Study in New Zealand

Accomodations available in Newzealand for students
What kind of accomodations are available in Newzealand for students?

"In many cases, your accommodation will be only minutes from your place of study. Your institution can help you find accommodation before you begin studying. Halls of residence or student hostels

These are usually located on campus or nearby, with single or twin rooms. Bed linen and cleaning are provided. Meals are eaten in a communal dining hall, with special dietary needs catered for. Home stay or private board

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New Zealand - Admission Requirements & Application Procedure

Universities

There is no established rule for selection of students to various academic degrees and programs. Each university in New Zealand has established its own academic entry criteria for various courses of study. For specific details applicants need to correspond with the university. Here are some basic requirements.

Academic record of AISSCE of CBSE or Indian School Certificate would be equivalent to Form 7 (matriculation) of New Zealand Secondary Education. However, the university may advise the applicant if the scores or subjects are inappropriate. For postgraduate course appropriate graduate academic records are required.

Students from abroad may satisfy the general requirement for admission if they are holders of the International Baccalaureate or A level exams of any of the UK examining bodies. All (A) passes must be gained at the same sitting. Passes in 5 approved subjects include 2 at GCE (A), or passes in 4 approved subjects include 3 at (A), or any comptable SAT score may also be considered.

Language requirement - Evidence of an adequate level of competence in English is required from overseas students seeking entry to a university in New Zealand.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
Undergraduate students require a minimum score of 550.
Postgraduate students require a minimum score of 600.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Undergraduate students require a minimum score of 6.0.
Postgraduate students require a minimum score of 6.5.

Application - Enquiries should be made before 1 September from the universiti es directly.

Postgraduate students must also submit the following:

• Brief statement outlining the area of research interests, or intended research project.
• Two recent academic references.
• Copy of the Abstract of Evidence from a previous thesis (PhD only)

Colleges of education
Information is given by the Institutes directly. General requirements are the same as for university admission.

Polytechnics
Qualification for entry for Indian students would generally be Class XII in the relevant subjects or an exam recognized by New Zealand Polytechnics. Evidence of English Language proficiency is needed. On an individual basis applicant academic credentials can be evaluated and credits too can be transferred.

Private institutions
Details of entry requirements are available with the Institutions individually. General requirements are similar to those in universities.

Management institutions
For admission to an MBA degree from a recognized institution with a relevant major will be required.
GMAT score should be around 550+and for English Proficiency IELTS 6.5 minimum, plus sub scores or TOEFL score of 550-600 will be required. Work experience of 2 to 5 years is generally asked for.
Some schools require an interview, which can be conducted by telephone or videoconference. Most schools require referees reports from previous employers. The duration of the MBA course is 14 months to 16 months.

Tuition cost : US$11,800 to US$14,000, INR595,000 to INR685,000

Some schools may have an application fee. Fees are usually full program tuition fees. Course Starts in February, July and September.

TIME FOR ADMISSION
Students may begin applying soon after their results have been received. In July some universities admit students to Commerce courses, e.g., University of Otago, University of Waikato and Lincoln University. Victoria University takes in students for Arts and Science subjects.

New Zealand - Degrees and Courses

UNIVERSITY COURSES

Undergraduate degree

Bachelor's degrees are conferred after three years, honors degrees after four years and professional degrees take upto six years. The curriculum for a degree course consists of units, papers and courses. In each subject lectures, tutorials and where required library work has to be completed. In each subject there are usually first-year (stage 1 or 100-level), second-year (stage 2 or 200 level) and third-year (stage 3 or 300 level) courses. A second-year course may be commenced only after prescribed passes in the subject at stage 1 and a third-year course only after passing 12th.

Courses in colleges of education:

Colleges of education offer a variety of course options:
Diploma of education (3 years)
Bachelors degree in education (4 years)
Postgraduate diploma for secondary teachers (1 year)
Higher diploma of teaching/advanced diploma of teaching for practicing

Graduate diploma

This is a one-year, full-time course of study for graduates. It does not always require its students to have prior learning or experience in the subject matter of the diploma.

Postgraduate diploma

A one-year's full-time study, designed for graduates, which builds on the subject matter in the academic field of the previous degree.

Master's degree

Post graduation is of two years duration after a graduate degree. However, after honors course, Masters Degree can be completed in a year's time. At the Master's level, study can be pursued as a taught course or through research.

The Master's degree is open to those who have completed a Bachelor's degree. The course of study is usually one or two years of full-time study or its equivalent in part-time study. The work required normally builds upon the prior knowledge gained in the major part of the Bachelor's degree, and most or all of it is in that discipline. It is at a more advanced level. That is normally reflected in the content of the work; in the mode of teaching which is likely to emphasize seminar presentation; and in provision of research experience for the candidate. A thesis is an account of a substantial piece of research. Many Masters' degrees include a thesis component, and in some cases, particularly those which are taken after a four-year Bachelor's (Honors) course, the degree may be thesis-only. However increasingly, Masters' degrees by papers, or papers plus research, are becoming available. The successful student is expected to show, as the title implies, a real grasp of the subject, demonstrated by an understanding of the discipline, a capacity to reflect upon it, and an ability to undertake research into it.

Doctorate

The main doctorate offered by New Zealand universities is the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy. This, of course, is not offered merely in the subject Philosophy, but in the wide range of subjects universities offer. Almost invariably, a student is required to prepare under supervision a substantial thesis that represents original research into an approved topic normally carried out over a minimum of three full-time years.

Candidates prepare a thesis on the conduct and results of their research. This is marked by a panel of examiners including at least two external to the University. In most cases this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and the candidate's knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded. Admission to PhD study requires a first or good second class honors Bachelors degree, or a Masters degree at first or good second class honors standard or comparable qualifications. Acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision, and appropriate facilities.

Research in New Zealand universities

New Zealand university faculty is involved in a high level of research activity which has been recognized the world over. The teacher, involved in research and interesting findings, brings to the students unique dimensions in terms of classroom instruction and inspires students to enquiry and discovery.

Research by New Zealand University covers a wide spectrum and forms a vital aspect of university teaching. Research is the principal characteristic which distinguishes universities from other tertiary education institutions. New ZealandNew Zealand universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders. maintains a high level of research activity, the caliber of which continues to be internationally recognized. The proof of this research quality is theimpressive list of publications; many of them refereed journals, which emanate from New Zealand Universities. Further evidence is provided by the large number of awards and distinctions achieved by New Zealand research leaders.

Foundation Studies

Foundation Studies is a one year full-time academic program designed to prepare students from non-English speaking backgrounds for university study in New Zealand. A graduate of Foundation Studies has a university entrance qualification, recognized by all New Zealand universities and widely accepted by Australian universities.

Foundation Studies applicants must:

• be 16 years of age or over; and
• have completed a secondary school equivalent to New Zealand sixth form (year 12), including a pass in Mathematics and English OR have an overseas entry qualification; and
• Have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score, or a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score, which may vary across the universities
  

All universities offer courses in Humanities, Commerce and Science and generally specialize in teaching certain subjects. Some universities offer a comprehensive double qualification in association with local colleges, e.g., Bachelor in Education with diploma in teaching.

Universities offering specialist courses are:
University of Otago - Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Physical Education) and surveying
University of Canterbury - Forestry, Engineering, Fine Art
University of Lincoln - Agriculture, Horticulture
University of Auckland - Law, Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Medicine, Optometry and Fine Arts
University of Victoria - Architecture, Public Administration and Social Work
Massey University - Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology and Veterinary

Specializations - Postgraduate certificate/diplomas can be taken in special education, reading recovery, educational management, library science, information technology, guidance, English teaching (ESL), social work. The institutes offer consultancy services in education.

Academic Year - The academic year for colleges of education is from February to November with a vacation in May and August/September.

Degree programs in polytechnics

Polytechnics offer the first or even the first two years of degree courses on their campus after which a student can transfer to a university. Such conjoint options are available in subjects related to Business, Nursing, Science, etc. Full degrees are offered in Polytechnics in Accounting, Architecture, Design, Technology, Business, Commerce and Communication.

Academic Year - February to June and July to November completes the academic year. Intake is generally in February with restricted entry in July also.

Courses in private institutions

Degree, diploma and certificate courses are offered by these institutes in a range of subjects.

Academic Year - There are three systems in vogue, the 2 term, 3 semester and 4 term systems. The year begins in March and extends till November generally with a break in summer.

New Zealand - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

In New Zealand in the higher education sector there are universities, colleges of education, polytechnics, private institutions and private training establishments.

There are 8 universities and nearly 40 institutes of technology, colleges of education, and private tertiary education providers. These are located all over the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

New Zealand bases its education programs and degrees on the British system. Indian qualifications are well recognized for entry into New Zealand institutions. Students are taught in English, in an English speaking environment and earn qualifications that are internationally recognized. State of the art study facilities, safe, conducive environment, pastoral care and excellent student support systems are available to all students.

The courses are in effect Government guaranteed. The New Zealand education system is 'seamless' and has flexible entry levels. Qualifications are designed to allow students to enter and exit at different levels appropriate to their academic level and English language ability. They can enter straight after higher secondary school or at post graduate level. Qualifications range from post graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and National Certificates at both introductory and advanced levels. Doctoral studies are available at universities.

All New Zealand institutions work closely and have articulation agreements in place. Therefore cross-crediting between institutions is possible.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

New Zealand Ministry of Education has introduced a new mandatory Code of Practice for all New Zealand education providers and institutions that become signatories to the Code of Practice are allowed to enroll international students or continue existing enrolments.

All New Zealand education programs offered to international students are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), a New Zealand government organization responsible for quality control.

Universities

Universities offer standard degree programs in academic and professional studies. University education was established in New Zealand in 1870 and has a similar tradition like the British University system. There are eight state-funded universities in New Zealand, all of them internationally respected for their academic and research performance. In addition to a centrally coordinated system of quality assurance audits at both institution and program level, each university undertakes internal quality checks.

Some of the universities are almost a century old, the oldest being University of Otago. The universities are predominantly government funded national institutions offering undergraduate, graduate degree, diploma and certificate courses. All New Zealand universities offer a broad range of subjects in Arts, Commerce and Science. Each has developed its own specialist subjects such as Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture and Environmental Studies.

The central coordinating body of the New Zealand universities is the Vice Chancellor's Committee with its office in Wellington. The committee involves itself in formulating, promoting and coordinating inter-university policies for which they meet on a regular basis. The Vice Chancellor of each university is an active member of this committee.

Academic year - In New Zealand the academic year begins in March. Each year has either three terms or 2 semesters. The 1st term extends from March to May, the 2nd from June to August and the 3rd from September to November. The semesters are from March to June and July to November. Summer in New Zealand is from December to February. The long vacation is from November to February. Mid- semester or term breaks are for 2-3 weeks. During the vacation there are short courses which the universities conduct for those who wish to enrich their coursework or improve on their performance. Research work continues even during the breaks.

Universities now offer an increasing number of summer schools.

Status of degrees from New Zealand - It has been seen in the past few years that graduates from New ZealandUK, USA and Canada. Even in job positions New Zealand universities are accepted readily in postgraduate courses in graduates and postgraduates compare well with their counterparts from other countries.

How is quality of education assured - Unlike the US universities which have to seek accredition, the university programs in New Zealand are monitored and overseen by New Zealand Vice Chancellors' committee. They scrutinize the program to check if it follows the laid down norms. The Qualifications Authority checks that appropriate criteria are being followed while approving new programs.

Colleges of education

New Zealand colleges of education offer courses for training of teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as for early childhood education schools and special educators. Continuing or in-service education is part of their on-going training programs.

There are six institutions of which five receive their funds from the state and are autonomous while one institute is affiliated to the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Professional accredition - While the colleges are autonomous, the activities, programs and all aspects of the programs offered are under the Supervision of the New Zealand Council of Teacher Education (NZCTE). The council has been constituted of the Chairpersons of the governing body of each college of education and the principal of each college. The Council promotes excellence in various programs of teacher education and also formulates the national policy on educational issues. It has also been delegated by New Zealand Qualification Authority to accredit member institutions to offer approved teacher education and other courses. From these colleges of Teacher education NZCTE sponsors teachers through exchange programs to some leading countries.

Addresses for reference:

Massey University College of Education, Leon Wickham,Community Relations Officer, Centennial Drive,Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North,New Zealand

The International Manager, Christchurch College of Education, PO Box 31065

Christchurch, 8030, New Zealand

Selection Coordinator, Dunedin College of Education, Private Bag, 1912 Dunedin 9020, New Zealand

University of Waikato, School of Education, The International Centre, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Association of Colleges of Education in New Zealand (ACENZ), PO Box 10298

Wellington, New Zealand

Polytechnics

Polytechnics or, in some cases, institutes of technology, form the New Zealand polytechnic system. These institutions are state funded and provide education and training at many levels, from introductory studies to full degree programs.

There are 24 polytechnics & institute of technology in New Zealand located in rural as well as urban settings. The Polytechnics offer many programs which are short duration as well as full degree programs in the following disciplines: Science, Business Studies, Arts, Health Care Training, Architecture, Trades, Languages and Social Science. A combination of academic and vocational courses is offered at polytechnics, funded by the government, which also has linkages with industry and business organizations.

All polytechnics are members of an Association of Polytechnics formed by principal members of each polytechnic. This council or association monitors all curriculum development programs and communicates with sister organizations. Most universities have agreements which recognize the successful completion of a course of study at a New Zealand polytechnic or institute of technology as an entrance qualification. Some students are able to enter a university course of study with credit towards their chosen degree program.

Private tertiary institutes

There is an increasing number of private tertiary institutes and training establishments in New Zealand. These providers offer a wide range of courses including English language study options. International students often enroll in these courses either to improve their English language prior to commencing university study or to pass examinations required for university entrance.

The degrees offered by private tertiary institutions have received their accredition (recognition) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority which, as mentioned earlier, is a government agency with responsibilities for setting and reviewing education qualification standards. It offers tertiary courses as an alternative to state funded education in New Zealand. Private tertiary institutions grant degrees from the NZPTIC or New Zealand Private Tertiary Institutes Council. The NZPTIC acts as a link between the government and industry.

Addresses for reference:

Design & Art College of New Zealand Ltd.,Jo Winfield, Registrar, 116 Worcester Street, PO Box 539, Christchurch, New Zealand

Communications Manager, Auckland Institute of Studies at St. Helens,

PO Box 2995,Western Springs Auckland 1050, New Zealand

Faith Bible College, The Registrar, Private Bag, Tauranga, New Zealand

Whitecliffe College of Art & Design, PO Box 8192,Symonds Street, Auckland,New Zealand

New Zealand- The Education System

In New Zealand Higher education is a billion dollar industry now. The growth has been phenomenal over the past 5 years. Education now earns New Zealand as much forex as wool or butter or cheese, which have traditionally been New Zealand's strongest export commodities. The strong growth in expected to continue in years to come.

New Zealand education programs and degrees are recognized and accredited very much like - the British system.

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE

School education

School education in New Zealand is for 13 years, beginning at the age of 5 years. Most schools are established and funded by the New Zealand Government but there are a number of secondary schools with special philosophical or religious traditions. These receive limited state funding. All schools prepare students for state examinations and are subject to stringent quality assurance assessments.

Education is free and compulsory between the age of 6 and 15 years. Secondary schools in New Zealand provide the last five years of formal education which prepares students for university and other types of tertiary education and vocational training. Secondary school includes Form 3 to Form 7. Students attending secondary schools are between ages of 13 and 18 years.

Secondary education

Forms (classes) 3 to 7 are the secondary classes in New Zealand which students enter at the age of 13 years. The curriculum in secondary schools is based on guidelines set by the Ministry of Education. In Forms 3 and 4 core subjects such as English, Science, Maths, Social Sciences and co-curricular subjects such as Music, Art and Craft and Physical Education are taught. In Form 5 English, Maths and Science are compulsory and students make a choice from Art, Commerce, Technology related subject and Languages. Form 5 is equivalent to our class X. Students take their first public examination in at least 6 subjects in Form 5. Those who get satisfactory grades are sent upto Form 6. In Form 6 students have to study 6 subjects and popular choices are English, Mathematics, Sciences, Commerce and Economics. Form 6 examination is an internal examination after which they are awarded a Sixth Form Certificate which is a grade card.

University Entrance Bursary and Scholarship Exams

Equivalent to our Senior Secondary or class XII examination are the Form 7 examinations. These examinations are the only accepted method for entry to New Zealand degree courses for students completing Forms 6 and 7 in New Zealand. For overseas students equivalent qualifications are recognized. In Form 7 students may select subjects which they intend to pursue at the tertiary level

Aggregate of 4 subjects is calculated for placement. To get admission into a degree program in New Zealand a minimum of 250 aggregate marks are required.

The University Bursary Scholarship examination is considered equivalent to GCE `A' levels while comparing total aggregates .

New Zealand - Know About Living In The Country

KNOW ABOUT LIVING IN THE COUNTRY - NEW ZEALAND

ABOUT THE COUNTRY

New Zealand is an island in the South West Pacific Ocean. It belongs to a large group of islands called Polynesia, 1600 kilometers southeast of Australia. New Zealand consists of two main islands and many smaller islands spread out hundreds of kilometers from the main ones. Once a British colony, New Zealand is now an independent country and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington and Auckland is the largest city both located on the Northern mainland. The population of New Zealand is over 3 million. Many New Zealanders are British descendants from 1800's. More than 70% of the population lives in the North Island and 85% are concentrated in urban areas. New Zealand's most important cities are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Manukau and Dunedin.

Maoris were the first settlers in this country and now there are about 300,000 Maoris who live in New Zealand. Maoris are Polynesians whose ancestors settled in New Zealand several centuries ago. The majorities of New Zealanders today are of European descent and are popularly called pakcha or white men. New Zealand has a long and outstanding tradition of upholding equal rights of all peoples. It was the first country to provide social security benefits and old age pensions for its people and in 1893 it was the first nation to give women the right to vote. It follows a parliamentary form of government and elects its parliament. The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers perform the task of running the government.

The North Island is about 1, 14,592 square kilometers with 3 prominent geographical regions.

Geographic regions
Northern peninsula and Waikato Basin occupies most of the island and is rich in forests, orchards and rich lowlands. There are beautiful beaches on the west coast.
Volcanic region and Western Hill country lies to the west. This region is volcanic rock area and there are some active volcanoes, geysers and hot springs too.

Eastern Hills - To the east are a mountain range extending from East Cape to Cook Strait. On the eastern slopes cattle and sheep are reared.
South Island is larger than the north in area. On this island are the Southern Alps, the Canterbury Plains and the Olago Plateaus and Basin. Mount Cook the highest peak in the Alps is approximately 3800 meters. This region is very beautiful. Rain forests cover the slopes. The southwest coast has a rugged coastline lined with Granite Mountains. In the Canterbury plains crops such as wheat, oats, and fodder are grown for cattle.

Climate
New Zealand generally has a mild rainy climate but extreme climatic conditions prevail in the Northern islands central plateau. In the South island the west is wet as compared to the drier east. South island is cooler than the North Island. Snow falls in the South Island Mountains in winter making it a popular ski sport centre. Seasons in New Zealand are reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, since it is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer is from December - February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August and spring from September to November.

EMPLOYMENT FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS

Under present immigration regulations most international students on student permits are automatically permitted to work up to 15 hours per week during the period of the academic year (February-November). It is also possible to work full-time during the summer holidays (November-February). International student who wish to work during the summer holidays are required to obtain a work variation to their student permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service.

STUDENTS' ACCOMMODATION

NZ institutions assist students in finding accommodation whilst studying in NZ. Various types of accommodation are available.

Halls of residence, student hostels, dormitories
These are usually located on campus with single or double (shared) rooms. Costs range from NZ$ 800 - 850 i.e. Rs 16,000 -16,500 per month including food.

Homestay
Students will live with a New Zealand family with their own room. As a family member, the student has every opportunity to experience the New Zealand way of life. Cost for this (including food) also ranges between NZ$ 220- 240 per week

Apartments/flats
This is a popular option with Indian students. Most institutions help students find a flat. Students choose their own flat mates. Costs range from NZ$ 150 - 550 per week depending on city and area. This includes food + other expenses.

HEALTH INSURANCE:

New Zealand is famous for having one of the world's best health care systems. Insurance for health though not compulsory is advisable. Insurance cover is for general ill health and all medical aid. New Zealand Education International Limited (NZEIL) in collaboration with 2 leading insurance companies provides specific policies for International students and universities provide details for these.

The ‘X’ Factor in N.Z Art & Design Education

New Zealand is known as a clean, green, nuclear free, snake free, south seas paradise. Branding plays an important role in product success, and New Zealand continues to make progress in its efforts to develop an international identity for itself. No longer are we just the place where there are ‘more sheep than people’.

Our successes in the America’s Cup with ‘Black Magic’, the films ‘The Piano’ and ‘Once Were Warriors’, the Britten Motorcycle, Kiri te Kanawa, Ngaio Marsh and countless other ‘creative products’ or ‘producers’ evidence the trend as Arts and Design reflect New Zealand’s emergence as a value leader in specialised and boutique products which reflect the nation’s cultural diversity and dynamism. New Zealanders are known for ‘kiwi ingenuity’, and it is our cultural diversity and innovative spirit in Art and Design education that contributes to a special ‘X’ factor for would-be international students.

A small nation like New Zealand has a lot to offer an International student: climate, natural beauty, wide open spaces, recreational activities of all kinds. These are the attractions to short term tourists. Tertiary students find those same elements important, but what of the education and institutions themselves?

Smallness enables all the components to be viewed and compared. CHACDS, the Council of Heads of Art, Craft and Design Schools of New Zealand is a body of 37 schools or Departments of larger institutions that has developed a complementary approach to Art and Design Education. CHACDS has co-ordinated its own industry specific matrix, an institution by institution profile, analysed the relationships with Industry and developed, albeit informally, various exchange and transfer agreements between a number of individual institutions for students. Being able to identify the complete opportunities for an international student is a major attraction to New Zealand as a destination for tertiary study.

International students may find places in undergraduate programmes hard to come by, and often there is resistance by institutions to take on international students. This resistance is set against a background of substantial growth within the country in Tertiary Education. Ministry of Education Statistics indicate that 35% of all Tertiary enrolments were in cultural fields in 1994. An OECD report on New Zealand Tertiary Education in 1996 indicated that the rate of increase of participation by New Zealanders in tertiary education was at 10.2% between 1990 and 1993, so that by 1993 45% of school leavers continued into some form of tertiary education. New findings on top of this research suggest that these trends are continuing, contributing to the ongoing growth of and diversity of Art and Design courses offered.

Change has also occurred within the institutions in response to the 1989 Education Act. Polytechnics and private colleges are now offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (although Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in Auckland is the only New Zealand private college that offers Fine Arts degree programmes: a BFA undergraduate degree, an MFA degree and an MA degree in Arts Administration). This change in offerings has meant that generally growth has kept pace with internal or New Zealand only demand. Yet demand does exceed supply, particularly when International students are factored in. Only the extra generation of foreign fees encourages some New Zealand institutes to extend places to international students in Art and Design.

Despite the limited places and the excess demand, there is a range of opportunities for international students. Some schools are specifically developed for multi-cultural, multi-national operations with Art and Design schools often having a variety of nationalities in their student body and faculty. Exchange agreements between schools, both within New Zealand and internationally, are frequently part of the ingredient factors promoting this diversity. Mostly it is a size factor, and the new ‘colonial’ spirit distinguishing what is on offer in New Zealand. Typically, the Art and Design programmes are operated at intense levels of study-faculty interchange, allowing classes to be small (i.e. less than 10 in some cases). Integration with other disciplines is common, and focus ‘cultural issues’ within both the content and context of curriculums’, because of obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

International students do have to fully fund their studies although there are some funding schemes. The Aotearoa Scholarships are provided for talented Polynesian (or Pacific nation) students; these are organised by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Commonwealth Institute has regularly provided support funds for study in New Zealand, (typically post-graduate) and various philanthropic organisations have support schemes in place. Because places for Arts and Design international students are small in number, considerable research needs to be undertaken. Foreign students presently are unable to work whilst studying (although there are indications that this may change). One thing to keep in mind is that with the exchange rates and current costs for most programmes in New Zealand, Art and Design courses are generally very competitive.

Because of this environment, New Zealand Art and Design schools at international recruitment fairs or seen advertising within international journals is a rarity. Simply, New Zealand is the best kept secret in Art and Design tertiary education. You have to dig deep to find an opening, and be immensely talented to get a place. Those that come love the place, most want to stay, immigrate or work in the country finding the combination of small, specialised and highly qualified schools to their liking. With no programme having much over 1000 students, and some with as few as 50, it is radically different from American, Australian or British counterparts; yet in this smallness, New Zealanders are amazingly mobile.

Institutions are incredibly advanced in technology and human resources. If there are any doubts to this claim, one should ask how a little country like New Zealand could design and construct a yacht to take on the mega millions of the United States and beat them so convincingly; put a rugby team on the playing field against nations that have more people in a single city, and continually win. Put a low budget film into the Cannes Festival and win; put a hand-crafted ‘boutique’ motorcycle against the world-wide giants and still win? The answer is all of the above, or simply an ‘X’ factor.

If it’s an experience international students want, it is an experience they get in New Zealand. But they are likely to get a world class education into the bargain. Come down and see us sometime!