by submitting evidence of an approved English language test or prior study in the English medium.

So, if you want to study in New Zealand, you’ll have to meet the English language entry requirements for international students.

Which Test to Take?

There are several standardized English proficiency tests that education providers in New Zealand accept. They use it to verify an international student’s English language proficiency. The details are listed on the NZQA Website and mentioned in Rule 18.

NZQA has also provided a Table of English language proficiency outcomes for international students on their website, which sets out the approved test, and required outcomes. International students may use these tests as evidence of English language proficiency for international students who are enrolling in different levels of study programmes.

How Much Do You Need to Score?

Every education provider has its baseline requirements as per the study programme they offer to international students. For instance, if you’re applying for program level 9-10, which includes Master’s degree and Doctoral Degree, you are usually needed to score overall 6.5 Bands in Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its equivalent and acceptable test.

Since the English proficiency test is mandatory, and education providers prefer students with a certain level of the score, students need to spend enough time in preparation. Irrespective of which test you’re taking – TOEFL, IELTS or PTE – they will each test your English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills through various sections.

Have Taken the Test – Now What?

Once you have given the test – and have scored sufficient to what the education provider of your choice requires – you can commence the admission process. We the Immigration Advisers New Zealand are an Education New Zealand Recognised Agency (ENZRA) and represent most education providers in New Zealand. We have a dedicated team of education/career counsellors and admission processing team in place to assist you.

In the early stage, you will be asked for your academic documents, and work experience evidence (if applicable) along with the score of your English proficiency test. As your application process moves forward, the score you submitted will be verified by the education provider. In case your score for some reason does not meet the required level, you can always retake these tests. Certain education providers can also provide you pathway offer of a place with which you can lodge your pathway student visa.

Get Help With NZ Student Visa

If you need more assistance with the admission process, consider contacting our team of education counsellors. For help with New Zealand Student Visa, get in touch with Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. IANZ is one of the leading immigration services providers in Auckland, trusted by hundreds of international students with their end-to-end visa needs and problems.

PANDEMIC.. this word has created uncertainty all over the world. People are struggling to adapt to its huge impact, which has left everyone anxious about their future. We cannot turn a blind eye to the social, political and economic disruption that the pandemic has caused. Even though the news of the vaccine has left us hopeful of the future, it is too early to rejoice until the vaccine is tested and made available to all. Having said that, the response of New Zealand to the pandemic has been historic. New Zealand is one of the very few countries that managed to face the pandemic with minimal hardships to its citizens.

However, we cannot deny the impact of the pandemic on the education sector of New Zealand. Many students have had to change their study plans. Some students opted to leave New Zealand. However, those who chose to remain in New Zealand were the lucky ones. The education of onshore international students has in no way been allowed to get affected by the New Zealand government due to the pandemic.

We can soon expect some good news for even those who are intending to study in New Zealand in future. Education New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand has put a recovery plan in place with pathways initiative. As per media reports, this pathway programme is likely to start building a diverse stream of qualified international students for New Zealand’s universities as of March 2021.

The Minister of Education Chris Hipkins has given a statement saying that this ground-breaking initiative will give students around the world more choice and flexibility when it comes to how and when they gain a high-quality New Zealand education.

Team Immigration Advisers New Zealand can assure those who are undecided about where to pursue their higher education that New Zealand is the best place to study. They can check this claim themselves merely by looking at how little or no impact onshore students had with their education due to the pandemic.

What Do Students Want?

The answer to this would have certainly been different before the pandemic. However, the answer now would be to come and study in an environment where the student’s interests are protected, and external factors do not impact education. Those studying in New Zealand would vouch that they continued their education without much hindrance in a safer environment as opposed to many around the world. As we are all hopeful that we will soon be able to return to our normalcy, New Zealand has emerged as one of the safest and finest places to pursue primary, secondary or tertiary education.

New Zealand: A Better Alternative for International Students

There is no argument that New Zealand handled the pandemic better than most other countries. Where more powerful countries such as the USA and the UK have failed, New Zealand not only managed it well but ensured that people suffered as little hardships as possible.

New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the safest places at present for students. New Zealand is one of the best destinations for international students and offers a range of course options to cater to all education needs. Indeed, there are challenges ahead. But with all the perks and facilities the country offers – and its administrative efficiency – New Zealand now stands as one of the superlative destinations for international students to enjoy high-quality education and a better standard of living in a safe environment.

Recommended Read: Why You Should Consider Studying in New Zealand