Ireland vs New Zealand: Best Place to Study for Indian

Ireland and New Zealand demonstrate a shared commitment to academic excellence, each featuring eight universities in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Though both countries offer rewarding career opportunities, the student experiences they provide differ. Wondering which one is the best to pursue your studies? 

Read the ultimate comparison of Ireland vs New Zealand as study destinations to make an informed decision.

Ireland vs New Zealand - Quick Comparison

Get a quick overview of studying in Ireland and New Zealand with this comparative table: 

Top Universities: Ireland vs New Zealand 

Choosing the right university for your higher education is crucial. Here are the best universities in Ireland and New Zealand for you to select from: 

Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Admission Intakes: New Zealand vs Ireland 

The top universities in New Zealand and Ireland accept students according to their specific deadlines. It is important to stay vigilant regarding these and apply on time. Here are the intakes in Nz vs Ireland: 

Source: Official university websites

Read About Intakes in Ireland and New Zealand:

• Intakes in Ireland
• Intakes in New Zealand

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue studies in Ireland and New Zealand, one must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Ireland 

Students applying for undergraduate programs must meet the minimum matriculation requirements. You must possess passing grades in English and Mathematics and a non-English language. 

• For postgraduate courses, applicants must hold a minimum of a 2.1 honors degree from an Irish university or equivalent from a recognized university in a different country.
• Applicants also need to demonstrate English language proficiency. The minimum accepted scores for various programs include TOEFL-90, IELTS-6.5, Pearson Test of English(Academic) - 63, and Duolingo DET - 120.

New Zealand 

• Students applying to undergraduate programs must have completed 12 years of schooling and secured a minimum of 75% marks overall and 70% in English in the Indian School Certificate(ISC), All India Senior School Certificate(AISSC), West Bengal State Board, Maharashtra and Karnataka State Board Examinations. They must also possess a minimum IELTS(Academic) score of 6.0. 
• Aspirants applying to postgraduate programs must have obtained a bachelor's degree with grades around B/B-/B+ or higher. Some Faculties/Schools require an honors degree (to demonstrate research capacity). Students also need to demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS(Academic) score of 6.5. 

Cost of Education Comparison: Ireland vs New Zealand 

While planning for studies abroad, perhaps the cost of education is one of the most crucial deciding factors. In New Zealand, the annual tuition fees for a basic bachelor's degree program can range from NZ$20,000 to NZ$40,000 (₹10,23,000–₹20,45,000). 
However, for postgraduate courses, you can expect to pay around  NZ$20,000–NZ$45,000 (₹10,23,000–₹23,00,000). 

On the other hand, if you choose Ireland for your education, a general bachelor's degree can cost approximately €7,170–€21,570 (₹6,47,000–₹19,44,000) annually, whereas, for a master's program, you can expect to pay around €16,020–€36,600 (₹14,44,000–₹33,00,000) per annum. 

Cost of Living

It is important to plan your budget diligently to maintain your finances. The following table compares the cost of living in Ireland versus New Zealand: 

Source: *Official University Website

              **New Zealand Government Website

Getting Student Visa: Ireland vs New Zealand 

When it comes to securing a student visa, the process and requirements can vary from one country to another. Here, we have covered the key details of obtaining a student visa in New Zealand and  Ireland: 

Ireland Student Visa

To be eligible for a student visa in Ireland, your course should last more than three months. However, you should submit your visa application online three months before your date of travel to the country. Generally, a response to your application arrives within eight weeks of submission. However, the process might take longer in case of some issues like personal situations, incomplete documentation, criminal conviction, or need for further verification.

Aspirants must comply with the following conditions to apply for a study visa in Ireland:

• You must be enrolled in a Level 7 or above course listed on the ILEP, with proof of scholarship if applicable.
• A letter of acceptance must be available and issued by the college, thereby confirming your full-time enrollment.
• You should have paid your fees in advance. If your fee is more than €6,000, then you need to pay at least this amount. But, if it is below €6,000, then the full amount has to be paid to the college. 
• You must be able to demonstrate financial capability with proof of availability of €10,000/year.
• One must have private medical insurance at registration and provide proof of renewal for subsequent years.

To apply for a study visa in Ireland, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Well-crafted Application Letter
• Two recent colored passport-size photographs (not older than six months)
• Current passport and full copies of previous passports
• Proof of enrollment in a privately funded course
• Proof of payment of fees to the college
• Explanation for any gaps in educational history
• Evidence of academic ability for the chosen course
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Financial proofs
• Private medical insurance
• Details of previous visa refusals (if any)

New Zealand Student Visa

Students aspiring to study in New Zealand are encouraged to apply for a student visa four months in advance of their date of travel. Though there is no deadline for application, it may take a minimum of eight weeks to process your visa. You have to apply online and must ensure that all documents provided are in English. This will help to process your application faster. 

To apply for a New Zealand student visa, you need:

• Offer of admission from an approved educational institution in New Zealand. 
• Proof of paid tuition fees. You should have paid this in full for one year or the entire program. 
• A copy of the passport’s identity pages. 
• Evidence of funds, a minimum of NZ$20,000 per year if you are pursuing tertiary-level education. 
• Proof of good health and character. This can be a doctor’s medical examination to show you are physically fit. You can provide a police certificate that attests to your excellent character. 
• A cover letter explaining your motivation for pursuing higher studies in New Zealand. This can boost your visa application. 
• You will also need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)

Post-Study Work Criteria 

New Zealand and Ireland are bustling economies, offering plentiful opportunities to students seeking lucrative jobs. After completing your studies, you can apply for post-study visas to extend your stay and look for employment.

Ireland Post-Study Work Criteria

After your study visa ends in Ireland, you can opt for the Third Level Graduate Scheme to continue staying in the country. Under this visa scheme, bachelor’s students can remain in Ireland for 12 months, whereas master’s students can stay for 24 months. You can use this time to search for suitable employment opportunities. 

To qualify:

• You must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in Ireland with evidence of qualification granted by a recognized Irish awarding body.
• You should not have applied for this program more than two times.
• You must possess valid Stamp 2 student immigration permission.
• You should not have exceeded the maximum seven-year stay limit for international graduates.

As per this scheme, you can work for up to 40 hours per week. Once you have stayed in Ireland for over five years,  you are eligible to apply for a permanent residency card. However, you must be in possession of a valid work permit, such as a critical skills or general employment permit. 

New Zealand Post-Study Work Criteria

The time period of a post-work study visa in New Zealand varies depending on the level of qualification completed. If you have completed a level 7 qualification or above, you can work for any employer. However, if you have studied a non-degree course below level 7, you can only take up a job with an employer related to your field of study. 

Additionally, those who have completed a master's or doctoral program with at least 30 weeks of study can work in New Zealand for three years as per their visas. If your qualification is at level 8 or below, your work visa will be of the same length as your course duration. 

For instance, if your offer of study mentions a 32-week period, then your work visa will also be valid for 32 weeks only. However, it is vital to note that if you fail a course or take longer than mentioned on your offer, then your visa duration will not increase. Moreover, you cannot apply for a second post-work study visa if you have already obtained one.

Conclusion

It's a daunting job to choose between Ireland's colorful culture and lower tuition fees or New Zealand's beautiful landscapes and flexible post-study criteria. To choose one, what helps is examining program offerings, cost of living, post-work study options, lifestyle preferences, and your personal preferences. Don't forget that the best choice is the one that makes your career a successful one. 

Note: All course fees mentioned are subject to change

Explore More About Study in Ireland and New Zealand:

• Why study in Ireland
• Scholarships to study in Ireland
• Cost of study in Ireland for Indian students
• Intakes in New Zealand
• MBA in New Zealand
• Cost of studying in New Zealand
• Student Visa Process for New Zealand
• New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students