6 Reasons You Should Study in New Zealand

6 Reasons Why You Should Study in New Zealand

If you are considering studying abroad, New Zealand is your perfect choice! In 2023 alone, it has attracted 69,000 international students.

4 Reasons why New Zealand is Malaysian student’s preferred study destination:

All eight universities are ranked in the global top 3%
Fantastic student lifestyle – energetic, welcoming and full of opportunities to explore
It is a small, safe country with easy access to modern, bustling cities and beautiful natural landscapes.
Students develop sound academic knowledge, and hands-on experience equips them with practical career skills.

Six reasons why choosing New Zealand will be your best decision:

World-Class Education System
Affordable Quality Education
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Comprehensive Student Support Network
Safe and Welcoming Environment
Outstanding Quality of Life

1. World-Class Education System

All universities in New Zealand are among the world’s best in 2024. For example:

University Name	Courses Offered
The University of Auckland	Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Technology, and Business Studies
Victoria University of Wellington	Law, Politics, or International Studies
University of Otago	Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, Business
University of Waikato	Business/Management, Computer Science, Design, Education, Engineering, Environment, Health, Law, Mathematics, Psychology, Science, Social Sciences, Arts, Maori & Indigenous Studies.
Massey University	Business, Creative arts, Health, Humanities & Social Sciences, Sciences
University of Canterbury	Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Health, Law, Science.
Lincoln University	Agriculture, Horticulture and Viticulture, Business, English Language, Environment, Food, & Wine & Beer, Landscape Architecture, Property and Valuation, Sciences, Sport and Recreation, Tourism
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)	Architecture and built environment, Art and Design, Business, Communication studies, Education, Engineering, computer and mathematical sciences, Health Sciences, Hospitality, tourism and events, Language and Culture, Law, Science, Social sciences and public policy, sport and recreation

Here are the benefits when you study in New Zealand:

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and other international accreditation bodies recognise New Zealand’s Education System.
Small classes allow for more personalised attention from your lecturers.
It is committed towards providing quality education through research-based teaching methods, modern facilities, and rigorous quality assurance standards.
New Zealand universities prioritise hands-on experience with real-life projects, enabling an incredible student learning experience.

2. Affordable Quality Education

Compared to countries like the US, UK or Australia, studying in New Zealand is more affordable than you think. Below is the range for university and living costs that you will spend when studying in New Zealand:

University: NZD 35,000 – 45,000 (MYR 95,000 – 125,000) yearly
Living cost (Accommodation, food and transport): NZD 1,500 – 2,000 (MYR 4,000 – 6,000) yearly

It gets even better with a wide range of scholarships. There are a number of options to fund your studies, such as:

New Zealand Government Scholarships.
University-specific merit awards.
Research grants for postgraduate studies.

Additionally, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, offering you the perfect chance to earn extra pocket money while gaining work experience.

University student in New Zealand smiling

3. Post-Study Work Opportunities

Malaysian students love New Zealand because of its post-study work visa. Once you complete your undergraduate studies, you can work in New Zealand for up to three years!

The best part is you do not need a job lined up before applying for the work visa! Graduates land jobs in these growing fields, such as:

IT
Engineering
Healthcare

With annual starting salaries of around NZD 45,000 – 90,000 (MYR 120,000 – 240,000)!

It also allows you to obtain international work experience and work towards making New Zealand your home if you wish to stay long-term.

Office worker in New Zealand smiling while working

4. Comprehensive Student Support Network

Feeling nervous about studying abroad? Don’t be!

New Zealand’s educational institutions prioritise comprehensive support services for Malaysian students as they abide by the Code of Pastoral Care for international students.

The different support services offered:

Personalised support – assisting you in settling into your classes and finding the best coffee spots
International student offices – providing academic support and helping with cultural integration
Health and wellness services – ensuring your well-being physically and mentally throughout your studies
Writing centres – helping you to improve your writing skills

You can make friends by joining one of the many student clubs or Malaysian student associations, making your transition to live in New Zealand less stressful and enjoyable.

A group of diverse university students in New Zealand having fun

5. Safe and Welcoming Environment

New Zealand consistently ranks in the Global Peace Index’s top 5.

The reasons why it is one of the world’s safest countries for Malaysian students are listed below:

Multicultural society warmly welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, with a particularly strong Asian community presence that helps students feel at home.
Major cities offer easy access to halal food, prayer facilities, and cultural events for various cultural and religious needs.
The Kiwis (that’s what New Zealanders call themselves!) are famous for their warm welcome, and they love making international students feel like part of the family.

With a strong emphasis on cultural diversity and inclusion, New Zealand is a place where you can be yourself and thrive academically and personally.

The night lights of Auckland City, New Zealand

6. Outstanding Quality of Life

New Zealand offers an enviable lifestyle that perfectly balances urban convenience with natural beauty. Here are a few reasons:

Top 5 globally for clean air quality.
Cities provide excellent public transportation with modern amenities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Stay connected with family and friends back home with only a 5-hour difference from Malaysia!
Endless outdoor activities and opportunities with New Zealand’s stunning landscape!

Universities in New Zealand emphasise students having a healthy study-life balance. Explore New Zealand and embrace extracurricular activities while enjoying its natural beauty!