Study Zone has some advice on part time jobs, what’s on offer, how much you’ll get paid, and where you can find them.

From waitressing to bar work, gardening to babysitting, there’s no shortage of part time jobs available for undergraduate university students. You just need to know where to find them, how much they pay, and how you go about fitting work in around your undergraduate degree.

To begin with –check out your university’s Student Job Search office. They receive jobs, for domestic and international students, everyday and will always ensure the latest ones are advertised on their noticeboards. TradeMe is another good website to look through.

The minimum wage in New Zealand for those over 16 years of age is $12 an hour before tax. Different jobs will have different pay rates so be sure to know how much the going rate is for your job before you start.

Hospitality
You’ll see many students behind bars in pubs and clubs or waiting on tables in cafes and restaurants. The hospitality industry is one of the liveliest industries to work in, however, there can be late nights involved. If you like the hospitality industry, but you don’t have the time for a regular shift every week, function centres and catering companies are always looking for casual staff for events, so sign up with them.

Physical Work
If you prefer working outdoors rather than indoors, then keep an eye out for labour intensive jobs like mowing lawns, gardening, laying concrete, or painting. Most of the time these are likely to be one-off jobs, but at least you won’t have to work in the rain if you don’t want to. 

Retail
If you would like a regular part time job each week then working in retail could be ideal. You’ll probably have to work the Saturday morning shift – but at least you’ll be getting paid. While all of your friends are sleeping in, you’ll be out buying that next outfit for O’week, ask the shop assistant for an application form. Be proactive.

Babysitting
This is one of the best student jobs. Once the kids have gone to bed, you can sit in the lounge and catch up on your study – all the while getting paid for it. If you enjoy spending time with children and have previous babysitting experience, you could talk to a local day care centre and ask to put an advert on their notice board. You may need a car to get home late at night though, unless you’ve organised with the family to stay overnight. It would also be a good idea to have an up to date first aid certificate.

Work on campus
You don’t have to go very far to get a part time job while you’re at university. Some are right on campus. The disability support service is always in need of people to help other students with disabilities. This could mean taking notes for them in class or being a support as they make their way around campus. The university library needs students to shelve and issue books and in your third year, you could also apply to be a tutor for a paper you really enjoyed in first year.

Experiments
There may be a few quirky jobs available too – like sitting in a paddock of grass so researchers can monitor hay fever symptoms. Watch out for these at student job search or browse the notice boards in the university corridors.

Advertise yourself
You don’t always have to rely on the jobs to come to you. If you’re looking for some part time work, get proactive. Make up a flyer offering your services, whether they’re mowing lawns, feeding cats, weeding gardens, doing housework or babysitting, and put them around the neighbourhood. You may find you’re in demand.

University websites
Each university has a scholarships office with a list of scholarships available, application deadlines, useful links and advice, and advisors to help you through the process. Check the website of the university that you plan to attend. Many offer scholarships at different levels, from school-leavers through to graduate level. Keep looking each year once you begin your tertiary study.

Polytechnic websites
There are just as many scholarships available at polytechnics as there are at universities – if not more. Whichever field you’re looking to study – whether it’s subject focused, or trade focused – check to see what scholarships are on offer. Talk to student services, they’ll be able to put you in touch with the scholarships office and scholarships co-ordinator.

Community groups
Service organisations (such as Rotary International) often have a commitment to educational funding. Ask your teacher, friends of the family, check library notice boards, and look through on-line databases, such as Breakout. Be realistic, though, and don’t waste time putting in applications when you don’t meet the criteria.

Sports clubs
If you’ve reached regional, national, or even international level in a sport find out what scholarships are available to you. Some clubs and sporting bodies will help you to excel at your sport while you study so you can gain an undergraduate degree while you train for the next Olympics.

Visit BreakOut
The online database that contains all scholarships for individuals. The database can be accessed free of charge at most public libraries, secondary schools and tertiary institutions. You can also access BreakOut at home using an Easy-Pay subscription.

Always keep an eye out for scholarships – new ones appear all the time. The key to applying for scholarships is to think outside the square. You may find you’re more eligible for a wider range of scholarships than you initially thought.

Check out Study Zone’s scholarship checklist to get the lowdown on how you can put a winning scholarship application together.

Regulations
Once you’ve found a scholarship (or two or three) that you would like to apply for, double-check the regulations. Scholarship applications can take a lot of time and effort and you want to make sure you are eligible.

Fill in the form correctly
Applying for a scholarship can be a lengthy process. There are usually a number of pages to fill in, as part of your application and it’s important that you do this properly. Selection panels will want accuracy and completeness. Make sure you provide all of the details that have been asked for. You disadvantage yourself if you don’t give the selection panel all of the details that have been asked for.

Cover letter & CV
Make sure your CV is up to date. You’ll have to submit this as part of your scholarship application. You will also need to write a cover letter, explaining who you are, why you are applying for the scholarship, and why you think you deserve to win it. You should be able to adjust your basic CV for each application, but make sure that you write a different cover letter each time.

Academic record
Most scholarship applications will require you to present details of your academic record. Never give the original away. Make sure you keep copies of your academic record and, if need be, have these signed by an authorised witness, such as a Justice of the Peace.

Referees
Most scholarship applications will also ask you to supply the contact details for two or three referees. Think carefully about your choices. It could be one of your teachers, a sports coach, a family friend, or your employer. Ask them if they are happy to be a referee for you, and always let them know when you are putting their name and contact detaisl down. Give referees plenty of advance notice if they have to fill in a form that you need to enclose with your application.

Deadlines
Unfortunately, scholarships are just like assignments – they have deadlines! So make sure you check the closing date of the scholarship that you are applying for, and allow plenty of time for postal delivery.  You don’t want to miss it.  Most scholarship award rounds come only once a year. October is one of the busiest months

Give yourself time
To apply for a scholarship you need to provide the right information, and putting that together can take time. Don’t leave your organisation to the last minute. Get prepared. Update your CV, write a cover letter template, have copies of your academic record, let your referees know you are applying for lots of different scholarships, and give yourself time to do the application justice. The process may seem tedious, it may be frustrating but if you do it properly, the rewards may well be yours.

Good luck!

STUDY ZONE SCHOLARSHIP CHECKLIST

Study Zone has some helpful hints on how to put together a winning scholarship application. Combine these with your own research and you could be on your way to receiving an undergraduate scholarship.

WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

There are lots of scholarships out there for you to apply for and many of them go unclaimed. Some people don’t know about them, other people don’t think they have a chance of winning one, but you won’t know until you’ve tried.

Do I qualify for a student loan?

To qualify for a student loan you will need to be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or refugee, and willing to sign a loan agreement with the New Zealand government.

How much can I borrow?

If you are planning to study full-time (more than 32 hours per week), you can apply for a student loan to cover the cost of course fees, course-related costs and living costs. If you only want to study part-time (less than 32 hours per week), you can apply for a loan to cover fees and course-related costs.

In certain circumstances a part-time student may be granted ‘limited full-time’ status. This means you can borrow the same amount as a full-time student. However, you will miss out on the interest write-off which is available only to full-time students.

Where does my student loan come from?

The student loan scheme is managed by two different New Zealand government departments. StudyLink, a section of the Ministry for Social Development, is responsible for delivering student loans. They also manage the student allowance scheme and provide scholarships. At the end of each year, StudyLink hands over all student loans it has provided to Inland Revenue, which manages the collection of payments and any interest write-offs.

In a nutshell, you will borrow the money from StudyLink and pay it back to Inland Revenue. The application process is well documented on the StudyLink website.

Interest rates

The interest rate for the 2009 tax year is 6.7%. However, since April 2006, loans have been interest-free as long as you are living in New Zealand for at least 183 days per year.

Do I get an interest write-off on my student loan?

If you are a New Zealand tax resident and your income is under the student loan repayment threshold, you will be eligible for an interest write-off. If you meet these criteria, your interest should be automatically written off at the end of each tax year.

When do I have to pay it back?

Once your total annual income is more than NZ$ 19,760 , the threshold for the 2020 tax year, you will have to start making repayments on your student loan.

How much do I have to pay back?

For every dollar you earn above this amount, you will have to pay 10 cents toward your student loan.

Am I eligible?

If you are a New Zealand resident over 18 and studying full-time at a secondary school or approved tertiary course, you may be able to get a student allowance. If you are living at home, or if this is your first year living away from home, it will depend on your parents’ combined income. 

If you are over 25, or have been living away from home for more than two years, the student allowance is no longer based on your parents’ earnings. It is based solely on your income and you should be eligible for the maximum allowance.

How much can I get?

If you are supported by your parents while studying, then the maximum student allowance paid is NZ$ $ 305.06 before tax. After tax this would leave NZ$ $270.52 in your pocket per week.

However, receiving the maximum amount of student allowance is not guaranteed. If you are living with both your parents, don’t have any student siblings, or your parents earn more than the income threshold, then the student allowance will be less than the maximum amount.

For example, if you live with both your parents, who earn more than NZ$50,000 per year between them, and you have no brothers or sisters studying, then you will receive NZ$120.37, or NZ$102.31 per week after tax.

Your Student Allowance weekly payment is $270.52 (after tax) or $305.06 (before tax). You worked last week and earned $350 (before tax).

We don’t count $220.90 (before tax) as income, but the rest of your earnings, that is $129.10 (before tax), will be counted as income.

This means your Student Allowance payment will be reduced by $129.10 (before tax).

There is a calculator on the Studylink website to calculate your potential student allowance.

There is also an accommodation benefit if you live away from home while you are studying. This is based on where you are living while you study, and if you are a single parent. The benefit ranges could add between NZ$32 and NZ$60 per week to your student allowance.

If you are not supported by your parents, and have been living away from home for more than two years you could qualify for the Independent Circumstances Allowance.

Do I have to pay it back?

Unlike a student loan, a student allowance is a non-refundable grant so you do not have to pay it back.

How much can I earn and still receive the allowance?

You are allowed to earn up to NZ$ $220.90 per week before your student allowance will be affected. The amount per week you earn above this amount will be deducted from your student allowance payments.

Once your application is approved, you may be able to get the student allowance for up to 200 weeks (over four years of study), providing that you are passing the required number of papers. That should cover the duration of most qualifications, but there are situations where this limit can be extended.

Studylink manages the student allowance system and more information can be found on their website.

Embarking on an undergraduate degree brings with it the costs of being an undergraduate student. Study Zone looks at where you’ll have to spend your money while at a New Zealand university – from fees to books, food to entertainment.

Fees

Fees differ depending on the university you are studying at and the qualification you have enrolled in. As a general guideline, for an undergraduate domestic student, individual first-year papers range in price from NZ$1200 – NZ$1500. Fees for a full year of study range from NZ$4,000 – NZ$6,000. Domestic student fees are cheaper than those for international students. Check out the University Profiles for more information about fees.

Books

Each paper you study will have a compulsory text. Some copies will be available in the library but remember, in a class of 300 people, everyone will want access to the same  book. Check the university bookshop for discount prices and look for copies in second -hand bookshops. You may even find student notices in the corridors, advertising books for sale. Textbooks may seem expensive but you can sell them when you’ve passed the paper. Next year, there’ll be undergraduate students just like you, needing the same books. (If you have to purchase a course booklet of readings, though, that cannot be resold because of copyright.)

Field trips

Some papers may require you to go on field trips. This will usually be part of the paper fee but there may be some additional costs that you need to cover. Read your Paper Outline carefully and check with your lecturer at the beginning of the semester to make sure there are no surprises.

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students, second only to the actual cost of studying at university. If you’re living in halls of residence in your first year, each term’s accommodation fees will cover rent, food, and power. You’ll just need a few coins for your washing. If you’re in a self-catered flat on campus, the fees will cover rent and bills but you’ll need to pay extra for food. If you’re living off campus, in a flat with friends, then you’re responsible for sharing all of the costs –  tenancy bond, rent, phone, television and power bills, and food.

Student Clubs

If you want to join a club check how much it costs to sign up. Most student unions contribute to the cost of running a club so it won’t be a lot, and the fee will be worth it in the long run. You’ll get to meet new people and have a life away from your study.

Travel

You may not think you will but, at some stage during your undergraduate years at university, you’re likely to feel a little homesick. Set money aside for those trips home. If you’re flying home for the university holidays,  book well in advance to get the best deals.

Food

Even if you’re living in the halls of residence you might want to have a little stash of food in your room. Mum’s home- made baking never lasts – especially when your room-mates sniff it out – so have a shelf of 2-minute noodles, muesli bars, baked beans, nuts and dried fruit. These are great to snack on and will keep you going when you get hungry, whatever hour of the day or night.

Entertainment

O’week, Saturday night, parties, balls – they’re all part of being an undergraduate student so make the most of it. Set some money aside each week for going out with friends and always have enough money to get home safely at the end of the night. Take care of each other and if someone needs a little extra bit of cash to get home safe and sound, make sure you lend it to them. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Each New Zealand university and polytechnic has international student services to help you settle in as an international student. Study Zone takes a look at the services on offer.

International Student Support Officers

Each school, faculty or department in your chosen institute of study will have a person dedicated to providing you with support. They’re called international student support officers. If you have any questions about your studies – like what papers to choose, or where to find your class – they’ll be able to help you out.

They also organise international student activities on campus so you can meet others who are experiencing international student life. They’ll arrange trips off campus as well – usually on weekends – so you can explore some of the beautiful country that is New Zealand.

Student Unions

Each student union has an international student support officer, dedicated to ensuring your time studying in New Zealand is an enjoyable one. Their role is to take any concerns you may have to the student union president – who then in turn takes it to the institution’s governing body. So you can be sure, the powers that be are hearing your concerns.

Student union international student support officers are advocates for you, so if you’ve got feedback on your experience as an international student, or suggestions as to how the university or polytech could make your time in New Zealand better – let them know.

International Centres

Whichever institution you choose to study at in New Zealand you’ll find an international centre. This is likely to be your main point of call during your time as an international student. Here you’ll find English language courses, people to help you with accommodation, fees, finance, visas, enrolment, health insurance and student life.

It’s another place where you’ll be able to meet fellow international students and take part in weekend trips to explore New Zealand.

New Zealand Students

They’re not scary! In fact, they would love to meet international students from all around the world. When you’re studying, you’ll be in a lecture hall or a seminar room with students from all around New Zealand, so make the most of their knowledge.

Ask them for recommendations on the city you’re studying in, other places in New Zealand to see, and where the best student discounts are in town.

Facilities

While you’re studying, you’ll need books from the library, use of computer labs, and possibly medical care. Remember, all this is available to you as an international student so make the most of it. You’ll also be entitled to sign up to sports and cultural clubs, as well as gyms and sports halls.

If you can’t find something, just ask. Someone will be sure to help you out!

Studying in a new country can lead to a serious case of culture shock, especially when no one’s speaking your language. In New Zealand, everyone speaks English, so if it’s not your first language you’ll need to show you can communicate with confidence.

Putting it to the test

There are two major English language tests, which are widely accepted the world over. The first is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is run by Cambridge University; the second is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some institutions also carry out their own tests to ascertain skill levels and offer additional classes if need be.

As a rough guide, you’ll need to provide one of the following scores to qualify for undergraduate study:

• A TOEFL paper-based score of 550 overall including a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0
• A TOEFL computer-based score of 213 with a TWE of 5.0
• A TOEFL internet-based score of  79 – 80 with a writing score of 20
• An IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band

If you’re a postgraduate student your scores will need to be a little higher.

Certain degrees may also require higher levels of English proficiency, such as veterinary science, nursing or teaching. The standards for these papers are often set by someone outside of the institution.

Try it out

Here’s an example of the sort of question to expect from TOEFL. You need to fill in the missing word:

“The Copperhead is a venomous serpent, found as far North as the Blue Hills in Massachusetts and ___ bite has proved dangerous to hikers and joggers.”

But don’t worry, there are no snakes in New Zealand!

Study Zone’s top tips to improve your English

• Read lots of books and magazines. There’s no better way to familiarise yourself with a new language then to immerse yourself in it.
• Keep a journal and write in it every few days. Self-correct your work if you can, checking for mistakes and be tough on yourself. Don’t keep making the same mistakes.
• Talk to people in English as much as possible.
• Enrol in a language course.
• Language CDs are good for picking up the basics, but they’re not very entertaining. Watching movies in English, however, is a really cool way to learn.

Don’t be daunted by all the scary acronyms above. It’s not so bad really, and 90,000 international students thrive in New Zealand each year. Chances are, your English is better than that of many Kiwis.

Official languages

A few New Zealand sayings