15 March 2023
If you want to pursue your higher education in New Zealand, choosing the planning to study in New Zealand, choosing the right college, program, and course is just the first step. Even as the admission intake periods in New Zealand last for different academic sessions, as an international student, you must be familiar with these atypical admission deadlines when you are planning to apply to the college of your choice.
In this article, we will look at the significant admission intakes followed in New Zealand in detail:
What are the various intakes followed in New Zealand universities?
Even though the precise admission dates largely vary as per the academic institute as well as the course you wish to attend, there are specific common admission intakes that aspiring candidates should be familiar with while researching the programs and colleges in New Zealand.
There are two significant intakes in New Zealand that correspond to the two semesters for which colleges are open for admission. These are:
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Semester 1:
The first semester starts in January or February. It lasts until June.
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Semester 2:
The second semester starts in July and lasts until November.
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Rolling Intakes:
Rolling intakes can take place at any time during the academic year. There are no specific deadlines for rolling intakes.
January Intake
The January intake for admission in different universities located in New Zealand is for the academic sessions that typically start at the very beginning of the year.
Also, the deadlines for admission applications are generally well before the commencement of the intake. Typically deadlines tend to be around three months before the semester begins.
So, if you want to apply to colleges in New Zealand for admission during the January intake, it is advised to start finishing your application before November.
Most importantly, you should have gathered all the required documents prior to sending in your application.
Which documents are required to apply to study in New Zealand?
Generally, international students are required to include the following documents along with their application:
- Academic transcripts for previously attended institutes
- Standardized English language tests such as PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS must be provided by international students as proof of their competence in the English language.
- At least 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) or reference letters that are signed and written by your professional references or your previous academic professors.
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP) that outlines your intent to pursue a particular course from the university of your choice.
- An updated resume
- A student visa for New Zealand must be obtained once you obtain your letter of acceptance from the college that you plan to attend.
- Proof of funds must be provided.
- If you want to apply for financial aid or student loans, you need to also provide any related documents.
- Scores for competitive examinations such as GRE or GMAT if you want to apply for a postgraduate course.
- Any related certificates
What is the timeline for January 2024 intakes in New Zealand?
If you want to pursue your higher education in New Zealand during the January of 2024, here is a comprehensive timeline that demonstrates what action items must be completed to ensure a smooth application process.
It is often advised that international students should start preparing for the January intake during the month of March or April in the prior year.
Here is the timeline for January 2024 intakes in New Zealand:
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April 2023 to May 2023:
Start making a list of colleges and programs that you are interested in attending. It is important to confirm any critical information, such as the admission procedure, important dates, and eligibility criteria.
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June 2023 to November 2023:
Appear for the competitive exams that you need to attend to complete your application. These can be PTE, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, or GRE.
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August 2023 to September 2023:
While preparing for and attempting the examination, as mentioned above, you should also start applying to the colleges that you are interested in attending.
Make sure that you upload all the mandatory documents required by the university to process your application.
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October 2023 to November 2023:
Wait for the acceptance letter from the college of your choice and accept the letter to confirm your intake or enrollment.
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November 2023 to December 2023:
Apply for your student visa to study abroad in New Zealand using the acceptance letter that you have obtained from the university that you are planning to attend.
You should also apply for financial aid, scholarships, or student loans during this time.
July Intake
Considered the more prevalent intake, the July intake in New Zealand is the primary intake opted for by most students. This is because more and more colleges offer their courses during the July intake.
Most international students who want to study in New Zealand apply during the July intake.
From short-term courses, vocational programs, and postgraduate programs to undergraduate courses, the July intake requires students to send in their application during April or May.
What is the timeline for July 2024 intakes in New Zealand?
If you want to pursue your higher education in New Zealand during the July of 2024, here is a comprehensive timeline that demonstrates what action items must be completed to ensure a smooth application process.
It is often advised that international students should start preparing for the July intake during the month of February or March in the prior year.
Here is the timeline for July 2024 intakes in New Zealand:
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August 2023 to November 2023:
Start making a list of colleges and programs that you are interested in attending. It is important to confirm any critical information, such as the admission procedure, important dates, and eligibility criteria.
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November 2023 to February 2024:
Appear for the competitive exams that you need to attend to complete your application. These can be PTE, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, or GRE.
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February 2024 to March 2024:
While preparing for and attempting the examination, as mentioned above, you should also start applying to the colleges that you are interested in attending.
Make sure that you upload all the mandatory documents required by the university to process your application.
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March 2024 to April 2024:
Wait for the acceptance letter from the college of your choice and accept the letter to confirm your intake or enrollment.
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April 2024 to July 2024:
Apply for your student visa to study in New Zealand using the acceptance letter that you have obtained from the university that you are planning to attend. You should also apply for financial aid, scholarships, or student loans during this time.
What are the other admission intakes offered in New Zealand?
Even though both January and July admission intakes are available for programs at all levels, the country also offers other admission intakes during the months of May, April, and March.
These admission intakes are offered to admit students for short-term and vocational courses at colleges and academic institutes in New Zealand. These additional intakes are mainly for summer semesters.
International students are welcomed during these admission intakes to help them in pursuing an associate degree, a diploma, or a certificate. There is also an additional admission intake in November for short-term courses.
Conclusion
Whether you want to study at the graduate level or the undergraduate level in New Zealand, the country follows specific admission intakes.
These admission intakes are designed by various universities and academic institutions in New Zealand.
They are typically divided into different time periods and are generally open for up to 3 months.
