New Zealand vs Canada for Indian Students: Canada or New Zealand Which is Better for Students?

Overview of New Zealand vs Canada for Indian Students

Let us first give you a brief overview of Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students based on certain parameters:

Parameters	Canada	New Zealand
Education System	Pre-elementary or kindergarten Elementary or primary education Secondary Post-secondary or tertiary education	Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 - Certificate Level 5, 6 - Diploma Level 7 - Bachelor's Degrees and Graduate Diplomas Level 8 - Postgraduate Diploma Level 9 - Master’s Degree Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
MBA Requirements	Completed a first class bachelor’s degree in a business related field; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended	Completed a bachelor’s degree in a business related field with at least 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended
Visa Processing Time	90 days	4 weeks
Top Universities	Mcgill University University of British Columbia University of Toronto University of Ottawa	University of Auckland University of Otago Victoria University of Wellington University of Canterbury
Tuition Fees for International Students	10,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD	10,000 NZD to 40,000 NZD
Average Annual Salary	60,000 CAD	40,000 NZD

Education System in Canada vs New Zealand

Education in Canada as well as New Zealand is recognized globally.

The Canadian education system is governed by provinces. Canada is home to vocational training or polytechnic institutes that offer job-oriented programs focusing on practical training and soft skills which prepare students to join the workforce.

The education system in New Zealand resembles the British education model wherein the hierarchy of courses start from the level 1 i.e. certificate programs to level 10 which is PhD  New Zealand has publicly and privately funded institutions. The curriculum taught by institutions emphasises practical training.

Here is a quick comparison between the levels of education in Canada vs New Zealand:

Canada	New Zealand
Pre-elementary or kindergarten Elementary or primary education Secondary Post-secondary or tertiary education	Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 - Certificate Level 5, 6 - Diploma Level 7 - Bachelor's Degrees and Graduate Diplomas Level 8 - Postgraduate Diploma Level 9 - Master’s Degree Level 10 - Doctoral Degree

Suggested: Know about New Zealand Education System

Intakes in Canada vs New Zealand

Intakes in New Zealand are two in number and begin in the months of February and July. Although both intakes invite international students, a greater influx is observed in the month of July.

Canadian universities invite applications for 3 semesters i.e. Fall, Winter and Summer. The fall semester commences in September, winter in January and Summer in May.

Fall is the most popular intake among international students for admission to Canadian universities. The next best option for students who have missed the fall intake in the winter intake. It must be noted that not all courses are offered for the summer intake.

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Admission Process & Requirements for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand

The primary requirement for admission to any institution in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students is similar while the eligibility criteria may vary for institutions or courses.

Let’s take a look at the admission requirements for international students in Canada vs NZ:

Canada

Universities in Canada accept online applications for the Fall, Summer and Winter semesters. International students applying to more than one Ontario universities can use OUAC Application Form 105 to apply. Submit the completed application along with the fee and supporting documents within the specified timeframe. If you are offered a seat at your choice of institution then accept the offer for admission and proceed with the student visa application.

Here’s a look at the eligibility criteria for various degrees offered in Canada:

Degree	Eligibility Criteria
Certificate/ Diploma	Completed high school education with minimum 55% or above; IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is recommended.
Bachelor’s degree	Completed 10+2 with 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. SAT/ ACT may be required
Master’s degree	Completed first class bachelor’s degree; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. GRE may be required
MBA	Completed a first class bachelor’s degree in a business related field; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended.

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New Zealand

You can submit applications for the semester starting in February or September. Applications for the intake in February will be available around September in the previous year and for September starting in May. As international students it is recommended to apply early i.e. around 4 months prior to the course start date as you will need time to complete the student visa process.

Here is the eligibility criteria for various courses for international students:

Degree	Eligibility Criteria
Certificate/ Diploma	Completed high school education with minimum 55% or above; IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 is recommended.
Bachelor’s degree	Completed 12 years of high school education with overall average 75% or above; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended.
Master’s degree	Completed a bachelor’s degree in related field with at least 60%; IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is recommended. GRE may be required
MBA	Completed a bachelor’s degree in a business related field with at least 70-80%; IELTS score of 6.5-7.5; Minimum work experience of 2-3 years; GMAT score above 550 is recommended.

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Student Visa Process in Canada vs New Zealand

Whether you choose to study in Canada or New Zealand, you will need a student visa to enter and remain in the country for the duration of your program. Here’s  a look at the student visa process in Canada vs New Zealand:

Visa Process in Canada	Visa Process in New Zealand
You need a Canada study permit	You need a New Zealand student visa
Application fee is 150 CAD	Application fee is 330 NZD
Processing time: 90 days	Processing time: 4 weeks
Requirements: Proof of acceptance to an institution Copy of passport Proof of sufficient finances Passport size photographs Proof of English language proficiency Letter of explanation Immigration Medical Examination Attested copies of 10th, 12th examination results and degree certificates A certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ), for studying in Quebec	Requirements: Proof of acceptance at a college/ university Colour photographs from head to shoulder A Passport valid for at least 3 more months after you plan to leave NZ Medical certificate Police certificate Translation of documents not issued in English Proof of finances Ticket out of NZ or proof of money to buy one

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Top Universities in Canada vs New Zealand

Every student aspires to get into one of the top universities as it opens doors for endless opportunities - academically and professionally. Let us take a look at top universities in Canada vs New Zealand for Indian students:

Canada

Canada is home to several top institutions known for its world class education and  cutting-edge research facilities. The top 10 institutions in Canada are:

Canadian Universities	World QS Rank 2022
University of Toronto	26
McGill University	27
University of British Columbia	46
Universite de Montreal	111
University of Alberta	126
McMaster University	140
University of Waterloo	149
Western University	170
University of Ottawa	230
University of Calgary	235

New Zealand

Institutions in New Zealand too are climbing the global ranking ladder year by year. The top 10 universities in New Zealand are:

New Zealand Universities	World QS Rank 2022
University of Auckland	85
University of Otago	194
Victoria University of Wellington	236
University of Canterbury	258
Massey University	284
University of Waikato	372
Lincoln University	373
Auckland University of Technology	451

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Top Courses in Canada vs New Zealand

There are a range of disciplines that you can choose from depending on your area of interest in both Canada and New Zealand. Choosing one of the top courses is preferred by students because of its rewarding future prospects. Let us take a look at the top courses in Canada vs New Zealand:

Canada	New Zealand
Business and Finance Engineering Computer Science and IT Healthcare Medicine Education Media and Journalism Humanities Life Sciences Psychology and Human Resources Agricultural Science and Forestry	Business and Management Engineering Tourism Hospitality Management Information Technology Nursing Healthcare Art and Design Animation Agriculture Sports Management

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Cost of Studying for International Students in Canada vs New Zealand

When talking about Canada vs New Zealand study, we must consider the cost aspect. The cost of studying abroad can be classified into tuition fees and cost of living.

Tuition Fees: Canada Vs NZ

The tuition fees in Canada and NZ vary with the levels of study. Take a look at the tuition fees for Canada vs New Zealand study below:

Program	Annual Tuition Fees in Canada (in CAD)	Annual Tuition Fees in New Zealand (in NZD)
Undergraduate degree	10,000 - 30,000	20,000 - 40,000
Graduate degree	15,000 - 65,000	20,000 - 45,000
Doctoral program	7,000 - 17,000	6,500 - 7,500
Diploma/ certificate/ vocational training	10,000 - 15,000	25,000 - 48,000

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Cost of Living: Canada vs NZ

It is very important to plan your monthly budget before deciding which is better, Canada or New Zealand. The average cost of living in Canada for international students is around 10,000 - 12,000 CAD i.e. 5.9 lakh - 7 lakh INR per year. For  New Zealand, the cost of living is nearly 18,000 - 27,000 NZD i.e. 10.6 lakh - 13.9 lakh INR per year.

Let’s compare the cost of living per year in Canada vs NZ:

Expenses	Cost per year in Canada (in CAD)	Cost per year in New Zealand (in NZD)
Campus Accommodation	3,000-7,500	8,000-22,800
Private Accommodation	8,000-9,000	18,000-38,000
Food	4,800	3,800-5,800
Utility bills	800	1,100
Phone & Internet	600	850
Public Transport	960-1,320	1,500-1,700
Entertainment	1,800	2,600
Health insurance	600-800	200-700

Please note that the figures are for reference. Your cost of living will depend on various factors such as your location, type of accommodation and most importantly lifestyle.

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Canada vs New Zealand for International Students in Terms of Financial Aid

The expenses of studying abroad are overwhelming for international students. However, there are various financial aid options to save students from financial hardship. The common sources of financial aid for studying in Canada, New Zealand or any other foreign country for that matter are scholarships and part-time work for international students.

Scholarships

Scholarships are capable of covering the maximum expenses for studying abroad and are preferred because of no repayment obligation. The scholarships in Canada & NZ are awarded by universities, private organizations, or Governments. Some of the top scholarships in Canada vs New Zealand are:

Scholarships in Canada	Scholarships in New Zealand
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship International Major Entrance Scholarships Vantage One Excellence Award Hatch Scholarships Gold Standard Scholarship Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)	New Zealand Excellence Awards New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) BayerBoost Environmental Scholarship Scheme University of Canterbury's College of Engineering Scholarship

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Part-time Work and Internship Opportunities

Both Canada and New Zealand allow international students to work part-time both on-campus and off-campus.

In Canada, you can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during semester breaks. Similarly in New Zealand, an international student can work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during semester breaks. You can expect a minimum hourly pay of 10 CAD in Canada and 18.90 NZD in New Zealand.

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Employment Opportunities, Stay Back Options & PR in Canada vs New Zealand

Both Canada and New Zealand offer promising opportunities to students post study. Let us discuss the stay back options, PR and employment opportunities below:

Employment Opportunities

An individual in Canada earns around 120,000 CAD with salaries starting from 30,200 CAD which can go up to 534,000 CAD. A person working in New Zealand earns 97,300 NZD per year. The starting salary for individuals in New Zealand is 24,600 NZD and it can go up to 434,000 NZD.

The average salary for individuals in Canada is 70,00,000 INR approx compared to 50,00,000 INR approx in New Zealand. Therefore, clearly the salary prospect in Canada is better than New Zealand. It is important to remember that the pay scale varies between location, qualification, company, job title and experience.

The latest QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 reveal that graduates from universities in Canada are in a better position to be employed compared to graduates from New Zealand. Take a look at the table below to understand Canada or New Zealand which is better for students: in terms of providing employment:

Universities in Canada  (GE Rank)	Universities in New Zealand (GE Rank)
University of Toronto (21)	University of Auckland (68)
University of Waterloo (24)	Massey University (251-300)
Western University (43)	Victoria University of Wellington (251-300)
McMaster University (81)	Auckland University of Technology  (301-500)
University of Alberta (99)	University of Canterbury (301-500)

Stay Back Options After Studies

If you choose to stay back in Canada or New Zealand after studies to work, you are allowed to do so by applying for a post study work permit. The key differences between the two are:

Canada	New Zealand
Need to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay back after completing your studies.	need to apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work here after graduation.
PGWP can be valid for any duration between 8 months to 2 years depending on the length of your program.	With a post-study work visa you can work in NZ for up to 3 years after completing your program depending on the level of your qualification.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency options can be availed in both countries. Let  us briefly overview the conditions for PR in Canada Vs New Zealand:

Canada: There is scope for permanent residency in Canada after you apply for a PWGP or through the Express Entry process or as provincial nominees.

New Zealand: You may be eligible for Permanent Resident Visa if you have been living in New Zealand for 2 years or more.

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Student Life in Canada vs New Zealand

An essential part that directly affects students while studying abroad is the quality of social life. Studying in Canada as well as New Zealand is an enriching experience for students academically, and socially.

• Canada is known for an ethnically and linguistically diverse environment both inside and outside the classroom. The country is known for great food, entertainment venues, shopping hubs, sports, theatre, music and a lot more. The only concern here is the weather.
• The cold bone-chilling winters may witness a temperature drop to -30 degrees Celsius in the northern region. The best student cities in Canada are Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Quebec.
• New Zealand offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students with a lot of learning opportunities. Every institution in New Zealand is required to maintain standards set by the Government to safeguard international students. Education in New Zealand is characterized by small class sizes that promote learning.
• There are a lot of sports and activities such as football, rugby, kayaking, sailing, etc. that students can enjoy besides famous eateries, cuisine and culture. The weather in New Zealand varies widely.
• The temperature in cold months can go down to -10 degrees Celsius while the average temperature in summer is between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Auckland and Christchurch are the best student cities in New Zealand.

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Every country has its pros and cons so now whether you decide to study in Canada or New Zealand is completely a matter of personal choice. From the above guide, you must have got an idea about various factors that will help you decide which destination is ideal for you. Make sure you compare every aspect right from the choice of university to career prospects and your way forward when it comes to making a decision for your future. In case you need more assistance, talk to a Yocket Professional for expert advice!