Study in New Zealand is a dream for many international students. It is one of the most chosen and preferred destinations among Indian students. There are many reasons why study in New Zealand is the best option for students. It is an advanced country which provides education with high-tech skills and technology. The environment is supportive and friendly. New Zealand provides better living standards and it also promotes innovation.
The experts at West Highlander, the best New Zealand visa consultancy have researched and gathered information regarding the Level 8 courses in New Zealand. This article covers all the information regarding level 8 courses in New Zealand, courses under Bachelor’s honours degree and postgraduate diploma and the benefits of doing level 8 courses in New Zealand. The article also answers major frequently asked questions related to level 8 courses in New Zealand.
We have been providing assistance for New Zealand study visa and helping students study in New Zealand for the past 18 years. New Zealand offers various programs, provided by different institutions. According to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), the education system in New Zealand is divided into levels. Each qualification falls under a level which ranges from Level 1 to Level 10.
The qualifications and their levels are mentioned in the table below:
| Level | Qualification |
| 1-4 | · Certificate |
| 5-6 | · Diploma
· Certificate |
| 7 | · Bachelor’s Degree
· Graduate Diploma · Graduate Certificate |
| 8 | · Bachelor’s Honours Degree
· Postgraduate Diploma · Postgraduate Certificate |
| 9 | · Masters |
| 10 | · PhD |
Level 8 courses in New Zealand
The level 8 courses in New Zealand are among high qualifications. These courses are higher in qualification than a Bachelor’s degree. Even the PG Diploma courses under Level 8 have many benefits.
There are two types of programs which lie in Level 8 of NZQA. These qualifications are:
- Bachelor’s Honours Degree
- Postgraduate Diploma
Bachelor’s Honours Degree in New Zealand
It is an undergraduate degree but an honours degree is of higher qualification than a conventional bachelor’s degree. The purpose of an honours degree is to be of a higher standard than a conventional degree and to better curriculum. The honours degree falls under the level 8 courses in New Zealand.
The courses offered under Bachelor’s honours degree in New Zealand are:
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (honours)
- Bachelor of Commerce (honours)
- Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (honours)
- Bachelor of Social Work (honours)
- Bachelor of Urban Planning (honours)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (honours)
- Bachelor of Health Science (honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Imaging (honours)
- Bachelor of Medical Science (honours)
- Bachelor of Nursing (honours)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (honours)
- Bachelor of Science (honours)
- Bachelor of Arts (honours)
- Bachelor of Law (honours)
- Bachelor of Dance Studies (honours)
- Bachelor of Music (honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (honours)
- Bachelor of Professional Creative Practice (honours)
Postgraduate Diploma in New Zealand
If you have done your bachelor’s and are now looking for further study options in New Zealand then you have two best options, first is a master’s degree and second is a PG Diploma. Your preference may depend on your career aspiration and your budget too. The duration of the program is 1 year but for some diplomas, it could be 18 months. The Postgraduate Diploma falls under Level 8 courses in New Zealand and that benefits students with one year of post-study work.
If you want to do a postgraduate diploma in New Zealand then you have the following options:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Aerospace Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Art Curatorship
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems
- Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Forestry
- Postgraduate Diploma in Geospatial Science and Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Social Practice
- Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
- Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning
- Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resource Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Youth and Community Leadership
Benefits of doing Level 8 Courses in New Zealand
Level 8 is the third-highest qualification in New Zealand. The programs come with numerous benefits for the students, their future prospects and also for their families. The benefits of doing a level 8 courses in New Zealand are:
Better Job Opportunities
Level 8 provides high-tech skills to students which results in getting better job opportunities. In the era of the technology boom it is rather easy to get a job in the Engineering and IT sectors in New Zealand and level 8 courses provide you appropriate skills for it.
Post-Study Work Visa
The students at level 8 get an equal amount of post-study work as their course duration. So if a student completes a Postgraduate Diploma of one year then he or she will be getting a Post study work visa for one year. The maximum number of years for a post-study work visa is of 3 years. Students with Level 8 and above qualifications can work under any employer in New Zealand.
Work Visa for Dependent spouses
Not all the level 8 students’ spouses get work visas. But if your program falls under the Green List of New Zealand qualifications then the student’s spouse is eligible for a post-study work visa. Otherwise, the spouse can go on a New Zealand visitor visa.
Earn 4 points for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
From 9 October 2023, new criteria were launched for international students for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, where you need 6 points to apply for a Resident Visa. The Level 8 programs provide you with 4 points on successful completion of your program. The other 2 points you can earn through 2 years of skilled work in New Zealand on any work visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Level 8 course NZ?
Level 8 courses in New Zealand is a bachelor’s honours degree or postgraduate diploma. It is higher in qualification than a conventional degree.
What degree is level 8?
A Bachelor’s honours degree falls under the Level 8 courses in New Zealand.
What is level 8 diploma?
There are three types of diplomas in New Zealand, the first is after the 12th diploma, the second is the graduate diploma which is at level 7 in New Zealand and the third is the postgraduate diploma which is under level 8 courses in New Zealand. So the postgraduate diploma is a level 8 diploma.
Is Level 8 a Master?
No, level 8 is not a master’s program. A master’s is a level 9 course in New Zealand.