Throughout New Zealand, you’ll find spectacular landscapes and wildlife so vast that animals outnumber humans by 19 to one. It is a sparsely populated nation of around five million, most of whom reside in urban areas such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. These cities have been ranked among the most liveable in the world, combining a high quality of life with a temperate climate and progressive social policies.
New Zealand is home to a number of highly-regarded business schools that feature prominently in global rankings. Despite the quality of the schools, the tuition fees in New Zealand tend to be more affordable than in other popular study destinations. Students who choose to pursue an MBA in New Zealand come away from their degree with transferable skills that are valued by employers across countries and industries. While this means New Zealand’s graduates are set up for success throughout the globe, the chance to enjoy the country’s unmatchable quality of life and ease of doing business persuades many to stay put after their MBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much will it cost to live and study in New Zealand?
Given the high quality of life, living costs in New Zealand are above average. Living costs in major cities like Wellington and Auckland are estimated to be around NZ$20,000-27,000 per year (EUR€13,000-17,000). The cost of an MBA in New Zealand ranges from EUR€35,000 to €50,000 depending on the institution.
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in New Zealand?
You will need a student visa if you plan on completing your MBA in New Zealand. New Zealand Immigration offers a useful tool to explore your visa options. If you are an Australian citizen, however, you do not need to apply for a visa to study in New Zealand. International students may also work alongside their studies for up to 20 hours per week.
How reputable are universities in New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to a small number of business schools but they are well-regarded. The University of Auckland Business School is ranked among the top 100 in the world by both QS and Times Higher Education, while the University of Otago Business School’s MBA program is ranked in the top 200 in the world by QS.
What is the job market like for graduates in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a developed and dynamic economy with one of the highest GDP per capita across the globe. Unemployment rates have remained steadily below 5% for a number of years and there are job opportunities aplenty. It is not a hotspot for multinational corporations, so you’re more likely to find work in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups.
Are there a lot of international students in New Zealand?
International students make up around one-third of the university student population in New Zealand, which is one of the highest ratios of any country in the world.
Did You Know?
Fun Facts About New Zealand
1
Every university in New Zealand features in the top 500 of the QS World University Ranking.
2
The quality of life in New Zealand is rated as one of the best in the world.
3
In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the vote.
4
According to the 2020 World Bank Doing Business study, New Zealand is the easiest place to do business in the world.
5
30% of New Zealand is a protected national reserve, showcasing the country's natural paradise and great ecological awareness.
Which Visas & permits do i need in New Zealand
You will need a student visa if you plan on completing your MBA in New Zealand. New Zealand Immigration offers a useful tool to explore your visa options. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as a filled visa application form, a valid passport, and a photo. Fees will also vary per visa scheme. If you are an Australian citizen, however, you do not need to apply for a visa to study in New Zealand. International students may also work alongside their studies for up to 20 hours per week.
After graduating, you may apply for a Post Study Work Visa to work in New Zealand for up to three years after you finish your studies. Further information about this will be available later in 2022.
Banking in New Zealand
All international students are allowed to open a bank account in New Zealand. Most New Zealanders use debit cards instead of cash. The major banks in New Zealand are ANZ Bank, ASB Bank, BNZ Bank, Kiwibank, TSB Bank, and Westpac Bank. To open a bank account, you’ll need to provide a valid passport or ID, proof that you are a student, and proof of a residential address in New Zealand. Most banks offer student packages that include current accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards.
What do I need to know about healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand has an efficient public health care system that ranks among the top 20 countries on the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. For New Zealand citizens, healthcare is free. However, international students need to purchase health insurance in New Zealand. As part of your student visa application, you need to declare that you will purchase international student insurance coverage. Most universities in New Zealand will offer insurance plans through private insurance providers. You simply need to pay the insurance premium alongside your tuition fees.
You can also benefit from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), an organization that covers damages, treatment, and rehabilitation costs for international students in New Zealand.
Housing options for students in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a range of student housing, including halls of residence, homestay, and private rental accommodation. Halls of residence are usually offered in the form of a fully furnished single room or twin-share rooms, in close proximity to the university campus. Meals are often included as well. Homestay entails living with a family in New Zealand, who will provide meals and help you adapt to the New Zealand culture and way of life. Independent accommodation range from one-bedroom apartments to four- or five-bedroom homes. Most apartments include basic facilities, which you will share with flatmates (along with the cost of rent).
A room in a shared apartment or house typically costs between NZ$140 and $293 a week, depending on the location, while a room in a student hall of residence costs between NZ$346 and $484 per week. Note that rent is usually paid weekly or biweekly (every two weeks) if you are renting a room in a shared apartment. If you live in a hall of residence, you will most likely pay upfront for the full year.
What are the public transport options in New Zealand
Buses are the cheapest and most common form of public transport in New Zealand. Some areas also offer trains, ferries, and trams. The two main bus service providers are InterCity and Skip – fares start at around NZ$10. Trains are not a common form of public transport in New Zealand, but they are most commonly used to travel between major cities, such as from Auckland to Wellington and from Christchurch to the West Coast. Train tickets start from around NZ$49. Some public transport options offer student discounts, depending on the city or town.
Taxis can also be found in all towns and cities, but are less common in rural areas. If you have a current driver’s license from your home country or an International Driving Permit, you can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
How much does a Big Mac cost in New Zealand
The Big Mac Index was invented by The Economist in 1986 as an informal way of measuring the purchasing power parity (PPP) between two currencies. The price of a Big Mac in New Zealand is NZ$7.00 (equivalent to US$4.57, EUR€4.26, and JP¥580). For US$50, you can buy 10 Big Macs.
As in many other countries, your living costs in New Zealand will depend on your lifestyle and location. Universities in Wellington and Auckland estimate annual living costs of around NZ$20,000-27,000 per year (US$13,000-17,000). On the other hand, the University of Otago (based in Dunedin) estimates the living costs to be NZ$18,000-21,000 (US$12,000- 14,000) per year.
