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New Zealand Vs Australia For International Students: Which Is Better?

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Sumeet Jain
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Which is better Australia or New Zealand, for study? Both countries have become preferred study destinations for international students globally. While New Zealand offers a great work-life balance, Australia’s education system adds to its widely recognised academic reputation.

 

Both countries are unique in their ways. But to make a wise academic investment, international students should consider multiple factors. If you’re wondering which is better, Australia vs New Zealand study abroad, this blog covers everything you need to make a confident academic decision. 

Table of Contents

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Culture

If we look at the countries from a cultural viewpoint, Australian culture is a mixture of Western Anglo and Aborigine influences. You will find Australia a fun-loving, relaxed and lively nation where people are happy to connect. On the other hand, if we talk about the cultural aspect of New Zealand, the natural environment, thrilling experiences, and beautiful scenery attract students towards the country.

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Education System

New Zealand

New Zealand comprises various levels of education such as certificate level, diploma level, graduation level, post-graduation level and PhD. These levels are counted from 1 to 10, as level one is for certification, and level 10 is for a PhD. 

To get admission to top-ranked universities in New Zealand, Indian students must meet the university's eligibility criteria. In addition, they need to have a mandatory English language requirement. A diploma program is compulsory for students getting admission to a bachelor's degree, but admission criteria depend from university to university.

Suggested:NZ education system

Australia

Regarding the Australian education system, Indian students who need to enrol in undergraduate courses at various universities need 12 years of pre-university education, such as SPTM, A-levels, Australia Accredited Foundation Program, and UEC.

Moreover, to get admission to postgraduate courses, you must complete your undergraduate courses.

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Top Universities

Both countries are home to QS-ranked universities. These universities have been popular as they offer an enhanced learning environment. The choice to study at any university differs based on the degree type and course. Here are the top ones to consider:

QS World University Rankings 2023

Top Universities in New Zealand

QS World University Rankings 2023

Top Universities in Australia

87

The University of Auckland

30

Australian National University

217

University of Otago

33

The University of Melbourne

275

Victoria University of Wellington

41

The University of Sydney

284

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

45

The University of New South Wales

292

Massey University

50

The University of Queensland

Suggested:How to shortlist a university?

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Admission Requirements

The admission requirements can vary based on the country, course and university. However, there is a standard process that is followed by all, as seen below:

New Zealand

Australia

  • Completed Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Minimum 70% and above in high school 
  • Bachelor's Degree (for PG programs)
  • Copy of Passport 
  • Personal Statement
  • CV or Resume 
  • GMAT/ GRE Scores (for PG programs)
  • English Proficiency Scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Completed Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Minimum 60% and above in high school 
  • Bachelor's Degree (for PG programs)
  • Copy of Passport 
  • Personal Statement
  • CV or Resume 
  • GMAT/ GRE Scores (for PG programs)
  • English Proficiency Scores (IELTS, TOEFL)

Suggested:How to get admission in NZ university?

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Top Courses

If we compare courses and degrees, Australia is the better option as it consists of 45 universities and six universities in New Zealand. But, Australia or New Zealand, which is better for studying in terms of different subjects? 

If you want to pursue Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Education, MBA, Health Care, Information Technology, Hotel Management etc., Australia is a beneficial country to complete your undergraduate courses. However, if you want to pursue courses like Health Care, Business IT/Computing, Hotel Management, you should choose New Zealand as a better country option.

Suggested:Best courses in NZ

The universities in both countries follow the semester schedule. The first semester runs in February and June, and the second semester begins in July and ends in November. Some Australian universities follow the three-trimester pattern. Students must decide whether Australia or New Zealand suits them better for their study style.

Suggested:Australia Intake 2022-2023

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Total Cost

The cost of studying and living depends upon the course duration and university you are applying for. However, if you’re quizzical about Australia or New Zealand, which is better for study in terms of cost, then New Zealand is a cheaper option when compared to Australia.

The table below shows the clear difference between the cost of living and tuition fees in both countries:

Types Of Expenses

New Zealand

Australia

Cost of studying

20,000 AUD- 9,00,000AUD/year (Up to 18,00,000 INR per year)

5,000 AUD - 2,70,000 AUD/year (Up to 27,00,000 INR per year)

Living Expenses

15,000 AUD- 5,00,000 AUD/year (Up to 9,00,000 INR per year)

10,000 AUD- 5,40,000 AUD/year (Up to16,00,000 INR per year)

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Scholarships

Let us now discover the prevalence of Australian and New Zealand scholarships for international students. With the cost of living on the rise, a study in Australia or New Zealand for Indian students has only been possible because of the availability of the following scholarships: 

Scholarships In New Zealand

Scholarships In Australia

  • University Of Waikato Tuition Scholarship 
  • University Of Auckland – Summer Research Scholarships
  • AIWA Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship
  • Keith And Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travelling Scholarships 
  • Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship
  • Lincoln University Doctoral Scholarships in New Zealand
  • The University of Otago – Noni Wright Scholarships in New Zealand
  • Sir Ratanji Dalal Research Scholarship
  • SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research
  • Clemenger BBDO Scholarship 
  • Dean's International Management Scholarship 
  • Diversity Excellence Scholarship
  • Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships Scheme, The University of Sydney
  • UQ Global Connect Scholarship, The University of Queensland
  • Sir John Monash Scholarship, Monash University

Suggested: Scholarships in Australia/NZ

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Visa

Multiple international students apply for different kinds of visa based on their interests. The popular ones are student visas and post-study work visas. Let’s learn more about this in detail below:

Australia

If candidates need to study in Australia, they must apply for their visa following rules and regulations. The cost of applying for a visa in Australia charges up to AUD 565, and spouses can be tagged with students if they are pursuing a master's degree or PhD courses. Students with a visa can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their education.

Suggested:Australia student visa process

Candidates, after completing their bachelor's or master's degree, can apply for a two years post-study work visa in Australia. Suppose your educational qualification matches the job position in New Zealand. In that case, you need to give proof of your successful qualification and get a work visa for 2 years in New Zealand.

Suggested:Settling in Australia from India

New Zealand

If a student wants to pursue their education in New Zealand, they need to apply for a New Zealand student visa by following the proper rules and regulations. Applying for a New Zealand student visa costs up to NZD 300. The New Zealand High Commission may take 8-12 days to complete the visa procedure. The International Student must complete their course within a minimum duration as listed on the acceptance letter. Spouses of students can work full-time on their work visas in New Zealand.

 

Also Read

 

NZ Post study work visa

NZ student visa rejection reasons

New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student: Job Opportunities

After completing any study program in the respective countries, you can choose from various job profiles. Based on your academics, skills and degree level, the salary can vary accordingly. Here are the popular job profiles and average salary list:

New Zealand

Job Profiles

Average Annual Salary

Auditor

NZ$ 53,816

Art Director

NZ$ 72,860

Building Manager

NZ$ 60,518

Corporate Trainer

NZ$ 69,617

Law Clerk

NZ$ 45,305

Suggested:Job opportunities in NZ

Australia

Job Profiles

Average Annual Salary

Communications Manager

88, 369 AUD

Parts Manager

63,963 AUD

Bus Driver

60,358 AUD

Travel Agent

45,630 AUD

Life Coach

85,000 AUD

Suggested:Job opportunities in Australia

Wrapping Up….

You now have the answer to which is better, New Zealand vs Australia for international students. To make a good choice, students should consider all the above-listed details and match them with their academic needs. While this information is sufficient to get started, it is always better to have a second opinion. Speaking to our experts, Yocket counsellors can help you best. If you wish to explore more such study abroad spaces, signing up at Yocket can enhance your research. 

Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Vs Australia For International Student

Is getting a scholarship to study in New Zealand vs Australia difficult?

Which is better, Australia vs New Zealand, for international students?

Is New Zealand PR easier than Australia?

Is NZ colder than Australia?

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