From Auckland to Dunedin, the big cities of New Zealand all have their universities, a technological institute (or “Polytechnic”) and a myriad of language schools. To have time to compare programs and determine which one is right for you, start the process at least six months in advance .

Attention: back to school staggered!

First aspect to take into account: the university calendar, different in the southern hemisphere. In New Zealand classes start in February and end in October.

The vast majority of European students therefore choose to study for a single semester, most often from February to June, which in France corresponds to the second semester.

It is quite possible to study for a full year but you will have to occupy the period from September to January, during which there are no lessons, by taking English lessons, for example. Note, however, that you may miss the next re-entry in France.

Solo or in exchange

Then check if your institution has agreements with New Zealand universities or technological institutes. If so, then your choice will be limited to these partners. Check with the international relations department of your university or school . With luck, you may be exempt from paying tuition fees.

Most often, French students must pay the registration fee in New Zealand . This is the case for Thibault, in his second year at EPITA , at Kremlin-Bicêtre (94), who is spending his second semester at AUT (Auckland University of Technology). “I paid 12,500 NZD [€ 8,000] to my school in France, which directly donated it to the university in New Zealand.” A budget to take into account .

Linguistic stay

The majority of French students living in New Zealand take English courses there. An interesting strategy at the end of studies or during a gap year, between the license and the master . On the program: small group lessons in the morning and free time in the afternoon, to enjoy New Zealand life.

If this type of stay tempts you, you will be spoiled for choice. The land of kiwis has about fifty private centers, generally backed by a university . Depending on the experience you want to live, favor a small or large city, in the North or South Island. Note that the temperatures are milder in the North. The south of the country being relatively close to Antarctica!

The majority of students enrolled in these centers are Asian. Unlike university, you will have few opportunities to hang out with New Zealand students. To immerse yourself in Kiwi culture, opt for a homestay, it is very common in New Zealand.