Studying in New Zealand for Vietnamese Students

How do you like to get a world-class education set in absolutely safe and stunning scenery, surrounded by laid-back and welcoming people? For more than 2,200 Vietnamese students, the choice was not hard to make. Education New Zealand revealed that Vietnam is among the top three Southeast Asian countries in terms of student numbers. A whopping 60% increase on the number of first time student visa applications from VN to NZ was also seen in 2017. Indeed, more and more Vietnamese families are opting to go to New Zealand to get world-class education. Don’t want to get left behind? Read on.

First things first

So you want to pursue your academic dreams in New Zealand? Great! The first and essential steps can be done at the comfort of your home country. Take advantage of online application systems. Most NZ learning institutions have these. Just comply with all the necessary documentary requirements, pay the fees, and you are all set. Once the NZ education provider gives you an Offer of Place, you can now process your student visa.

To lodge your student visa application, you should go to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Remember to always provide the original documents, along with a backup photocopy of each. Read, read, and read the requirements. More detailed information about Student Visa application for Vietnamese students can be found here <https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/checklists/vietnam/checklist-for-vietnam-visitor-visa-general-1.pdf >.

Getting there

Air travel distance between Vietnam and New Zealand is close to 5,700 miles. In terms of a direct flight, this means that you’d clock 11 hours on the plane. This should not be a cause for concern as carriers like Air New Zealand, Vietnam Airlines, and Cathay Pacific have topnotch facilities to make your journey as comfy as possible. Fly from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi to major NZ regions like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

Getting around NZ is fast and convenient as regions are connected via bus, train, and plane routes.

The Cost

Studying overseas is considered by many to be an investment. Like most major investments, getting a degree in New Zealand can require considerable financial resources. Education fees vary greatly, depending on the type of course you want to pursue. A full list of indicative NZ university fees can be found here <https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/sites/default/files/uninz/Fees%20for%20International%20Students%202018.pdf>.

Feel like you won’t be able to afford the fees? Government-sponsored scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students are available. Learn more about these at <https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/who-can-apply-for-a-scholarship-3/viet-nam-scholarships-2/>. Universities and other learning institutions also offer grants and scholarships. Check their corresponding websites to know the details.

Living costs depend greatly on your lifestyle and location. There are regions that can be more expensive than others. For example Auckland and Wellington have premium weekly rent rates at $ 512 and $ 408, respectively. Southland and West Coast are considerably more affordable at $ 228 and $ 232. The trend is the same when it comes to food. According to the New Zealand Estimated Food Costs for 2018, you will spend $ 61-71 per week to maintain a Basic diet if you are in Wellington. The same is possible for less if you are in Christchurch ($ 57-67).

If you need help in keeping your living costs down, read up on this <https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/blog/5-ways-cut-your-living-costs-while-you-study-new-zealand/>.

The Opportunities

The Kiwis believe in the “Can-do” attitude and if you imbibe it, there will be great opportunities for you. Getting a student visa in NZ allows you to work a maximum of 20-hours per week, on a part-time basis, while the term is on-going. During the holidays, you can work full-time. While you get quality education, you can earn on the side, and gain practical life experience. What’s not to love about that?

Support Network

Moving away from people and places that are dear to you can be incredibly challenging. Don’t be a stranger! Higher learning institutions like the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Victoria University of Wellington have associations specific to Vietnamese students. Are you into photography? Are you the world’s number one anime fan? Interest-based groups also abound. Whatever your interest is, you are sure to find kindred spirits out there. All you have to do is be open.

Your time in NZ is a window to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Don’t limit yourself to the familiar. Socialize and find your tribe!

Vietnamese students are flocking to NZ to receive world-class education. Don’t get left behind. Get started on your very own epic New Zealand adventure.