Vet Studies in New Zealand 2007

Short report on costs of tuition and accommodation and what a new student from Singapore can expect when studying vet medicine in NZ

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand is a beautiful country that provides both a conducive study environment as well as countless breath-taking outdoor activities that many students will find enriching and fun. Natural beauties such as Lake Taupo and Fox Glacier are just some of the many popular vocation spots that are visited during study breaks by Kiwis and visitors alike. Many of the more adventurous students may even find themselves bungee jumping and white water rafting. Since the cost of education is also a priority among all students, one will be glad to know that the exchange rate is also more affordable than most countries (e.g. U.S.A, U.K. and Australia) that students go to for veterinary studies.

Why Massey University?

Besides being the only veterinary teaching school in New Zealand, Massey has become the hub for agricultural practice; providing students with a vast array of academic curriculum while keeping them up-to-date with the industry’s latest development in the veterinary field. Massey’s veterinary school has a 40-year track record of nurturing vets and is fully accredited by AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association), RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), New Zealand and Australia.

Massey University is also reputed to be one of the best Veterinary Schools in the Asia Pacific region and offers a good amount of hands-on practices. Unlike other veterinary schools, Massey’s Veterinary program ensures that students get comprehensive training in their field of interest by allowing them to choose their specialty track such as Small Animals or Equine in their final year.

Massey University is located in Palmerston North, a city within the Manawatu region that is a mere 2 hour drive north of Wellington (New Zealand’s Capital). The cost of living is lower than that in major cities such as Auckland and Wellington. Housing is cheap and transport for students via bus is also free. Other well-known features of the area include the windmills on mountains surrounding the city and the Manawatu River running through it.

Enrolling in the Veterinary Course:

Students who are interested can get into BVSc 1 via semester 1 or 2.
Semester 1 (Before selection):
8 places (Have to do well in four science papers with an equivalent STAT F score in ordered to be considered)
Semester 2 (After selection):
14 places (For people who have or are completing an appropriate undergraduate degree (minimum of 2 years completed) or postgraduate qualification in the biological sciences)

For more details about enrolment please email vet@massey.ac.nz for Massey University booklets to be sent to you. You could also visit http://vet-school.massey.ac.nz/

Costs of Tuition and Accomodation:

Tuition: Year 1 - $30,300 ($9,300 for the competitive 1st Semester)
Year 2-5 - $42,000 per year
Living expenses: Minimum of $12,000 per year

There are a number of hostels in campus and some university managed flats or apartments as well as home-stays off campus available. Most of the hostels provide meal plans but there are also some self-catering options available. Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on location. A campus hall may cost $120+ (without catering) and around $170-$210 per week (with catering). You could also choose to flat out with friends in town and costs for accommodation can be as low as $70+/- per week. However there is the consideration with cost of food, electricity and furniture.

Students under 18 years as of the start date of the course must live in university home-stay accommodation. Please contact the International Student Support staff (http://international.massey.ac.nz/) at Massey campus for more information.

Insurance

All international students are required by law to be covered by Medical Travel Insurance while they are in New Zealand. The insurance must meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. After receiving a formal Offer of Place letter, students should complete and return the Accommodation Application Form to the university as soon as possible.

Visa Requirements

To apply for a student visa you will need:
- New Zealand Immigration Service application form
- A valid passport
- Your confirmed offer of place letter from Massey University (which includes confirmation of tuition fees paid and guarantee of accommodation)
- Proof of living funds. This is around $10.000 - $12,000 per year.

Related websites:

http://www.massey.ac.nz
http://international.massey.ac.nz/
http://ivabs.massey.ac.nz/
http://vet-school.massey.ac.nz/

What to expect as a new student

Expect culture shock, as new students may need some time to adjust to the food and the ways Kiwis work. You might find it strange to be the minority here but Kiwis are generally very friendly and helpful. It can get quite cold and windy here during winter months. There is also the Merlion club, which is comprised of friendly Singaporeans with different undergraduate studies such as Aviation and Horticulture. Being in the club makes it easier to bear through home-sick times.

Academic life is both challenging and enjoyable. While the average pace of life is much more relaxing than that in Singapore, students can expect enough workload to keep a vibrant brain sufficiently challenged.

Contact email:

General Enquiries: Mrs Sue Gribbin S.J.Gribbin@massey.ac.nz
Veterinary School Enquiries: Dr Eloise Jillings E.Jillings@massey.ac.nz

Alternatively, interested personnel may also contact Lim Chee Kia at wisefool83@hotmail.com or mobile no.: 9176-5256. He is a former Massey student and is currently helping with New Zealand International Student recruitment.