Preparing to study in New Zealand with a disability by Ruth Kinloch

New Zealand is among the top 5 most popular countries for foreign students. If you want to know what to consider when preparing to study in New Zealand, just read on:

1.Visa processing

To apply for a student visa, you should provide the acceptance letter from your institution, financial documents certifying availability of funds (including enough for tuition and an additional NZ $15,000 for living expenses), and a copy of your return flight ticket. In addition, you may be asked to provide medical examination and fluorography results, as well as documents confirming the absence of a criminal record.

On average, the visa processing time is 20-25 days.

2.Insurance

International students who plan to study in a New Zealand higher education institution should apply for insurance. You can do this either in your own country or upon arrival.  Contact your university’s admissions office to determine whether your insurance is valid in New Zealand and, if necessary, to ask for recommendations on local providers.

3.Accommodation

When planning a trip to New Zealand, you should make sure that you have sufficient funds for a comfortable stay in the country.  You can choose accommodation in college or university dormitories. A room in a dorm, on average, will cost NZ $14,000-15,000 per 40 weeks. This cost typically includes utilities and internet. 

Renting an off-campus apartment or room can be cheaper than staying in a dorm, especially in smaller cities like Dunedin. A joint apartment rental will cost approximately NZ $7,000-8,000 per year.

Make sure to bookmark the websites below if you’re applying to pursue a degree in New Zealand:

1. Nzready.immigration.govt.nz—a tool to help you plan your study in New Zealand
2. Studyinnewzealand.govt.nz—a detailed study guide for prospective students
3. Education.govt.nz—the official website dedicated to education in New Zealand
4. https://education-newzealand.org/– an insiders guide to studying abroad in New Zealand

Original article from IvyPanda – Ultimate International Student Checklist