Those who travel to New Zealand to take courses also yearn to make new friends, practice extreme sports, and explore its amazing landscapes. Can you imagine a place where you can do all this and more? When you study in Queenstown you will experience these adventures while preparing for a better future.
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, this city has a privileged location in front of Lake Wanaka and between mountains. But its quiet appearance is only one of its facets. In fact, every year it becomes the epicenter of extreme sports, excursions, and cultural events.
From GrowPro, we will tell you what makes Queenstown one of the most attractive destinations to study and work in New Zealand. We will also give you a selection of educational experiences for you to spend an unforgettable time in this land of adventure. Read on!
7 reasons to study in Queenstown
Living in a quiet and friendly city
Queenstown retains a peaceful and friendly village atmosphere. Moreover, on foot or by bike, you can walk through its clean streets and breathe fresh air. Additionally, day or night, you feel safe, as it is one of the places with the lowest crime rate in New Zealand, which is already very low.
Public services and infrastructure are at the high level of the best cities in New Zealand. Of course, there is no lack of the necessary services for every student: free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet, and affordable public transport with the Bee Card.
For accommodation, you can find bed and breakfasts, hostels, homestays, student residences, and shared apartments. In addition, you can reach the city by plane (the airport is 10 kilometers from the center), car or bus.
Ability to study and work at the same time
The high quality of life and first-class education raise the cost of living in New Zealand. For this reason, most of those who come to study in Queenstown opt for the possibility of working to pay for their stay.
In fact, according to the University of Otago, an international student needs between 1,250 and 1,500 NZD (New Zealand dollars) per month to cover the cost of living in New Zealand. Of course, this amount depends on factors such as lifestyle and your accommodation.
Let’s see just an estimate of the weekly expenses:
- Food and beverages – 108 NZD
- Shared apartment for rent in the suburbs – 170 NZD
- Shared apartment for rent in downtown – 350 NZD
- Transport – 10 NZD (Tip: Save money with a bicycle!)
- Internet and mobile telephony – 20 NZD
- School supplies – 10 NZD
- Weekend adventure outing – 100 – 150 NZD
Is your pocket hurting? Take it easy! In New Zealand, the cost of living is balanced with wages. For example, waiter or barista jobs, which are the most plentiful in Queenstown, pay 18 to 22 AUD per hour. So, even with a part-time position you will earn enough to cover them.
Experience adventure and fun everywhere
Studying in Queenstown is also very attractive because of the wide range of options for practicing extreme sports, enjoying the culture, and partying. It is not for nothing that the city is nicknamed the adventure capital of New Zealand.
For example, just go to the Wakatipu coast for kayaking, kite surfing, or sunbathing on the sand. Furthermore, just outside, bungee jump from the Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of the sport, or paraglide like a bird. And, if you like thrills, parachute 5,000 feet over the lake.
In summer, from December to March, the city hosts open-air concerts, motocross races, wine fairs, and flea markets. For winter, you can’t miss the three-day Queenstown Winter Festival and, if you’re lucky, the New Zealand Winter Games events.
If you are city-spirited, downtown offers a variety of galleries, stores, and cultural events. In the evening, you can enjoy a splendid dinner at a few dozen local pizzerias, taverns, or wine bars. In the evening, enjoy drinks, chat, and party at a themed bar.
Contact with natural areas
Have you ever felt suffocated by the city? By studying in Queenstown, you will forget about that horrible feeling. You only have to go a few kilometers to the outskirts to get in touch with the wonderful nature of New Zealand.
In addition to exploring Lake Wakatipu by boat, you can climb to the top of Queenstown Hill. From there, you get unforgettable shots of the city and the lake in all its splendor.
Or explore the surrounding area by bike and on foot on more than 130 kilometers of trails that challenge your endurance.
For a more extensive adventure, embark on a multi-day excursion to Coronet Peak ski resort, Skippers Canyon, and Mount Aspiring, New Zealand’s second-highest mountain and set of the famous Lord of the Rings saga.
Or you can head to the coast to visit Milford Sound and the other stunning fjords of Fiordland National Park.
Enjoying a climate without extremes
The weather in New Zealand is one of the great concerns of travelers: will it be rainy, hot, or dry? Fortunately for us, Queenstown enjoys a pleasant temperate climate.
However, you can enjoy the contrast between the four seasons to the fullest. Although you do not suffer the extremes of cold and heat that are experienced in Europe or America.
Thus, the summer has long and sunny days, where the thermometer reaches 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, in the winter (June to August), the temperature usually stays at 8°C, although it can drop to -2°C with the possibility of snowfall.
Multicultural environment
Life in Queenstown is not just about Anglo culture. Despite its small size, this city is home to people of more than 50 nationalities. Therefore, you also have the unparalleled opportunity to live in a multicultural environment.
Having a variety of study options
Studying in New Zealand opens doors to world-class schools and varied programs. Queenstown is home to language schools, institutes of technology, and some of the most prestigious universities in the country. So you have a wide range to choose from.
In terms of tertiary education, the University of Otago stands out as one of the best in the country for its programs in commerce, humanities, and medicine.
The Southern Institute of Technology, one of New Zealand’s 18 polytechnics focused on providing students with high-quality technical training for the workplace, has also made a name for itself.
All of these institutions offer scholarship plans for international students. In addition, New Zealand is known for providing student discounts on transportation, museums, food, and other services.
What to study in Queenstown
Intensive English courses
If you plan to spend no more than three months in New Zealand, an intensive English course will allow you to get the most out of your stay. This type of program is designed to exercise your basic language skills. The only drawback is that you will not be able to work.
General English courses
Want to take your use of the language to the next level? Then your best option is to plan a long stay to take a general English course. They range in length from six to 12 months. With this type of program, you can work part-time.
Certification courses
If you want to demonstrate your knowledge, go for a certification course. In Queenstown, you can prepare to achieve the best results in the IELTS or Cambridge tests.
Requirements to study in Queenstown
Immigration documents
Your passport from your country of origin, valid for the duration of your stay, is the first document you will be asked for as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. The immigration officer will also require the following:
- Demonstrate funds of 1,667 NZD per month if your stay is less than one year, or 20,000 NZD for the first year of your stay.
- Proof of your enrolment in a New Zealand government-approved school.
- Airline ticket back to your country or that you can afford it.
Visa to study in Queenstown
Of course, the visa is the fundamental document to study in Queenstown and any city in the country. Let’s take a look at the most affordable options for international students.
- Student Visa (Fee Paying Student Visa). It allows you to take all types of courses (English, vocational, or university) for up to 4 years. You can work 20 hours a week if your course lasts more than three months.
- Visitor’s visa. Many people don’t know this, but the tourist visa allows you to take courses that do not exceed three months in duration, such as intensive English courses. If your country is exempt, your passport is enough to study in Queenstown for less than three months!
- Working Holiday Visa. You can work full time for 6 months and take a 6-month course. The downside is that a limited number are granted each year.
Please note that during the student visa application process, you must provide photo, personal and biometric data. You will also have to take out medical insurance to cover your entire stay.
Steps to study in Queenstown
What are you going to do with so many papers? Don’t worry! At GrowPro we are experts in the paperwork to travel to New Zealand. And, to make your life easier, we have summarized the bureaucratic maze in 8 steps to study in Queenstown:
- Shape your experience. From GrowPro, we help you choose an ideal course and put together a budget. This is free!
- Register for a course. Once you have chosen your course, you must register and pay your tuition. If you travel with GrowPro we will take care of it.
- Apply for a visa. You can apply online at the New Zealand Immigration website. This office will contact you, via e-mail, to indicate the documents you need to submit. We also help you with this step!
- Prepare your luggage. With your visa in hand, you are ready to travel to Queenstown! Check out our 6 tips to prepare your luggage for New Zealand.
- Buy your tickets. We recommend you do it a month and a half in advance. But, don’t lose sight of the discounts that airlines may launch before your trip to New Zealand.
- Embark on an adventure. Say goodbye to your friends, parents, boyfriend, girlfriend, lover, and even pets. Now you’re ready to embark on the adventure!
- Go through customs. Upon arrival at the airport, the immigration agent will review your documents and stamp your visa.
- Rent once at your destination. Once you arrive in Queenstown, settle into a hostel or hotel for a few days. From there, explore your accommodation options in the city. Help yourself by searching on TradeMe or Facebook groups.
Tips for studying in Queenstown
1. Research educational options
Before arriving in Queenstown, research the educational institutions available and find the one that best suits your academic and personal needs.
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