[Farhandxb]

Greetings all,

The dismal job market is getting me down right now - my current thought is directed towards enrolling in a college/university (part time or full time) as one of the options to gain entry into NZ. I dont know the legal implications of this from an immigration perspective - however - I wanted to know what others might know about balancing a part time Undergrad or Poastgrad course with a full time job. And if there are specific colleges or universities which are flexible / cost effective from a mature students perspective. Any and all feedback would be appreciated.

PS: I would love to go back to uni - the downturn is not going away any time soon.

Regards

Farhan

[JandM]

For a start on part of the answers you want, here's a link. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/ Good luck!:nice1

[Carey]

I intended to do a one yr graduate diploma but on hearing the minimum was 35 hrs study a week by joining in on-line discussions which took place during the day, I declined both my offers and stuck to working 40 hrs a week! But that may not be the case for all courses, so go ahead and enquire.

[Farhandxb]

For a start on part of the answers you want, here's a link. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/ Good luck!:nice1

Thanks for that link Jand. It states:

Working while studying
You can work part time while studying full time, under certain circumstances:
...
for up to 20 hours in any given week during the academic year if you are in full-time study:
culminating in a New Zealand qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category,


WOOHOO!!! At least they're not making it illegal. Good thing someone has their thinking caps on!

Excellent! Does anyone have suggestions on universities in Welly/Hamilton which dont cost too much?

[JandM]

It might help people to advise if you let us know what you're thinking of studying. :)

[Farhandxb]

It might help people to advise if you let us know what you're thinking of studying. :)

Right you are.

I have an BTEC OND & 10 years experience in IT/Telecoms. Looking to complete a bachelors in Information Technology or equivalent IS Management discipline. Probably hoping for a few credits for my work experience and pervious quals.

[andrewp]

I've had a bunch of discussions over the last week with recruitment consultants and I mentions doing a graduate diploma as an idea. They all thought it was great. Local qualification and skills update would be a very good idea. Pity I've just missed the cut-off for Auckland Uni which closed last week. Still going to look at doing a proj man course.

[sophiedb]

I'm planning to do a course of some sort whenever we get to NZ. I'm trying to shift my career path while still in the UK, but all the Kiwi job descriptions say "must have knowledge of Maori/ToW issues" etc, which - other than being married to a bloke whose 1/8 Maori - I know sod all about :D

But at the same time it's not really worth the expense of a UK qual while we get ourselves sorted, so in the meantime I'm working on getting experience here, then a local update there.. if that makes sense?

[JandM]

It does make sense. And/Or there is the option of doing something in advance by distance learning if you have time, which might put you ahead when you land.

For instance, just a couple of things that came up from Googling.
http://www.correspondence.school.nz/study/levels.php?subject_seq=57
http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/resources_e/where_to_learn_maori.shtml