With life back to normal in New Zealand, it’s the best time to apply

Apart from a phenomenal COVID-19 response, the government and institutions are extending support to the international students in all ways possible

With the COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world, New Zealand is now in the fortunate position of life returning to normal with no social distancing measures, and with a strong future focus on economic recovery and growth. While New Zealand has received plaudits for its COVID-19 response and has had no community transmission for over two months, the government remains vigilant and is mindful of the recent surges in Australia and parts of Asia. 

New Zealand acted swiftly to close its borders and to protect its residents, including the tens of thousands of international students at our tertiary institutions. Universities, together with the government agency Education New Zealand (ENZ), have provided support and resources across key areas including travel to and from New Zealand, visas, study, accommodation, work and money issues and healthcare. 

Amongst its support services, the New Zealand Government has provided wage subsidies to all eligible workers, free health care for anyone in New Zealand affected by COVID-19 and an International Student Hardship Fund for those students in need. 

Although not unaffected, New Zealand society is back to normal with universities, sports grounds and entertainment areas all open for business. At the end of March, quarter unemployment was at 4.2% and this is expected to rise but at a slower rate than earlier predicted. 

Study in New Zealand

Students in a lecture at the Hamilton Campus (University of Waikato)

New Zealand’s universities and tertiary institutions are working with the government to open the border to international students by early 2021. New Zealand is a great place to study – now more than ever: 

• World-class education: Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our ranking reflects these strengths

• Work rights: Student visas can afford part-time work rights during study and full-time work rights during vacation time. Generous post-study work rights of up to three years are possible under current immigration settings

• Peace and prosperity: We're the world's second most peaceful country (Global Peace Index, 2018). Study in a peaceful, politically stable country with some of the world's lowest rates of corruption

• Great package for PhD students: If you're a PhD student, you'll pay the same tuition fees as New Zealanders. You can also work full-time while completing your studies

• Unbeatable lifestyle: Improve your work-life balance and experience our stunning nature. Enjoy easy access to international sports events in the home of cricket

The University of Waikato

At the University of Waikato, our campuses are bursting with life and energy. With smaller class sizes, better access to lecturers, affordable living, a wide range of support services, and with dozens of student clubs, your student experience at Waikato will be dynamic and distinctive.

Each year, we offer more than 2,000 industry placements and internships. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student, our partnerships and networks offer you a unique opportunity to embed yourself in local or international organisations as part of your learning experience. 

The beautiful Hamilton campus (University of Waikato)

The Waikato Management School (WMS) is a member of an elite group of business schools that have earned Triple Crown status - an international acknowledgement of excellence in business education. Only 1% of the world's 14,000 business schools meet the strict standards for accreditation by AACSB International (the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (The Association of MBAs).

The Waikato Management School offers a number of courses from bachelor’s to master’s and PhD programmes that create work-ready graduates who can transition smoothly to employment from their study programmes.  

WMS offers a number of master’s programmes that allow flexible entry from a number of disciplines. These include:

• Master of Business and Management: The Waikato MBM is a one-year, taught master’s degree that will prepare you with the skills to become a forward-thinking manager or leader at any organisation in the world.

• Master of Professional Accounting: This intensive 14-month programme is designed for students who have never studied accounting before at a university and is open to graduates of all disciplines

• Master of Management: Designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study, the Master of Management is a one-year taught professional qualification offering specialisations in two fields: Marketing and Supply Chain Management

• Master of Digital Business: Waikato's Master of Digital Business is unique in New Zealand, as it focuses on using technology from a management perspective. By the time you graduate, you'll be ready to lead digital transformation projects and strategies on behalf of organisations - as a manager or consultant

• WMS Qualifications: For the full breadth of WMS qualifications, click here

The importance of an international education cannot be understated, especially now. New Zealand is uniquely positioned to provide a world-class education to create a pathway to employment in your home country, overseas, or in New Zealand.  

Updated on October 20, 2020