New Zealand universities, colleges, and educational institutions hold a leading position globally, distinguished by their high academic reputation. This is attributed to the quality of educational and professional programs they offer, which are closely linked to practical life, highly competent professors, and renowned research facilities. There are eight universities in New Zealand, and all educational institutions in the country receive funding from the New Zealand government.

Studying in New Zealand emphasizes innovation, research, and practical learning, which is applicable across all educational institutions, particularly universities. Educational institutions in New Zealand encourage students to collect and analyse data either individually or collaboratively, pose questions, provide logical evidence, and engage in discussions.

The assessment methods in New Zealand universities and educational institutions vary, encompassing end-of-semester exams, research projects, essays, presentations, tests, or a combination of these methods. Additionally, postgraduate theses are evaluated by specialized committees or external examiners.

To enrol in a New Zealand university, students must understand the admission requirements, as well as the specific conditions for different academic degrees and desired specializations.

Students need to consider the following criteria:

Choosing a specialization that aligns with personal interests, academic abilities, and future employment opportunities.

When selecting a university, students should prioritize institutions with strong reputations in their chosen field of study, considering both local and global rankings, as well as the university's reputation, environment, and location.

Understanding the admission requirements and necessary documents for registration at the university.

Consulting with experts at the cultural attaché's office for guidance about universities that align with the desired program and specialization.

Entry Requirements for Bachelor Degree

The admission requirements for a bachelor's degree may vary from one university to another, so it is advisable to refer to the university's website. The most important admission requirements for a bachelor's degree at most New Zealand universities are as follows: -

A high school certificate from New Zealand NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) or an equivalent international certificate.

Passing the foundation program; foundation programs offer the best preparation for bachelor’s degree study to international students who have a general education diploma.

To be eligible for admission to New Zealand universities, students must achieve a minimum score of 6.0 on the English language exam (IELTS). Note that this standard may vary from one university to another and from one major to another. New Zealand universities provide affiliated English language institutes, where students can benefit from language programs tailored to them in these institutes. However, obtaining a good score on the IELTS test is not necessary for admission to language programs in these institutes, but it should be noted that this may not guarantee acceptance to another university in case of transfer study, which may require taking the IELTS test in some cases. English language institutes offer their programs throughout the year, and the duration of these programs varies from two weeks to forty-eight weeks, depending on the student's level, with an average study time of about five hours per day.

Some universities accept students with academic qualifications lower than a general education diploma, who have practical experience in one of the fields, to study in the bachelor's program.

Entry Requirements for Master Degree

The most important admission requirements for a master's degree in most New Zealand universities are as follows: -

Obtaining a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

Achieving a score of 6.5 or higher on the English language exam (IELTS). The required score may vary from one university to another and from one program to another, or by completing English language programs offered by universities for this purpose.

If students wish to pursue a research-based master's degree, they must obtain approval from a university supervisor to supervise the research before applying for admission to the university. After obtaining the supervisor's approval, a copy of the research proposal must be attached to the application. University websites provide lists of research supervisors whom students can contact.

Some universities accept students with a diploma and practical work experience in the same field.

Some universities require students to have work experience to enrol in certain master's programs, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Entry Requirements for Doctoral Degree

The most important admission requirements for a doctoral degree in most New Zealand universities are as follows: -

Obtaining a master's degree from a recognized university or obtaining an undergraduate degree with honours.

Some universities require practical work experience in the same field, as well as research experience.

Achieving a score of 6.5 or higher on the English language exam (IELTS). The required score may vary from one university to another, and from one specialization to another, or by completing English language programs offered by universities for this purpose.

Some universities require obtaining approval from a university supervisor to supervise the doctoral research before applying for admission to the university. After obtaining the supervisor's approval, a copy of the research proposal must be attached to the application. University websites provide lists of research supervisors whom students can contact.

The research proposal should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae (CV) and two recommendation letters from individuals, one of whom is an academic lecture.

Start your journey to study at New Zealand universities with an application for admission, ensuring that the required documents are translated into English. Admission applications can be made using the following methods: -

Apply Online

Admission applications for studying in New Zealand can be submitted directly through the university website. Applicants are required to submit the necessary documents along with the university application form. The following website can be used to search for academic programs in New Zealand universities: -

Apply Through Higher Education Services Offices

There are several Higher Education Services Offices in the Sultanate of Oman through which students can apply to study in New Zealand. These offices provide a range of services, from offering university admissions to assisting with the visa application process for entry into New Zealand.

The student should ensure the following: -

The students must choose a distinguished university, and therefore they can communicate with the specialists at the cultural attaché in Australia.

Make sure to become familiar with all the registration procedures, the services offered by the office, and the financial obligations of both parties.

Do not pay more than one semester's tuition fee in advance unless there is an official document from the university that mandates it.

Offer of Admission

If a student is accepted by the university, they will receive an offer letter containing a summary of the accepted major (unconditional offer) and the tuition fees. Additionally, the student will receive an acceptance form that needs to be filled out and signed by the student. The acceptance form must be sent back to the university along with the tuition fees. After that, the university sends a confirmation letter of enrolment, which may include health insurance. The student can use this letter to apply for a visa. Students with scholarships must attach a copy of the financial guarantee letter issued by the scholarship provider, usually supplied by either the ministry or the cultural attaché.

Children Study

All students who wish to accompany their children must enrol them in New Zealand schools before arriving in New Zealand if the children are of school age. They should ensure they are aware of the required tuition fees due to the varying costs, which may include annual registration fees and annual tuition fees.

All the information for obtaining a student visa is available through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website: -

There are two types of student visa: -

Pathway Student Visa: This visa allows student to study up to 3 courses, one after the other, on a single student visa, for a duration of no more than five years. The student must have a Pathway Student Visa offer of place and the funds to pay tuition fees.

Fee-Paying Student Visa: This visa allows students to study only a single academic program.

What you need to apply: -

Valid passport.

Offer of place.

Provide evidence of tuition fees, as well as sufficient funds to cover travel and living expenses.

Providing medical examination certificates, such as chest X-rays and blood tests, depends on the place of birth. For example, a chest X-ray examination is not required if the student was born in the Sultanate of Oman.

A police certificate issued by the Royal Oman Police is required, along with a certificate from any other country where the student has resided for more than five years. The certificates must be issued no more than six months prior to the application submission date.

A copy of the marriage certificates and birth certificates of children if the student wishes to bring their family.

Paying tuition fees.

Visa applications can be submitted through education offices in the Sultanate of Oman, or via regular mail or online through the New Zealand Immigration website. If applying online, the student must open a RealMe Account to complete the student visa application

After providing the above documents, the student applies for a student visa, and details of the processing time for the student visa can be found via the link: -

Pre-Departure Arrangements

The important arrangements that must be made before traveling are outlined below:

Arrange accommodation and airport pickup in New Zealand two weeks before leaving the Sultanate of Oman. Scholarship students can contact the cultural attaché in Australia for assistance in this matter.

Confirm flight bookings 72 hours before departure.

Connect with Omani students studying in New Zealand, keep their phone numbers and addresses, as well as the address and phone numbers of the cultural attaché in Canberra. Also, students can contact Omani student associations via email.

Bring all academic qualifications and certificates of practical experience obtained by the student.

Visit a healthcare provider in the Sultanate of Oman and obtain copies of all medical tests and reports, in case the student suffers from a specific illness that requires medical follow-up in New Zealand. It should be noted that chronic illnesses are not covered by health insurance.

Visit a dentist and an optometrist before departure since health insurance does not cover dental and eye treatments.

Carry enough cash, preferably not less than 1000 NZD, for fully sponsored students to cover initial expenses until they receive financial allowances from the cultural attaché. Partially sponsored and self-funded students are advised against carrying large amounts of cash, as they can transfer any cash amounts to their bank account in New Zealand.

Contact the airlines to find out the allowed weight that will be carried with you on the plane and in the cabin, which usually does not exceed 23 kilograms on the plane and from 7 to 9 kilograms in the cabin. The allowed weight varies from one airline to another.

Do not carry any liquid materials exceeding 100 millilitres inside your carry-on bag (e.g., perfumes, toothpaste, hair styling gels, creams, etc.). Such items should be placed in the checked baggage, not in the carry-on bag.

The student must pack their own luggage to know its contents and write their name and address on the bag. Ensure that the bags are securely closed and match the number of baggage receipts to the number of pieces handed over to the baggage handler at the airport. It is also advised not to carry bags for other individuals for fear of containing prohibited items. Additionally, it is helpful to know the specifications of the checked bags (general shape, size, colour, brand) so the student can provide this information in case any of their bags are lost.

Important Documents

The student must carry the following documents in their carry-on bag:

Passport, and it is advisable to also carry a copy of it in your carry-on bag.

Copy of the student visa.

Travel ticket and boarding pass.

University enrolment document.

Copy of financial guarantee or scholarship approval for scholarship students.

Address and phone numbers of the accommodation where the student will be staying upon arrival.

Address and phone numbers of the cultural attaché, as well as addresses and phone numbers of some Omani students in New Zealand.

Important personal documents.

Translated and attested copies of birth certificates and academic certificates.

What to Bring with You?

Quran.

Prayer mat, and a compass to determine the Qibla.

Two dictionaries: English-Arabic and Arabic-English.

Personal medications along with a medical report explaining the purpose of use of the medications.

On the Plane

Before landing, the flight attendants will distribute arrival forms to passengers. These forms must be filled out in English, kept, and handed to the immigration officer at the airport. The information required to complete the form is simple and includes the name, passport number, gender, date of birth, flight number, address of residence in New Zealand (you can use the university address). The form also includes a customs declaration detailing everything the student is carrying with them. You must indicate on the form whether you are carrying any food, animal, or plant products. If you are unsure about whether certain items need to be mentioned on the form, you can inquire with the quarantine officer inside the airport.

For more information about the content of the form, refer to the website.

Airport Procedures

Inside the Airport

Upon disembarking from the plane, proceed to the counters to complete the entry procedures. Present your passport along with the entry form to the immigration officer, who will examine your documents. After completing the immigration procedures, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. You should know your flight number to determine the designated area for collecting your luggage. It is also necessary to ensure your bags by matching them with the baggage numbers given to you in the Sultanate of Oman.

Customs Clearance

After receiving the luggage, the student should proceed to the customs area to complete the inspection process. The immigration officer will direct you to the designated inspection area based on the type of your luggage. If you are not carrying anything to declare, you can proceed through the fast track. If you are carrying any of the items mentioned below, you must pass through the inspection line and declare them to the health quarantine officers inside the arrival hall. These items include:

Food such as dried dates, spices, and condiments, which must be commercially packaged.

Herbal Remedies, herbs, mixtures, and medical solutions.

Animal products such as feathers, skins, and fur.

Plant products such as carvings, artifacts, and handicrafts made from plant materials, mats, straw products, and wicker items.

For more information about the items you cannot bring to New Zealand, please refer to the website

Carrying some of the mentioned items without declaring them may subject you to financial fines or legal prosecution. After completing the inspection procedures, proceed to the exit gate.

Lost Luggage

In case your luggage does not arrive on the same flight or is lost, you must inform the airline's office at the airport. Airline staff will take all necessary steps to search for the lost luggage. You will be given a form to fill out, including your name, address, phone number, type of missing bag, its contents, flight number, and date. The airline office will then search for the bag, find it, and deliver it to the address provided on the form, free of charge.

Transportation from the Airport

At all New Zealand airports, taxis are available, which travellers can rent to reach their desired destination. Additionally, airport shuttles are available to transport passengers to public transportation stations.

Health Insurance

New Zealand universities are responsible for providing health insurance, with the associated fees included in the tuition costs. It's important to note that this coverage typically excludes chronic illnesses and cosmetic dental procedures.

Historical Overview

Before European settlers arrived in New Zealand, it was inhabited by the indigenous population, the Polynesians, who developed the Maori civilization. Maori society revolved around family ties and connection to the land. This was before Europeans discovered it in the 18th century through the British explorer James Cook. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and several Maori chiefs, making New Zealand a British colony thereafter, and European migrations followed. Factors encouraging this included vast spaces, natural resources, and diverse employment opportunities. Today, New Zealand's population consists of a mix of its indigenous inhabitants and immigrants from various parts of the world.

Geographical Location

New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia, and it does not share any land borders with any other countries. It is situated in the continent of Oceania, which is in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, and includes Australia and the surrounding islands, including New Zealand. New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island, and the South Island, separated by the Cook Strait. The political capital of New Zealand is Wellington, while Auckland is considered an economic powerhouse. New Zealand adopts a constitutional monarchy parliamentary democracy system of government, and its land area is approximately 268,021 square kilometres.

Population

The population of New Zealand is 5.124 million people as of 2022. Most New Zealanders live in urban areas on the North Island. The five largest cities in the country are Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, and Tauranga. The indigenous Maori population makes up 16.5% of the total population. The rest of New Zealand's population is referred to as "Kiwi" (referred to as "Pākehā" in the Maori language), and the name is associated with the kiwi bird, which is the national symbol of New Zealand.

Climate

New Zealand is an area with a moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius in summer and 0-15 degrees Celsius in winter. New Zealand is considered one of the wonderful tourist destinations in the world. A general overview of the climate in New Zealand:

North Island: The climate is moderate and humid. Winter is characterized by heavy and intermittent rain and relatively cold weather. As for summer, it is warm and humid, with moderate temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Celsius.

South Island: The climate is cold and mountainous, especially in the towering mountainous regions. Temperatures in winter are very low and can drop to zero degrees Celsius or lower in some mountainous areas.

Coastal areas in the western part of both the North and South Islands are characterized by rain and greenery. Heavy rainfall occurs throughout the year, making tropical forests and lush grasslands flourish wonderfully.

The following table illustrates the months and climatic seasons in New Zealand:

Dec-Feb Summer

Mar-May Autumn

Jun-Aug Winter

Sep-Nov Spring

Cost of Living

Statistics estimate living expenses for students ranging from 20,000 to 27,000 NZD per year for a single student, and from 40,000 to 55,000 for a student with their family, depending on the family size.

Living standards vary from one city to another, increasing or decreasing depending on the lifestyle the student leads.

Accommodation

In New Zealand, there are various types of accommodation available for international students, including options suitable for individual students and those suitable for students with families. It is up to the student to choose the type of accommodation that suits them. There are many real estate agencies throughout all New Zealand cities, and universities also provide accommodation search services through student support offices. The cost of accommodation in New Zealand is calculated on a weekly payment basis.

According to New Zealand law, students under the age of eighteen are not allowed to live alone. Therefore, the available options for them are to live with a family or to reside in university housing.

Types of accommodation available for students include:

Homestays with Local Families

Living with a host family is considered one of the most suitable types of accommodation for students, especially at the beginning of their studies in New Zealand. This is particularly beneficial for English language students as living with a New Zealand family helps improve their English language skills and understand the customs and traditions of New Zealand society. A room is allocated for the student within the household, and some families provide breakfast and dinner meals. Students should inquire about the daily routine of life in the household, adapt to the family's lifestyle, and respect their customs and traditions, as the student is considered an ambassador of their country.

Accommodation with a host family can be arranged through the university's international student office or private companies. The cost of living with a host family ranges from 220 to 320 NZD per week. New Zealand families respect other religions, including Islam, allowing students to practice their Islamic religious rituals such as prayer. It is worth mentioning that some New Zealand families eat pork and may have pets such as cats and dogs in their homes. If the student prefers not to live with a family that engages in such practices, they should inform the office before renting accommodation.

Student Dormitories or Halls of Residence

This type of accommodation is university-managed and subject to its rules and regulations, which students must adhere to. Situated near the university, these accommodations come furnished and often include meal options. There are several types of university accommodation:

Single rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Single rooms with shared bathroom facilities for single sexes.

Single rooms with private bathrooms.

Students are advised to apply early to reserve university accommodation to avoid the possibility of it being fully booked. More information can be found on the university's website.

Renting a House or Apartment

Many students, especially those accompanied by their families, prefer renting private accommodation. Houses or apartments can be rented through the various real estate agencies spread across different cities in New Zealand. Additionally, the internet can be used to search for available rental properties in the desired area. When signing the contract with the real estate agency, a month's rent is paid in advance as a deposit, which is fully refunded at the end of the contract or upon vacating the house, provided that the house is left in good condition. The cost of renting an independent house range from $450 to $700 NZD per week.

Before signing, the student must read all the terms of the contract, which typically lasts between 6 to 12 months. Usually, upon signing the contract, the real estate agency provides the student with a report on the condition of the house. The student must thoroughly review the report and ensure that everything mentioned in it is accurate. If any issues are noticed, the student should record them in the report and inform the real estate agency, and it is advisable to keep a copy of the report and notes. If any problems or malfunctions occur in the house during the student's stay, they must inform the agency immediately.

Real estate agencies request the following documents when someone wishes to apply for renting accommodation:

A copy of the passport.

A copy of the driver's license.

A copy of the bank statement or financial guarantee certificate from the scholarship provider.

A copy of the latest rent payment receipts if the student is a current renter.

Completion of the rental application form.

The website that can be used for searching for accommodation in New Zealand:

Real estate agencies request the following documents when someone wishes to apply for renting accommodation:

Public Transportation

New Zealand's public transportation network is considered one of the best in the world, connecting most cities and residential areas, facilitating easy and convenient travel. In some cities, purchasing a separate ticket for each trip is required, while in others, daily, weekly, or monthly tickets that can be used for all types of transportation are available. Students should purchase tickets before using public transportation to avoid any legal violations. Some of the most important public transportation methods in New Zealand include:

Buses

Buses are considered a common mode of transportation in New Zealand, connecting residential areas to most cities. Riding buses is an excellent way to explore cities, as the destination of each bus is clearly displayed on its front. Maps and instructions regarding bus routes are available at bus stations.

Taxicabs

In New Zealand, there are many taxi companies, and their fare calculation depends on the distance and time travelled. Fares increase in some cities after midnight. The fare is displayed on the meter located near the driver. Payment can be made in cash or by using debit and credit cards. Taxis can also be requested by contacting the company, and all passengers are required to wear seat belts.

Trains

Trains are available in some New Zealand cities, and train tickets can be obtained at all train stations. The schedule for train journeys can be obtained from the customer service office at all stations and from internet websites.

Lectures attendance: It is essential for all students at various academic levels to attend lectures regularly. Persistent absence may negatively impact a student's academic performance and could lead to the cancellation of the student's study visa, resulting in the termination of their scholarship according to the relevant laws and regulations.

Exerting effort in studying: All students are required to put effort into their studies and strive to achieve the highest grades. Obtaining mediocre grades may prevent students from transferring between academic programs.

Contact details: Students are required to inform the university and the cultural attaché of any change in their postal address, phone number, or email address. If a student changes their address without notifying the university or the cultural attaché, they will bear full responsibility for not receiving any important correspondence, and they will not have the right to excuse themselves for not informing the university or the cultural attaché of the address change. Students are also advised to check their email daily.

Communicating with the cultural attaché and university international office: Students are advised to communicate with the cultural attaché and the international office at universities regarding matters related to their studies.

Student visa: It is important to check the expiration date of the student visa and work on renewing it before it expires. Failure to renew the student visa on time may lead to its cancellation.

Passport: Ensure to keep your passport in a safe place and only carry it when necessary. In case your passport expires, and a new one is issued, you must transfer the student visa to the new passport. Instructions for transferring the student visa are available on the Immigration New Zealand website:

In the case of losing your passport, you must report it directly to the New Zealand Police office. It should be noted that the cultural attaché cannot issue a new passport; instead, only a travel document to the Sultanate of Oman can be issued. This may cause disruption to the student's travel plans.

Personal safety: It is advised to avoid walking in dark areas late at night. Additionally, it is important to ensure that windows and doors are closed before leaving the house. If a student experiences any issues related to personal safety or theft, they should inform the relevant authorities and notify the cultural attaché as soon as possible.

Cash: Students are always advised to use ATM cards, which can be used in most shops in New Zealand, and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Home insurance: Home contents insurance is considered essential, especially for students residing in rented houses. Several insurance companies offer home contents insurance services at a low cost.

Car insurance: It is necessary to obtain car insurance. If students are involved in car accidents, they may find themselves obligated to pay large amounts of money for car repairs due to lack of insurance.

Communicating with Omani students and student associations: Students are advised to communicate with their Omani peers and attend events organized by the Omani Student Association. Additionally, they should take advantage of the opportunity to study in New Zealand to get to know and communicate with students from different nationalities and build diverse social relationships.

Living with host families: Students who live with host families should maintain open communication, respect the rules, and adhere to the routines. Additionally, they should focus on building a good relationship with their host family and adapting to their customs and traditions.