Is New Zealand a good destination to study abroad?

In an online chat with readers on October 29, Jugnu Roy, Manager-Marketing and Strategic Relationships, South Asia discussed the opportunities available for higher studies in New Zealand. 

If you are looking for world-class education at affordable cost, New Zealand can make for an ideal choice.

From short-course trade certificates to high powered research-based doctoral studies, the country offers you a wide range of options to choose from.

Education in New Zealand is student-centred with emphasis on training and developing both academic and/or vocational skills.

With top ranked institutions like the University of Auckland, Lincoln University and Massey University, students are spoilt for choice.

In fact, according to the Global Innovation Index 2013, the country has been ranked at number 13 as the most innovative nation in the world.

For the benefit of readers, Rediff.com had organised an online chat with Jugnu Roy, Manager-Marketing and Strategic Relationships, South Asia on October 29, between 4 and 5 pm IST.

In the chat, Roy answered questions on education and student life in New Zealand.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:

Ivan lendl: What are the jobs prospects after getting education from NZ?

Jugnu Roy: WE will be unable to advice you on job openings in New Zealand, however certain categories of student visas are entitled to work part time during term time and also get a job search visa for 12 months after completing the course

Gambhir Harbir: I am in 11th standard CBSE board science stream. I want to know what is the eligibility criteria for graduation in science.

Jugnu Roy: The general eligibility for most bachelors level programmes is a good class XII (exact percentage would vary from institution to institution) and an IELTS score of 6

Jignesh Kaisth: How is education in New Zealand different from India?

Jugnu Roy: NZ follows the British based education system. It is different from Indian as it does not put emphasis on rote learning rather the courses are more practical in nature. Also there is opportunity for students to explore various facets of their personality i.e. sports, writing, adventure, etc

Lalji Margasahayam: Can you please give me a list of the top 10 universities in New Zealand and what they are famous for?

Jugnu Roy: NZ has only 8 universities and all of them feature in the top 400 of the QS times ranking. You could log on to our student portal for more details on each of the universities http://rediff.ly/2fp8w

Manasi Nath: I want to know what is the average tuition fee to pursue an undergraduate course?

Jugnu Roy: Average tuition fee for UG courses could be anywhere between NZ$ 12,000 - 18,000 per annum (1 NZ$ = approx. INR 50 currently)

Amit Shellar: Hello mam, what is the best time to apply to new zealand university?

Jugnu Roy: NZ universities have two main intakes Feb and July, we would advice you should start your application process 3-4 months prior to the intake

amit chauhan: [SKB] NZ universities have two main intakes Feb and July, we would advice you should start your application process 3-4 months prior to the intake

Jugnu Roy: What information would you be looking at re intakes?

ulfat: Are there scholarships available for Indian students? where can i get these details?

Jugnu Roy: NZ has some commonwealth scholarships which are administered by the MHRD in India in addition to that there are some under the NZ Aid programme and some administered directly by NZ institutions

Sameer Somaya: What about early child hood education?

Jugnu Roy: NZ has a number of tertiary education providers especially from Institutes of technology and polytechnic offering a variety of courses in early childhood stream. You could log on to our student portal for more information http://rediff.ly/2fp8w

AABHISHEK KHURANA: I am a chartered accountant. i would like to pursue MBA or masters in finance in NZ.which are the best universities for finance and their entrance procedures

Jugnu Roy: For MBA courses in NZ you would need a Bachelors qualification, IELTS score and 2-3 years of full time work experience and in some cases also a GMAT score

Narendra Kumar: Are there any scholarships available to international students for pursuing PhD in Management

Jugnu Roy: NZ offers a very special scheme under the PhD programme, all international students are entitled to home fees for this course

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shubham agarwal: hi...i am a ca student due for completion next year. can u please suggest how is nz a place from a student's point of view and what is the scope for an MBA in finance in nz. Also, i would like to know about any scholarships available.

Jugnu Roy: NZ is the first country to introduce the 'code of pastoral care for intl students' under this the interest of an intl student is protected quite heavily. You can log on to our Ministry of education website for more info re the code. Most of our univs offer MBAs in finance you can search specifics on our portal http://rediff.ly/2fp8w. For MBA courses I am afraid there are quite limited scholarships.

Dharmesh Hingu: Hi, I am 33 with seven years of experience in Technology... would i be eligible for one PG diploma in NZ?

Jugnu Roy: Yes the extensive work experience would be added advantage for you.

ANIL AGARWAL: My brothers son is planning to study abroad either in Aus or NZ he has got IELTS score 7. He is eng and work exp of 2 yrs in comp science wants to do master of business information system. pl suggest good NZ university and guide about status of pr. What are the job opportunities after finishing the studies?

Jugnu Roy: NZ has a variety of options available, most of our universities offer programmes in Business Information systems. You could log on to our student portal to do a detailed search http://rediff.ly/2fp8w for PR related information you could need to contact our Immigration office or log on to their website http://rediff.ly/2fp8x

ANIL AGARWAL: I want to know which are the universities and environment for overseas student?

Jugnu Roy: The universities are world famous, all our universities are in the top 400 of the QS world rankings. NZ is a very multicultural society and international students feel very welcome

Mazhar husain: Hi Jugnu, I have done Masters in Pharmacy (Pharmacology) and MBA (Finance). I have a total of about 10 yrs work-ex, I want to settle in NZ, what would be the most cost effective course for me.

Jugnu Roy: For PR related information you will need to log on to our Immigration website http://rediff.ly/2fp8x
veer: Post MBA I have 7 yrs of exp in IT and wants to pursue Phd in Business administration in NZ.Could you pls suggest a best university for doing Phd in BA in NZ

You would need to get in touch with the universities directly re PhD courses and qualifying exams. Please log on to our student portal http://rediff.ly/2fp8w for more information

ashok sharma: for fresh B Tech (EEE).prospects for doing ms ,tution fee ,duration ,expenses scholarship, part time job, best university.pl guide

Jugnu Roy: For course related info log on to student portal http://rediff.ly/2fp8w , tuition fee per annum approx. NZ$ 12,000 - 18,000. Most courses will be 3-4 years. There are 8 universities in NZ and all 8 are in the top 400 of the world.