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Many students go through analysis paralysis when it comes to choosing the right study-abroad destination. The confusion becomes even greater when there are two equally excellent choices in front of you, such as China and New Zealand. If you are confused between choosing these two countries, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will clear all the confusion regarding China vs New Zealand. We will judge each country based on certain aspects, and award +2 points to the country which is better in a particular aspect. At the end of this blog, we will compute the total score of each country and the one with the higher score will be deemed a better study-abroad destination.
| Parameters | China | New Zealand |
| Area | 9.597 Million KM² | 268,021 KM² |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (¥) | New Zealand Dollar (NZ$) |
| Capital | Beijing | Wellington |
| Total Higher Education Providers | 3,012 | 8 |
| Total Indian Students Studying | 23,000 | 2,664 |
| Average Cost of Living | ¥ 4,047.3 | NZ$ 3,000 – NZ$ 4,000 Per Month |
| Average Cost of Studying | ¥ 18,249 – ¥ 72,996 Per Year | NZ$ 6,500 – NZ$ 50,000 |
| Popular Job Sectors | Technology, Accountancy and Finance, Teaching, Medicine, Marketing, and Manufacturing | Teaching, Healthcare, Public Administration, Architecture and Design, Psychology, and Information Technology |
| Permitted Part-Time Working Hours | 24 Hours Per Week | 20 Hours Per Week |
This Blog Includes:
Top-Ranked Universities: China vs New Zealand
Searching for a university is one of the most crucial phases in the life of every student. A good university can position you for a bright and thriving future. So, we have listed below some of the top universities in China and New Zealand.
Universities in China
Here are some of the best universities in China:
| Top Universities in China | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 |
| Peking University | 17 | 14 |
| Tsinghua University | 25 | 12 |
| Zhejiang University | 44 | 55 |
| Fudan University | 50 | 44 |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | 51 | 43 |
| University of Science and Technology of China | 137 | 57 |
| Nanjing University | 141 | 73 |
| Wuhan University | 194 | 164 |
| Tongji University | 216 | 185 |
| Harbin Institute of Technology | 256 | 168 |
Universities in New Zealand
Some of the best universities in New Zealand are shown in the table below:
| Top Universities in New Zealand | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 |
| The University of Auckland | 68 | 139 |
| University of Otago | 206 | 301–350 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 241 | 401–500 |
| University of Canterbury | 256 | 601–800 |
| Massey University | 239 | 601–800 |
| University of Waikato | 250 | 401–500 |
| Lincoln University | 362 | 401–500 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 407 | 251–300 |
Which Country is Better?
The tables above imply that the universities in China hold a higher rank than the universities in New Zealand. As a result, we will grant +2 points to China in this round of China vs New Zealand.
Also Read: Scholarships in China
Admission Requirements
You need to understand the eligibility requirements of your chosen study destination before you apply for admission. So, in this section, we will discuss the admission criteria for the universities in China and New Zealand.
Admission Requirements For China
You have to submit these listed documents to be eligible to gain admission into a university in China:
- Passport copy
- Graduation certificate (s)
- A photo (passport size)
- Academic transcripts
- Physical examination form- medical results
- 2 recommendation letters (should be written and signed by your teachers/professors and contain their contact details)
- Bank statement
- Personal statement
Admission Requirements For New Zealand
Admission criteria for universities in New Zealand vary as per the courses and their level. However, the general eligibility requirements remain the same, which are as follows:
- For every course, students need to meet a minimum English language requirement.
- The students should also have received a minimum score of 75% or above in their Class 12.
- The students have to be at least 18 years old to enrol.
- The following documents need to be submitted by the student:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Photocopied score reports of GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL
- Two letters of recommendation from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities (in case you have work experience)
- Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level and extracurricular activities)
- Portfolio (in case of students applying for art and design courses and architecture programmes)
- Valid Passport
- Students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 80, a PTE score of 50, and an IELTS score of 6.
Which Country is Better?
The above comparison implies that China has an easier admission process when compared to New Zealand. Hence, we will award +2 points to China in this round of China vs New Zealand as well.
Tuition Fees
Tuition costs are also an important factor when choosing a study destination. So, we will look at the average tuition fees in China and New Zealand in this section.
Tuition Fees in China
As per the websites of the universities in China, the average yearly tuition costs in the country are as follows:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | ¥15,000 to ¥60,000 |
| Postgraduate | ¥18,000 to ¥90,000 |
| Doctoral | ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 |
Tuition Fees in New Zealand
The average tuition costs as per the websites of New Zealand universities are shown in the table below:
| Study Program | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
| Undergraduate | NZ$20,500 – NZ$25,000 |
| Postgraduate | NZ$19,000 – NZ$50, 000 |
| Doctoral | NZ$6,500 – NZ$9,000 |
Which Country is Better?
It is clear from above that the tuition fee in New Zealand is lower than in China. Hence, New Zealand will get +2 points in this round of China vs New Zealand.
Also Read: Top Universities in China
Living Expenses
The cost of living is one of the biggest concerns for a student when moving to a different country. So, in this section, we will discuss the living expenses in China and New Zealand.
Cost of Living in China
The living expenses as per Numbeo are shown in the table below:
| Monthly Rent | ¥2,191.31 – ¥7,900.84 |
| Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre) | ¥33,742.16 – ¥58,250.61 |
| Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | ¥25 |
| Average Transportation Cost (Monthly) | ¥200 |
| Average Cost of Utility (Monthly) | ¥584.12 |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand as per Numbeo is shown in the table below:
| Monthly Rent | NZ$1,538.83 – NZ$3,061.61 |
| Average Apartment Price (Price per Square Metre) | NZ$8,995.46 – NZ$10,827.41 |
| Average Cost of an Inexpensive Restaurant Meal | NZ$25 |
| Average Transportation Cost (Monthly) | NZ$176.01 |
| Average Cost of Utility (Monthly) | NZ$376.17 |
Which Country is Better?
The tables above clearly show that the living expenses in China are way lower than in New Zealand. As a result, we will give +2 points to China in this section of China vs New Zealand.
Work Permit and PR
Most often, students pursue their higher education abroad to find work and eventually settle there. So, let’s discuss the ease of getting a work permit and permanent residency in China and New Zealand.
Work Permit in China
Let’s take a look at how a work permit is granted in China:
Eligibility Requirements for a Work Permit in China:
To apply for a Chinese work permit, you must submit the documents shown below:
- A valid passport,
- A passport-sized photograph,
- A completed application form,
- TEFL/TESOL certificate authenticated by the Chinese embassy or consulate (applicable only for teaching positions),
- Medical examination report from an authorized hospital,
- An approval document for commercial performances,
- Reference letter,
- Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Enterprises from Foreign Countries,
- Clean criminal record,
- Issued by the Chinese government authorities for Cultural Affairs,
- Foreigners Work Permit notification letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the PRC.
To get the notification letter, your employer needs you to submit these documents to the Labour Bureau:
- Degree or diploma (legalised and authenticated).
- Your resume,
- Proof of at least two years of work experience in the relevant field,
- Verification of education or professional qualifications,
- Verification of employment history,
- A copy of the job contract,
- Information concerning any accompanying members, and
- Physical examination record.
Steps to Apply for a Chinese Work Permit
Follow the steps given below to get a Chinese Work Permit:
Step 1: You are required to have been offered a job in China.
Step 2: After you have secured a job, gather and prepare all the required documents.
Step 3: Now, continue with your application by applying for a Chinese work visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate, and pay the needed amount.
Step 4: Finally, you will receive your work visa after the completion of your application process.
The processing time for a Chinese work visa is around 4 working days, based on the number of applications submitted to the embassy.
PR in China
You can be awarded a permanent residency visa regardless of your position or employer if you:
- Earn more than ¥600,000 annually,
- Pay your income taxes on time (¥120,000 or more yearly), and
- Have worked in Shanghai for more than four years without having any criminal record in your home country.
Work Permit in New Zealand
Here is how the work permit is obtained in New Zealand:
Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit in New Zealand
You must meet the following criteria to be deemed eligible for a temporary work visa in New Zealand:
- You must be offered a job offer from an employer in New Zealand,
- You also get a work permit in case you have a spouse in New Zealand and you want to join them and work,
- You are also deemed eligible in case you are from a country which has a special work programme,
- Moreover, you are considered eligible for a work permit if you are coming for a specified work-related purpose to the nation, or
- You can apply for a work permit if you have been pursuing education in New Zealand and now desire to work here.
Steps to Apply for a Work Permit in New Zealand
After fulfilling the criteria and gathering your documents, you are ready to apply for the New Zealand Work Visa. The steps for the application process are shown below:
Step 1: You are required to first find employment in New Zealand,
Step 2: Then, collect all of your necessary documents,
Step 3: Now, proceed with your application by submitting your application for a work visa, and
Step 4: Relax while your work visa gets processed.
The processing time of a New Zealand work permit can be between 3 to 7 months.
PR in New Zealand
You must spend at least 184 days in New Zealand on a resident visa in each of the two years before you apply for permanent residence. This two-year period begins when you apply for permanent residence and does not incorporate the two years since you received your resident visa.
Which Country is Better?
It is clear from above that the process of receiving a work permit and PR is simpler in New Zealand. Hence, New Zealand will receive +2 points in this round of China vs New Zealand.
Also Read: 100 Interesting Facts About New Zealand
Average Salaries: China vs New Zealand
A fresh graduate in China gets an average salary of ¥10,342 per month as reported by TeamedUp China. On the other hand, the average annual salary after graduation in New Zealand is NZ$43,103 according to Indeed.
Which Country is Better?
The average salary in New Zealand is more than in China, and hence, we will grant +2 points to New Zealand in this round of China vs New Zealand.
Other Major Elements
Let’s see some other important elements of both China and New Zealand that one should consider. Small factors like climate and culture can also determine whether you are comfortable staying in your chosen destination or not.
Climate
China is in the temperate climate zone, and most of the country is cool, however, the southern region is hot, and the northern part is quite frigid. In New Zealand, the climate in the country differs, ranging from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate in the extreme southern region.
Safety
It is mostly safe to go to China, as long as you are alert and know where you are going. Just follow the local rules and understand their local culture. Similarly, New Zealand is known for being a very safe country for international students. Serious crimes like murder or narcotics are rarely witnessed here.
Culture for International Students
International students pursuing their studies in China can have a very gratifying experience. But they may have to culturally adapt and learn the local language to get a better experience.
Also Read: Universities Accepting Backlogs in New Zealand
Conclusion
After calculating the total scores, we find that both China and New Zealand have received a total of 6 points each. Hence, they have a tie.
However, please keep in mind that both nations are amazing study destinations and your choice depends on numerous factors, such as your personal preferences, the course you want to enrol in, and your budget.
FAQs
Ans. There are reportedly about 240,000 Indians in New Zealand.
Ans. The average tuition fee in China ranges between ¥15,000 to ¥90,000.
Ans. Yes, New Zealand offers a high standard of living, a safe environment, and a wide range of career opportunities to Indians and other international students.
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So, this was all about China vs New Zealand. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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