Are you someone on a quest to find the best country for higher studies abroad and has narrowed it down to - New Zealand and Australia? Both countries have their share of uniqueness. While Australia is home to some of the top 100 universities in the world, New Zealand offers some of the most affordable options in terms of universities. Tough decision, right? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered—this comprehensive guide to Australia vs. New Zealand will help you discover the right study destination. But before diving into the studying aspect of the countries, let us understand what makes these countries a top choice.
Both countries are unique and hold significance in their way. Let’s have a brief breakdown and compare New Zealand and Australia.
Australia
Being the largest island in the world and a multicultural country, Australia has a rich history of knowledge, arts, and culture. Australia is a diverse country, with over 400 languages spoken in the country other than English, like
Italian
Greek
Punjabi
Arabic
Vietnamese
Australia does not have one uniform culture; the country is a blend of a wide range of cultures, making it a top choice for international students.
Australia, termed ‘The Lucky Country,’ uses the Australian dollar as its national currency. The country is a blend of fun-loving people, historical relevance, and mouth-watering delicacies (particularly their national icon- Kangaroos).
The average cost of living in Australia is $1,064.95 monthly (Source: Numbeo) for a single person.
New Zealand
The natural beauty and the open-minded people of the country make it a prominent destination for students from all over the globe. The country boasts of being a diverse and multicultural country. There is always something to do in New Zealand, from thrilling adventure sports to exploring art and culture. The country offers excellent work-life balance.
The country has three official languages.
English
Reo Maori
New Zealand
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the official currency of the country and is 100 cents.
The average cost of living is $970.57 (Monthly) for a single person.
Studying in Australia vs. New Zealand
To decide to study in New Zealand vs. Australia, refer to the following distinctions.
As per the Australian education system, International students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate course in Australia need a minimum of twelve years of prior university education, like SPTM, A-levels, Australia Accredited Foundation Program, and UEC.
The country has approximately five levels of education - certificate, diploma, graduation, post-graduation, and Ph.D.
To get admission to a university in New Zealand, you must have a compulsory English proficiency requirement.
$15,000 tax-free stipend for one year plus tuition fees
Tongarewa scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington
$5,000 or $10,000
Orion Master’s Energy scholarship at the University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury
$16,500
Brownlie Scholarship
University of Canterbury
$3096.0
New Zealand Excellence Awards
University of Auckland
value of up to $10,000 towards the first year tuition fees.
Credits: Official Sources
Visa Comparison: Australia vs. New Zealand
Student Visa Cost & Validity
Australia
New Zealand
Cost of visa ranges between AUD 650 to AUD 700
The validity of the visa is 10 months
Cost of the visa ranges between NZD 328 to NZD 330
The validity of the visa is 12 months
Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
Before searching for job opportunities and applying for one, you must apply for a post-study work visa. Let’s look at the details of PSWV in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia
New Zealand
With the PSWV in Australia, you can stay up to two to four years.
It costs approximately $1730.
Processing time for 25% of the applications is up to 79 days
With this visa, you are eligible to study, live and work in the country temporarily and can bring your family members as well
With the PSWV, you can work anywhere for three years
To be eligible for PSWV in New Zealand, you must study in the country
The processing time for this visa is 42 days
It costs approximately $700
Grab the Best Job Opportunities in Australia and New Zealand
One of the crucial aspects that every student should look for is the job market in the country they are moving to. Australia is known to have the best medical facilities and a top-notch education system with amazing job opportunities. There is a shortage of skilled laborers in numerous industries, and international students can fill this gap. Australia fosters a system where work-life balance is appreciated and recognized.
The official site of the New Zealand government has a list of various ways through which international students can find jobs. Key industries in New Zealand include agriculture, tourism, healthcare, information technology, education, creative industries, and manufacturing. Moreover, the government has been investing in infrastructure development and innovation, which has created additional job prospects in construction, engineering, and technology-related fields.
Let’s look at the comparison of job roles and their remunerations in the two countries.
Job Roles
Australia
New Zealand
Electrical Engineer
$54,380
$49,432
Web Developer
$53,165
$72,475
Portfolio Manager
$115,128
$136,250
Operations Manager
$110,000
$95,500
Credits: Official Sources
Conclusion
Choosing a country to pursue your studies is a crucial yet daunting task. However, you can make an informed decision with the correct information and knowledge. New Zealand and Australia, both countries offer high-quality education and a plethora of services to international students. It is advised to review the courses, the fees and the living cost of each country and then make a choice as per your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Australia a safe country?
With a stable political system and low crime rate, Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world, especially for international students. However, New Zealand is safer than Australia and stands second in the safe countries across the globe. (Source: World Population Review)
Which country is cheaper - Australia or New Zealand?
Australia and New Zealand are two of the most prominent countries in education. And the cost of living being a crucial factor, it is necessary to make a comparison. When comparing prices, New Zealand is less expensive than Australia.
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.
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