How to Relocate to New Zealand with ₦27 Million and a Master’s Degree (No Scholarship Needed)
If you have a master’s degree and are looking for a way to relocate to New Zealand without the help of a scholarship, don’t worry—it’s still possible! With ₦27 million (around $35,000 USD) in savings and the right plan, you can embark on your journey toward a PhD in New Zealand. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen:
- Secure a PhD Position
The first step is to get a place in a PhD program at a New Zealand university. Unlike some countries, New Zealand offers affordable education for international PhD students, but you’ll need to go through the application process first.
Find a Research Topic: Start by identifying a research area you’re passionate about. This will be the foundation for your PhD proposal.
Prepare a Strong PhD Proposal: Write a clear and concise proposal that outlines the research problem, objectives, methodology, and potential contributions to the field. This will be crucial for securing a supervisor and admission.
Cold Email Prospective Supervisors: Once your proposal is ready, reach out to professors whose research aligns with your interests. A well-crafted email explaining your research and why you want to work with them can open doors to getting a PhD position.
Receive Your Admission Letter: Once you’ve found a supervisor willing to guide your PhD research, you’ll need to complete the university’s application process. If successful, you’ll receive your admission letter, which is key for your visa application.
- Take the IELTS Exam
Most New Zealand universities require proof of English language proficiency. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is widely accepted, and you’ll typically need a score of 6.5 or higher.
Exemptions: If your Master’s degree was obtained from an English-speaking country like the UK, US, or other Western countries, you may not need to take the IELTS exam. Check with the university to confirm.
- New Zealand PhDs are Affordable
One of the most appealing aspects of studying for a PhD in New Zealand is the cost. Unlike many other countries where international students pay significantly higher fees, New Zealand offers international PhD students the same domestic tuition rates.
Tuition Costs: On average, PhD tuition fees are around ₦7 million (approx. $9,000 USD) per year. This makes New Zealand a much more affordable destination for doctoral studies compared to countries like the USA or Australia, where fees can be exorbitant.
- Proof of Funds (PoF)
To apply for your student visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while studying in New Zealand. The New Zealand government requires that you provide proof of funds (PoF) of around ₦20 million (approx. $26,000 USD) for the first year of your studies. This amount should cover living expenses, accommodation, and other costs for the first 6 months.
What Counts as Proof?: You can show this money in the form of bank statements, a scholarship letter (if applicable), or a financial guarantee from a sponsor or family member. You must have access to these funds before applying for your visa.
- Apply for Your Visa
Once you’ve received your PhD admission letter and gathered your financial documents, the next step is to apply for a student visa.
Documents You Need: You’ll need your PhD admission letter, proof of funds, IELTS results (if applicable), and other supporting documents like your passport, academic transcripts, and health insurance.
Visa Success: If all your documents are in order, your visa application should be straightforward and successful. New Zealand is known for being welcoming to international students, especially PhD candidates.
- Work Opportunities for PhD Students
One major advantage of studying for a PhD in New Zealand is the flexibility it offers when it comes to working while studying.
Full-Time Work Rights: PhD students in New Zealand are allowed to work full-time with unlimited hours, unlike other student visas that restrict working hours. This means you can earn an income to support yourself and reduce your reliance on savings while completing your studies.
Family Visa: If you’re moving with your family, they can apply for visas too. You can use the same proof of funds (PoF) you provided for your student visa to apply for your family’s visas once you’ve settled in New Zealand.
- Benefits for Your Family
New Zealand is not only a great place for you to study, but it also offers numerous benefits for your family, particularly for your children.
Free Education for Children: If your children are over 5 years old, they can attend school for free, just like New Zealand citizens. This is a huge benefit for families, as education costs can be significant in other countries.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Hours: For children under 5, the New Zealand government offers 20 hours of free Early Childhood Education (ECE) per week. This can help cover the cost of daycare or early learning centers, reducing your childcare expenses by up to 50%. If you stick to 20 hours, you might not have to pay anything at all.
In conclusion, relocating to New Zealand for a PhD is a practical and affordable option for those with a Master’s degree and around ₦27 million in savings. You’ll not only gain a world-class education, but you’ll also be able to work full-time, bring your family, and benefit from New Zealand’s generous social services, all while living in one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in the world.