Application
Procedure for Postgraduate Courses
|
This section
explains the process of applying to New Zealand universities and
colleges for postgraduate (Masters
& Doctorate Degree) courses. |
|
Application Requirements |
- University
Academic Transcripts
- Evidence
of Graduation
- English
Language Tests
- Work History
- Letters
of Recommendation
- Statement
of Purpose (SOP)
|
If
you have any doubts or require any further information,
please use our Helpline service. |
|
|
Send enquiries at least
8 to 12 months before the proposed date of admission. There are three ways to get
application forms. |
Requesting Application
Forms via email : You can request application forms from the
university websites. Most universities have a form on their website which can be completed online to
request application material.
Downloading from the Net
: Many universities have a downloadable and ready to print versions of their
application forms on their websites. They can be used for applying.
Collect
Forms from University Representatives : Most New
Zealand universities have representatives in most major cities
across the world. You can contact agents/representatives for
application forms as well application guidance.
|
|
Most New Zealand universities
accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate
courses. An Indian bachelor degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. is equivalent to a New
Zealand Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree.
However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to New
Zealand Bachelor (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which
would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., B.Tech or
other such courses.
For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its
equivalent is essential. |
|
Application Requirements |
Full details of your
education including your course subjects and grades are required in the applications.
Transcripts or official records of your previous academic qualifications are crucial for
your application.
Students applying for admission are required to submit an official transcript from each
college or university that they have attended after secondary school with complete details
of the subjects, credits involved and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas
etc. Most universities ask for the transcript to be sealed in an envelope and signed and
attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be done for each and every
college that you have attended. Some universities may ask for more than one transcript but
most require only one.
If the originals are not in English, copies and a good English translation must be
enclosed. Documents may be certified as true copies by a justice of the peace, or a
notary public, or a solicitor, or a commissioner of oaths, or an official of the
institution that issued the document. |
|
Most Universities would
require copies of your first degree certificate as evidence of your graduation. The
certificate should either be in original or as a certified true copy.
Documents may be certified as true copies by a justice of peace, or a notary public, or a
solicitor, or a commissioner of oaths, or an official of the institution that issued the
document. |
English Language Tests |
Top |
If the student is not proficient in English, he may be
required to take the IELTS (International English Testing System). Every institute has its
own minimum scores with respect to this test.
IELTS : For most courses and institutes, International
students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is
regularly administered by the British Council. A minimum score of 6.5 is usually
required by most institutes.
If the student does not obtain the minimum score required by the institute, he/she will
have to go in for a 3 to 9 month bridging course in English at the institute before the
start of the chosen program of study. Universities
may accept TOEFL scores instead of IELTS score. |
|
|
Work History |
Top |
A number of professional and vocational courses require
relevant work experience. For instance, many MBAs or Masters courses in
Information Studies require at least a couple of years work experience. Most
New Zealand
universities are pretty strict about this.
A detailed R�sum� is an important part of your application. It should include all
information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held,
achievements and range of work. |
|
Find Resumes a
problem? Check out our Resume section for tips. |
|
Letter of Recommendation |
Top |
Letter of reference or recommendation letters can play an important part
in admission. It should be from someone who has taught you in some course or someone you
have worked under. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and
other such information.
The teacher must indicate his/her position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in
what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the
study the applicant proposes to undertake. You may like to request your author to give
concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case. |
|
Note :
Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include about two letters of recommendation in
your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions. |
For more details on
letters of recommendation, formats and tips, check out Letters of Recommendation |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Top |
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, if required for the
course you are applying to, also play a very important role in the process of evaluating
your application for admission because it gives the faculty assessing your application
their most significant impression of you as an individual.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the
suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal
interests and career goals. |
|
For more details on
various essay topics, tips, sample essays, check out our Essays/Statement of Purpose section. |
|