₦airaland Forum

No age restrictions.
Which school are you going to.
If there is any other prospective PhD student. Pls let connect so we can share info.
Especially on visa applications.

racon074:
Hi please I'm just about to start my application to new zealand as a PhD student. Please is there age restriction for PSW also do I need agent to apply. I'm really desperate about this right now.

Any success stories so far ?

CalabarSamurai:
Thank you I realized the mistake by the time I posted the reply. I will redo it later.

PoF for 12 months/ 1 year / 120 Units = 20k (living cost) + 5k (ticket) + budget for accommodation (not stated on their website but I recommend adding this to your budget and in the SoP/Cover_Letter).

PoF for 18 months / 180 units = 30k + 5k + Budget for accommodation.

The issue with the finances would be evidence of where you got the money from (which they must easily confirm) and if you have access to that money via regular account debits which must not go below the minimum PoF.

Addition: If the course is more than one year, you only pay for the first year and then you will do a funding plan for how you would pay for the remainder of the course

That’s just the finances part.

From this new post, you have another huddle which is the home ties, as a contract staff with contract expiring this month, what exactly ties you to Nigeria (do you have a registered business here? Do you have family that you support etc).

I recommend contacting IDP they don’t charge a dime and their agents can help with your profile.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t work for IDP neither do I get any benefits, I am just here to help fellow applicants increase Nigeria’s very low approval level.

Hello bro,

I’m planning to start a Level 6 program in NZ this August, but I haven’t commenced the process yet because I’m still expecting funding.

The funds for my study plans (tuition and proof of funds) will be coming from my family and friends. I intend to pay either the full tuition or at least the required deposit upfront.

My question is:
Since I’ll be receiving a lump sum into my account soon both for tuition and proof of funds ,how do I provide evidence of the source of these funds for my visa application?
Also, what is the minimum length of time the money needs to stay in my account to be considered valid for proof of funds by Immigration New Zealand?

Thanks in advance.

Don't bother applying this year.

Prepare against next year, your funds should be ready outside of the 6 months bank statement period.

Check if your level 6 program is on the PSW eligible list, that is if you want to apply for a PSW Visa, if you don't, then go ahead with the level 6 program.

Cheers.

Mykelpato:
Hello bro,

I’m planning to start a Level 6 program in NZ this August, but I haven’t commenced the process yet because I’m still expecting funding.

The funds for my study plans (tuition and proof of funds) will be coming from my family and friends. I intend to pay either the full tuition or at least the required deposit upfront.

My question is:
Since I’ll be receiving a lump sum into my account soon both for tuition and proof of funds ,how do I provide evidence of the source of these funds for my visa application?
Also, what is the minimum length of time the money needs to stay in my account to be considered valid for proof of funds by Immigration New Zealand?

Thanks in advance.

CalabarSamurai:
Don't bother applying this year.

Prepare against next year, your funds should be ready outside of the 6 months bank statement period.

Check if your level 6 program is on the PSW eligible list, that is if you want to apply for a PSW Visa, if you don't, then go ahead with the level 6 program.

Cheers.

Okay thank you

I'm also waiting for this one ooo. Coz they just refused another person. Maybe they want only PHd student coz the refusal for MSc is alarming.

CalabarSamurai:
Any success stories so far ?

There is nothing alarming, Nigeria's approval rate in 2024 was 37%.

blaze007:
I'm also waiting for this one ooo. Coz they just refused another person. Maybe they want only PHd student coz the refusal for MSc is alarming.

How to contact you

TOBERO23:
No age restrictions.
Which school are you going to.
If there is any other prospective PhD student. Pls let connect so we can share info.
Especially on visa applications.

Co-asking biko

CalabarSamurai:
Any success stories so far ?

Hello, I'm also a prospective phd studen. Pls how do we connect?

TOBERO23:
No age restrictions.
Which school are you going to.
If there is any other prospective PhD student. Pls let connect so we can share info.
Especially on visa applications.

Pls can you email me on wanderlust861124@gmail.com I'm also a prospective student and i have some questions l

CalabarSamurai:
Good day everyone applying to, intending to apply to or thinking about applying to New Zealand.

I thought about posting my journey after successfully landing in Aotearoa New Zealand, but something told me that was a lack of faith right there! So I shall be sharing my journey to the land of the Kiwi's as it progressess.

I am not a betting man, but I can see Aotearoa New Zealand overtaking many of the popular destinations in the future, that's if you can manage paying the fees in full (not compulsory if you are taking the AIP route - you apply for the visa first and if successful, you then pay the school fees, in full), and taking a two day trip in economy (or business ) class.

Had I know about Aotearoa New Zealand, I wouldn't have wasted money on Canadian study application fees and I would have started preparations earlier, I would have jejely done my IELTS Academic since and kept, (IELTS Academic is compulsory for Aotearoa New Zealand schools - my school required a minimum of 6 across all bands, and a 6.5 overall score) - so yeah you're gonna do that IELTS Academic, its not hard, its just English. At the time of posting this, it costs 266,000.00 Naira for the exam.

For the school fees, I got a hefty bursary of 15,000 NZD (I would have gotten a scholarship but as I didn't take my books seriously I missed it), anyway I said thank you Lord for giving me a sign! So try and see if you can get a scholarship or a bursary, and for this I would recommend using an agent, I used IDP (I hope this is not an advert, I am just sharing the steps I took), they don't charge a dime, you just know what you want to study and that makes the work easier.

1 NZD = 879 Naira

To be continued... Next update: Police Character Certificate and IOM X-Rays but after the public holidays.

Please is it possible to school in New Zealand with HND

I am 45 years old, Bachelor's degree, federal government staff, with a wife and 3 children.

I intend to do 1 year masters program (with Post study work) in NZ with my family.
Is this possible please?
Any advice is appreciated 🙏.
Thanks in anticipation.

Note:
To be honest, my intention is to Japa.

CalabarSamurai:
Good day everyone applying to, intending to apply to or thinking about applying to New Zealand.

I thought about posting my journey after successfully landing in Aotearoa New Zealand, but something told me that was a lack of faith right there! So I shall be sharing my journey to the land of the Kiwi's as it progressess.

I am not a betting man, but I can see Aotearoa New Zealand overtaking many of the popular destinations in the future, that's if you can manage paying the fees in full (not compulsory if you are taking the AIP route - you apply for the visa first and if successful, you then pay the school fees, in full), and taking a two day trip in economy (or business ) class.

Had I know about Aotearoa New Zealand, I wouldn't have wasted money on Canadian study application fees and I would have started preparations earlier, I would have jejely done my IELTS Academic since and kept, (IELTS Academic is compulsory for Aotearoa New Zealand schools - my school required a minimum of 6 across all bands, and a 6.5 overall score) - so yeah you're gonna do that IELTS Academic, its not hard, its just English. At the time of posting this, it costs 266,000.00 Naira for the exam.

For the school fees, I got a hefty bursary of 15,000 NZD (I would have gotten a scholarship but as I didn't take my books seriously I missed it), anyway I said thank you Lord for giving me a sign! So try and see if you can get a scholarship or a bursary, and for this I would recommend using an agent, I used IDP (I hope this is not an advert, I am just sharing the steps I took), they don't charge a dime, you just know what you want to study and that makes the work easier.

1 NZD = 879 Naira

To be continued... Next update: Police Character Certificate and IOM X-Rays but after the public holidays.

Please can you kindly recommend the agent you are using? 🙏
Thanks sir.

Please ask your questions here, so others can learn and there may be someone has the same experience with you.

Mareeam241186:
Pls can you email me on wanderlust861124@gmail.com I'm also a prospective student and i have some questions l

You would have to ask the school you're applying to.

Adex2442:
Please is it possible to school in New Zealand with HND

1. Your age is an issue, the visas that lead to residency/PR have a 55 year old age limit, so by the time you have spent the number of years required, you may not be eligible. So if your wife is younger, maybe she should apply.
2. If you had a Masters, I would have recommended a PHD because once you are done, you are on the fast lane to Residency then PR then Citizenship (again your age by that time might count against you).
3. If your spouse is younger, maybe she should apply? if she has a masters, maybe she should apply for a PHD which allows you all to live and work in NZ but it is pricey, for this route I recommend you use a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser and not IDP because IDP is just for the primary applicant that is going to study and it is free.
4. In your case, use a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser.

Please Note: THIS IS NOT IMMIGRATION ADVISE, JUST MY OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS.

Icecaptain:
I am 45 years old, Bachelor's degree, federal government staff, with a wife and 3 children.

I intend to do 1 year masters program (with Post study work) in NZ with my family.
Is this possible please?
Any advice is appreciated 🙏.
Thanks in anticipation.

Note:
To be honest, my intention is to Japa.

IDP but they only focus on the student visa of the primary applicant, if you want to carry your family, best to look for a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser.

Icecaptain:
Please can you kindly recommend the agent you are using? 🙏
Thanks sir.

I applied for PhD at Auckland University and was not accepted. their reason was that I did not meet the eligibility requirement, I'm guessing it's because my msc GPA is low (3.11) however, I'm trying to apply to other schools. As a nigerian, we're choosing that English is not our first language right?
Also, Is it mandatory to use an IELTS score that is recent? I wrote one in 2022(which is now expired) and it was for general not academic. would that suffice?

CalabarSamurai:
IDP but they only focus on the student visa of the primary applicant, if you want to carry your family, best to look for a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser.

ifyjobs:
I applied for PhD at Auckland University and was not accepted. their reason was that I did not meet the eligibility requirement, I'm guessing it's because my msc GPA is low (3.11) however, I'm trying to apply to other schools. As a nigerian, we're choosing that English is not our first language right?
Also, Is it mandatory to use an IELTS score that is recent? I wrote one in 2022(which is now expired) and it was for general not academic. would that suffice?

English is Nigeria official language and first language

Did you secure a supervisor before applying for the admission ? If yes, why not talk to your supervisor about the rejection

Check the requirements of the school you are applying to - some require IELTS, some don't. If the school requires IELTS, you will write IELTS ACADEMIC and it is valid for 2 years from the date you get your result.

ifyjobs:
I applied for PhD at Auckland University and was not accepted. their reason was that I did not meet the eligibility requirement, I'm guessing it's because my msc GPA is low (3.11) however, I'm trying to apply to other schools. As a nigerian, we're choosing that English is not our first language right?
Also, Is it mandatory to use an IELTS score that is recent? I wrote one in 2022(which is now expired) and it was for general not academic. would that suffice?

I think it is not about IELTs score but your grade dont judge pls. The phd require a minimum of B looking at your grade 3.11 is C. Note your master must be research oriented covering 25% of your entire course work.


I know someone with 4.21 master grade but the master course is not up to 25% research oriented. That was the explanation given to him.
Note he even get 2 publications.
Yet no admission.

So grade and the mode of your master coursework play a big rolli in phd in new zealand from what I have seen.

ifyjobs:
I applied for PhD at Auckland University and was not accepted. their reason was that I did not meet the eligibility requirement, I'm guessing it's because my msc GPA is low (3.11) however, I'm trying to apply to other schools. As a nigerian, we're choosing that English is not our first language right?
Also, Is it mandatory to use an IELTS score that is recent? I wrote one in 2022(which is now expired) and it was for general not academic. would that suffice?

CalabarSamurai:
1. Your age is an issue, the visas that lead to residency/PR have a 55 year old age limit, so by the time you have spent the number of years required, you may not be eligible. So if your wife is younger, maybe she should apply.
2. If you had a Masters, I would have recommended a PHD because once you are done, you are on the fast lane to Residency then PR then Citizenship (again your age by that time might count against you).
3. If your spouse is younger, maybe she should apply? if she has a masters, maybe she should apply for a PHD which allows you all to live and work in NZ but it is pricey, for this route I recommend you use a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser and not IDP because IDP is just for the primary applicant that is going to study and it is free.
4. In your case, use a PAID LICENSED immigration adviser.

Please Note: THIS IS NOT IMMIGRATION ADVISE, JUST MY OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS.

I appreciate your time and advice.
Thank you sir.
More blessings.

Thanks for your input.
I did not secure any supervisor before applying, I was getting emails from them being occupied and not willing in to take in more students

Peaceful123:
English is Nigeria official language and first language

Did you secure a supervisor before applying for the admission ? If yes, why not talk to your supervisor about the rejection

Thank you once again for your input. Yes I understand, the school said if english is not your first language then one needs to write IELTS to prove english language proficiency hence my question on if english is our first language..

CalabarSamurai:
Check the requirements of the school you are applying to - some require IELTS, some don't. If the school requires IELTS, you will write IELTS ACADEMIC and it is valid for 2 years from the date you get your result.

Yeah I figured it was my grade sha, i think my project covers the required % of coursework. In this case what do you advise I do? another masters or pgd...I'm also tight on funds. Thanks for your input.

TOBERO23:
I think it is not about IELTs score but your grade dont judge pls. The phd require a minimum of B looking at your grade 3.11 is C. Note your master must be research oriented covering 25% of your entire course work.


I know someone with 4.21 master grade but the master course is not up to 25% research oriented. That was the explanation given to him.
Note he even get 2 publications.
Yet no admission.

So grade and the mode of your master coursework play a big rolli in phd in new zealand from what I have seen.

Nigeria is not on the exclusion list. Nigerian applicants must write an English language test.

ifyjobs:
Thank you once again for your input. Yes I understand, the school said if english is not your first language then one needs to write IELTS to prove english language proficiency hence my question on if english is our first language..

CalabarSamurai:
Nigeria is not on the exclusion list. Nigerian applicants must write an English language test.

Even if Nigeria is not on the exclusion list, we should learn to write the schools and institutions that Nigeria is an English speaking country and should be exempted.
We should stop accepting rules that we know is not applicable to us.

There is a guy on Twitter that write almost all the uni in Canada and USA to explain why Nigeria is an English speaking country and majority of the universities exempted Nigeria.

The difference here is that it is government policy, if Nigerian students want a change, it has to be at the level of government bilateral talks. Do you know Kenya is exempt as well as South Africa?

Peaceful123:
Even if Nigeria is not on the exclusion list, we should learn to write the schools and institutions that Nigeria is an English speaking country and should be exempted.
We should stop accepting rules that we know is not applicable to us.

There is a guy on Twitter that write almost all the uni in Canada and USA to explain why Nigeria is an English speaking country and majority of the universities exempted Nigeria.

CalabarSamurai:
The difference here is that it is government policy, if Nigerian students want a change, it has to be at the level of government bilateral talks. Do you know Kenya is exempt as well as South Africa?

Everything should not be left in the hands of the government. We as citizens can play our part.

There is no harm in trying.

When I say it is government policy, it means that it would require government level talks to change it, in what capacity will you be appearing before the New Zealand government? For this government policy which is not a school policy, you can only lobby the Nigerian government to speak to their counterparts in New Zealand to change it.
The guy that did what he did in US and Canada, succeeded only because it was a school policy and not government policy for International Students in those countries. You get?

Peaceful123:
Everything should not be left in the hands of the government. We as citizens can play our part.

There is no harm in trying.

CalabarSamurai:
When I say it is government policy, it means that it would require government level talks to change it, in what capacity will you be appearing before the New Zealand government? For this government policy which is not a school policy, you can only lobby the Nigerian government to speak to their counterparts in New Zealand to change it.
The guy that did what he did in US and Canada, succeeded only because it was a school policy and not government policy for International Students in those countries. You get?

Okay. I get your perspective now and your point is understood.