Located on the east coast of South Island, Christchurch is the largest city on the island and the third most-populous urban area in New Zealand. Nicknamed Garden City, Christchurch prides itself on its large areas of public parkland and picturesque river banks, as well as its thriving arts and cultural scene. New Zealand is also ranked the 4th Most Peaceful Country, according to the Global Peace Index. With crime rates much lower than other countries, you can focus on your studies and enjoy everything New Zealand has to offer. New Zealand consistently comes out near the top in ratings of the world’s best places to live in terms of quality of life. It has an appealing climate, stunningly beautiful natural landscapes, friendly people and cities which are modern and multicultural.
New Zealand’s eight universities are state-owned and research-based. All of them are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2016/2017 which particularly impressive when you consider the country’s population is only around 4.5 million. In addition, New Zealand's higher education system also includes 18 institutes of technology and polytechnics, which offer vocational courses of varying lengths and levels, focusing on practical skills and hands-on experience. Each university has strengths in research and teaching across a range of disciplines. University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university, it is currently it ranks 81st in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2016/2017. Universities in Christchurch include the University of Canterbury which currently ranks 214th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2016/2017, Lincoln University (ranks 343rd), as well as a selection of specialist colleges, many of them private.
Traditionally the most English of Kiwi cities, Christchurch's heritage heart was all but hollowed out following the 2010 to 2012 earthquakes. Most recently, Valentine's Day 2016 earthquake was the first large earthquake that the Christchurch area has experienced since May 2012, and it was part of the earthquake sequence that started with the 2010 Canterbury earthquake. However, Christchurch is coping creatively in the disaster aftermath. The resilience of the Christchurch residents is evident through Re:START container mall (using repurposed shipping containers), the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and many pop-up restaurants and bars. Suburbs that have been deemed too unsafe for residential housing are being turned into public parks or food forests, where old fruit trees and berry canes from garden remnants are being preserved and added to, creating places where people can garden communally and forage. With the great outdoors close at hand, it is easy to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Nowhere in New Zealand is more than 120km from the sea. Every city and town has native bush reserves with tracks for walking or cycling, parks, sports clubs and swimming pools. New Zealanders take pride in their clean air and natural environment, making it a great place to unwind. New Zealand has a temperate climate which means four distinct seasons, with summers that are generally warm and dry and winters that are relatively mild and wet. Christchurch has an oceanic climate with moderate rainfall. Summer in the city is mostly warm but is often moderated by a sea breeze from the Northeast. Like many cities, Christchurch experiences an urban heat island effect; temperatures are slightly higher within the inner city regions compared to the surrounding countryside.
‘’in the earthquake aftermath, suburbs that have been deemed too unsafe for residential housing are being turned into public parks or food forests ‘’
Working part-time will not only earn you some allowance but may also let you make connections and increase your chances to become a skilled migrant. Gaining experience at a New Zealand workplace also helps you develop skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping, interpersonal skills and workplace-relevant English language skills. As a full-time student who has a valid Student Visa, you may be able to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled holidays. To work for up to 20 hours per week, you must meet certain requirements such as minimum study programme duration of 2 years. Your course of study should lead to a New Zealand qualification that gains points under the Skilled Migrant Category. You may also work if you are taking an English language course that meets conditions approved by Immigration New Zealand. In special cases, some students may be allowed to work for more than 20 hours a week, e.g. if work may be part of your qualification. Graduate students at a New Zealand institution may work full-time while they are studying. During scheduled breaks eligible students may work full-time if your programme is for one academic year and is worth 120 credits or more. If your programme is full-time for one academic year but worth less than 120 credits, you may be able to work full-time during the Christmas and New Year holiday break. Your e-visa or visa label in your passport should state if and when you may work. You may also have a letter from Immigration New Zealand stating that your visa allows you to work.
New Zealand may be a sparsely populated island country, but with its spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring nature, New Zealand offers a high-quality way of life. Aside from adventures in nature and high-adrenaline activities, you can also indulge in its wineries, farmer’s markets and interesting festivals. New Zealand may be a young country, but the diverse wealth of Maori culture, performing arts, literature, museums and art galleries will leave even the most fervent arts and culture buffs completely satisfied. Many New Zealanders either play or support their local rugby team and the All Blacks are national icons. Christchurch is also known for its many live acts, has a professional symphony orchestra, and is the base of professional opera company, Southern Opera. Christchurch also hosts the World Buskers Festival in January each year and it is home for experimental music scene of New Zealand.
New Zealand cuisines can be distinguished as Maori or Pakeha. Maori cuisine was historically derived from that of tropical Polynesia, adapted for New Zealand's colder climate, whilst Pakeha cuisine is very similar to British cuisine. Fresh produce can be obtained from farmers' markets which are now firmly established in the Kiwi foodie culture. They are a great insight into the New Zealand way of life. Each market reflects its regional difference with the climatic conditions and environmental changes playing a role in the range of produce from north to south. New Zealanders increasingly come from many ethnic backgrounds, and most immigrants to New Zealand have tried to reproduce their native cuisines or national dishes in New Zealand. Ethnic restaurants have served as community meeting places and have also given other New Zealanders a chance to try different cuisines. There are a number of privately organised local markets in and around the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area, mostly open on Saturday or Sunday, where local growers and individuals supply local produce, free-range eggs, freshly baked breads, cheeses, mouth-watering ready to eat foods and much more.
Applying for student visa needs not be a stressful experience as long as you have all your documents ready. Visa applications are made via the nearest branch of the New Zealand Immigration organization or online. The application fee varies depending on where you’re applying from, and is 10% cheaper online. In order to apply for student visa, you need to have received an offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. In order to apply for a student visa for New Zealand, you must have an unconditional offer of place at a university, accepted that place in writing and paid the required tuition fee deposit. Student visa is one of the last parts of the process. You will also need a written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand, evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are studying, a return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one and a clean criminal record. If you are spending six months or more here in New Zealand, you may need to be screened for tuberculosis in addition to general medical examination.
University of Otago
Massey University
University of Canterbury
Victoria University Wellington
UNITEC
