Study English in New Zealand for college or work

Would you like to travel to the other side of the world and study English in New Zealand? If your answer is yes you’ll have to plan your study abroad now. Before studying English in New Zealand, you might have a lot of questions. Our guide will help you answer them and show you which language school could be right for you.

Why study English in New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the most famous countries in the world to take a gap year. You can discover the amazing landscape and improve your English language skills. You will also practice your English by talking to natives and by immersing yourself into the culture.

In addition, New Zealand is known for its world-class diplomas. After studying English in New Zealand you will have great job opportunities and an asset in your CV.

Which visa do you need to study English in New Zealand?

Nearly everyone needs a visa to visit, to study or work in New Zealand. Here are the main visa types which could be interesting for you:

There are eight types of students visas which allow you to study English in New Zealand for more than six months. Here are the three most popular ones:

  • Fee-paying Student Visa: With this visa you can enrol in a full-time course which is stated on your visa.
  • Exchange Visa: With an Exchange Visa you are allowed to study in a school-to-school exchange, an exchange programme organisation scheme or a tertiary exchange.
  • Pathway Student Visa: This visa allows you to study up to three courses (one after the other) for up to five years.

If you want to study English in New Zealand for up to six months, the Working Holiday Visa is the best choice.

For more information you can check this website: New Zealand Immigration.

What does it cost to study English in New Zealand?

Enrolling in a language course abroad requires a budget. But with our exemplary costs of living in New Zealand it will be much easier to calculate your costs in advance. Here are the main ones:

  • Getting to New Zealand
  • Language school fees
  • Accommodation
  • Food
  • Getting around the city (I.e. public transport)
  • General spending

New Zealand isn’t a cheap country. The most expensive cities are Auckland, Queenstown, Porirua and Wellington.

Getting to New Zealand

New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. So, the easiest way to travel there is by plane. A ticket costs about 1000 € depending on your departure city. In addition, there aren’t many non-stop flights.

Language school fees

The final price of a language course depends on the language school itself, the course you want to attend and the weekly hours. And in general, accommodation is charged on top of tuition.

On CourseFinders you can find more than 400 different language schools to study English in New Zealand, so search now and start comparing prices between the schools. You can then contact up to 10 schools at once through CourseFinders and the schools will get back to you with the best price.

Accommodation in New Zealand

Most language schools can help you find accommodation for the length of your stay. If you don’t get help, don’t worry. You can also search by yourself and you will find different options (depending on your budget).

Facebook groups, online advertisements or simply Google can help you to find the right accommodation. To calculate the price you should think about the size, the district and the length of your stay.

You can also share an apartment with the friends you make at the language course. So it’s a good idea to first book a place to stay for a couple of days and then look for permanent accommodation together.

What to eat in New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t the cheapest country. So it is important to think about the food costs.

If you have language courses the whole day, many schools offer lunch. In a homestay you will probably have breakfast, dinner and maybe even a packed lunch included. If not, here are some possible costs: A basic lunchtime menu including a drink costs about NZ$ 18, a combo meal in a fast food restaurant about NZ$ 11.

In addition, here are some other costs (e.g. in the supermarket):

  • 12 eggs: NZ$ 7
  • 1 litre milk: NZ$ 2.10
  • bread for 2 people per day: NZ$ 2.10
  • 500 gramme of boneless chicken breast: NZ$ 8
  • 1 kilogramme of tomatoes: NZ$ 6
  • 1 kilogramme of apples: NZ$ 4
  • 5 l domestic beer: NZ$ 6
  • 1 bottle of red table wine (good quality): NZ$ 18
  • 2 litres of Coca-Cola: NZ$ 3.30

Getting around the city in New Zealand (i.e. public transport)

The easiest way to get around the city is the public transport. A monthly ticket costs about NZ$ 165. Single tickets are also possible and the price depends on how far you travel.

If you want to rent a car for the length of your stay, you should calculate NZ$ 2.30 per litre of gas.

General spending

General spending are all costs in your free time. Here is a list with a few examples of what you can do when you study English in New Zealand:

  • basic dinner in a neighbourhood pub (for two persons): NZ$ 60
  • dinner for two in a restaurant (including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert): NZ$ 100
  • 2 tickets to the movies: NZ$ 35
  • 2 tickets to the theatre: NZ$ 165
  • a cocktail drink in a club: NZ$ 18
  • a beer in a neighbourhood pub: NZ$ 10
  • a cappuccino in a café: NZ$ 5
  • a month of gym membership: NZ$ 75

What should you do while you study English in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a big country with an amazing landscape. You can enjoy different adventures and immerse yourself into the culture of New Zealand.

Try New Zealand food

While studying abroad you have to taste typical food. Here are our suggestions:

  • Hangi
  • Pavlova
  • Crayfish
  • Hokey pokey ice cream
  • Jaffas
  • Kina
  • Kiwi burger
  • Whitebait fritters

Visit different places

New Zealand has a lot of different things to see. Take your time and try to visit all of them!

The Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound is a world heritage site and protects some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand.

Queenstown is between the shores of shimmering Lake Wakatipu and the snowy mountains of the Remarkables. There you can go bungee jumping or try white-water rafting.

If you want to see alpine landscapes, you should visit the Aoraki National Park which is also called Mount Cook National Park. In addition, you can also see the longest glacier there: the Tasman Glacier.

And of course, the big cities are also a must-see in New Zealand. So don’t forget Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch!

Get in touch with the culture

The most important thing to do while studying abroad is to speak to natives, to try typical foods and to be open to traditions of New Zealand. So enjoy the New Zealand lifestyle.

What are the best language schools to study English in New Zealand?

On CourseFinders, you can find more than 400 language schools in New Zealand. Here is a small selection:

Languages International – Auckland

The Languages International school is located in the city centre of Auckland and offers different English courses for adults. In addition, the school helps you to find the perfect accommodation.

Here you can get more information: Languages International

AUT International House – Auckland

As a member of the International House World Organisation the school is next to the main Auckland University of Technology campus in the city centre. Moreover, there are 15 classrooms and a student lounge where students can enjoy a break. The school offers general English classes, but also academic preparation or business English.

Here you can get more information: AUT International House

Seafield School of English Christchurch

The Seafield School of English in Christchurch was founded in 1982 and offers general English courses, but also exam preparations for IELTS, TOEIC and Cambridge exams. In addition, there is a maximum of 12 students per course and free one-to-one after class tutorials.

Here you can get more information: Seafield School of English

New Zealand Institute of Education – North Shore City

The Institute of Education is located on Auckland’s North Shore and is only five minutes away form the beach. The school combines language learning with a holiday feeling. Moreover, they also offer support for all the students in this area and have their own recruitment programme. This could be helpful for students who want to do an internship while studying.

Here you get more information: New Zealand Institute of Education

Check this website to have a look at different language schools on CourseFinders.com!

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