If you're an international student that's studying in NZ, you'll be given a 20 hour work limit per week.
For budgeting and all, why don't you check out the university's website? They usually have the basic info on there and since NZ costs vary by location, (cities like Auckland, Wellington are more expensive than places like say, Otago) it'll give you a rough idea of the budget needed for annual/weekly expenses.

I'm actually interested in knowing more about Uni of Auckland actually. Applied last Monday through Selset. Anyone can tell me about the atmosphere in the university, specifically around the City Campus?

Wow, totally no posts for like 2 months already so... REVIVE!

On another note, I'm heading to Uni of Auckland in February for my first year undergraduate degree. Can't wait to go.

Anything I should know before I leave?
Any seniors on the forums?

Studying Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland now.

If you guys got any questions, PM me

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Added on April 4, 2012, 10:56 amWell, if you're thinking about the quality of education, City University of London would be a better option. Not saying UoA is bad but from what I've seen, they're more into the filming industry rather than broadcast journalism. I've been to the Arts building at UoA too and they're okay and well equipped. Just not sure they have what you're looking for.

Now if you're talking about migration, then NZ would be a better option IMO. They have a lack of skill shortages so it's pretty 'easy' to get a PR here if you have certain skills they need. Easier than the UK I reckon since the population over here in NZ is really tiny and their requirements for PR are not as strict as Australia/US/UK from what I've heard. Furthermore, the govt here PAYS unemployed people a weekly welfare thing. So if you're struggling to look for a job when you're here, you won't really have to worry TOO much to survive.

But what do I know, I'm in NZ so I might be a little biased.

This post has been edited by storky20: Apr 4 2012, 10:56 AM

Yes definitely. NZ has a Working Holiday Visa scheme thing which ALOT of people use to just work (manual labour like fruit picking) while chilling in NZ. Quite a cool way to explore the country and earn money too (min wage is about NZD13 which is about RM33.

Otherwise, depending on experience, NZ companies would GLADLY accept most graduates from the UK. Even better if you have a skill on their LTSS (Long Term Skill Shortage) and STSS (Short Term Skill Shortage) list. Easier to apply for PR. And let me tell you, PR-ship in NZ is AMAZING!

Well for one, you'll get discounted rates for education. The government provides 100% study loans to students so it's education here is more or less FREE as the interest rate is only 10% and you can pay anytime within 5 years. They even provide you a student 'allowance' which is completely separate from the loan.

Another thing is that you can get unemployment welfare benefits. Meaning, you'll get PAID even if you're not working (somewhere within the vicinity of up till NZD200/week). There's also 'free' medical service (like Malaysia but ALOT more efficient).

And most importantly, it's easier to apply for than the Australian PR-ship.

Yes. But after you apply for your visa in the 1st year, it gets easier to re-apply again cause it's just a renewal.

Comparing Otago vs Auckland, Auckland is better in terms of their quality I reckon. Otago is more renowned for their medical courses and science in general.

For a typical BCom/LLB

Duration: 5 years.
Workload: Not sure about this but seniors look pretty busy.
Education quality(?): Law in NZ is pretty much the same as in the UK for first year subjects, not too sure about 2nd year and 3rd year subjects considering, I only did a semester's worth of law.
Teaching: Commerce is pretty much the same as Australian universities. Typical mix of studying and assignments in every semester.

I've already applied for renewal for 2013-2014. It's cheaper for renewal but need proof of funds each year to apply. About $15k NZD if I remember right. Can be in the form of FD/bank statement.