Aftermath of COVID-19 on university admissions in New Zealand

Universities and colleges in New Zealand are progressive in nature and are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities. Graduating from New Zealand not only enables you to attain a globally recognized qualification but also be known as an innovative thinker. The country has a wide range of study opportunities which consist of schools, universities, polytechnics, college of education, private training establishments, and much more. To ensure that the quality of education offered at these institutions remains superior, NZQA maintains a close eye on the same.
To ensure the protection of your welfare, all education providers were required to adhere to a Code of Practice that came into force in 2002. Only those who have given their affirmation to the said code are permitted to enroll international students. The code ensures that universities and colleges in New Zealand act reasonably and fairly when admitting students. This code gives you the opportunity to trust the institution you have enrolled in.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, students are apprehensive about studying in New Zealand.

Aftermath
On 26th March, New Zealand entered the fourth stage of the lockdown, which affected international students residing on on-campus accommodation as well as living privately. Classes were shifted to the online medium. Moreover, the government decided to take up responsibility for the betterment of students and began providing the necessary support services. The government has ensured to provide requisite services such as food, medicine, health care supplies to those who are in need.

Part-Time Job Opportunities
Those who are part-time workers in the health care sector were permitted to put in the extra hours and could work for more than 20 hours per week. It is a widespread speculation that this trend will continue even after the lockdown has ended. However, whether or not that is the case can only be understood when there occurs an intimation from the government. Furthermore, even those students who are working in supermarkets can put in the extra hours at work, without having a detrimental effect on their visa status.

Visa
It is informed by the government that those students who hold a student visa or a Post Study Work visa, can extend their visas till the 25th of September provided that their visas were on the verge of expiring, All the students need to do is bring it to the attention of the government and put in an email, and the visa will be automatically extended. Secondly, those students who have received an AIP and need to pay their tuition fees, have the option of either extending their intake or deferring the course. Students will have to wait and see how the situation pans out, to see how and when the lockdown is lifted. Since there are multiple intakes in universities in New Zealand such as those in February and July which are the most popular or even the October, November intakes, students have at their disposal ample options to study in New Zealand.

Current Scenario
Since we are in constant touch with the university, we are glad to inform you that universities in New Zealand are processing applications as well as issuing offer letters. However, in most likelihood classes will be conducted online, and once the travel ban is lifted students can expect to complete the remainder of their courses in New Zealand. It is crucial that as prospective students you remain in the loop. Be assured that your application will be processed and that the July intake is on. As mentioned earlier, classes are expected to be conducted online. Universities are making several provisions for the convenience of international students. One of these include online tests for English Language proficiency tests. However, whether or not this will be accepted by the immigration authorities is something we need further light on. Students who are looking to make an application to study in New Zealand, but face the risk of their IELTS expiring before they make an application for the July intake can make an application irrespective because such applications will continue to be considered. However, this does not apply to those students who extend beyond 12 months.

Immigration
Immigration offices in New Zealand are closed, however, pending visa requests which also include Post Study Work Visas for which payment is issued, will be worked upon a priority basis soon.

Future Predictions
23rd April onwards, New Zealand is on alert level 3, which means that 50% of individuals can resume work, provided social distancing norms are adhered to. Construction, manufacturing, forestry, online food delivery will see some relaxation but with the presence of certain restrictions. However, services such as gyms, salons, boating are restricted.

The summary that can be drawn from this is that students can either consider taking online classes or defer their application. It is best that students wait and watch to see how the situation pans out.

Student Testimonials:

It's been a very good experience with Edwise, right from the preparation for the IELTS exams till the visa process
Name - Tejas Adelkar
Country - New Zealand
University – PIHMS

I am very pleased with Edwise for guiding me with the university of my choice. Thanks a lot!
Name - Nirali A Roy
Country - New Zealand
University - Auckland Institute of Studies, St Helens

A remarkable experience with Edwise. Grateful to all the staff members.
Name - Ipsa Kangotra
Country - New Zealand
University - Design & Arts College of New Zealand