Ask & Answer: India's Largest Education Community

Getting part time jobs while studying at Fitchburg State University (FSU) is not very easy, but not impossible either. There are some factors that may affect your chances of finding a part time job in Fitchburg, such as:

• Your language skills: Most part time jobs in Fitchburg require a good command of English, and some may also require Spanish or other languages. However, you may find some opportunities that only require your native language, such as tutoring, translation, or interpretation.
• Your visa status: As an international student from India, you need a valid F-1 visa and an I-20 form to work in the US. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus or off campus with authorization from the International Education Office. You also need to maintain your full-time enrollment and academic performance.
• Your academic schedule: You should prioritize your studies over your part time job, as your academic performance may affect your visa renewal and your scholarship eligibility. You should also balance your work and study hours, as working too much may cause stress and fatigue. You should also consider the exam periods, holidays, and semester breaks, as they may affect your availability and demand for part time jobs .

I hope this helps you understand how easy or difficult it is to get part time jobs while studying at FSU. 

Both institutions are reputable and offer quality education in engineering and technology. However, there are some differences in their programmes, facilities, costs, and outcomes. Some of the factors you may want to consider are:

• Programmes: Ara Institute of Canterbury offers a wider range of B.Tech programmes, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and medical engineering, while Delhi Technological University only offers B.Tech in computer engineering, electronics and communication engineering, and information technology. Ara Institute of Canterbury also has more flexible study options, such as online, blended delivery, and part-time programmes, while Delhi Technological University mainly offers full-time on-campus programmes.
• Facilities: Ara Institute of Canterbury has six campuses throughout the South Island of New Zealand, with state-of-the-art facilities such as a new health precinct, a new engineering and architectural studies building, a new recreation centre and training gym, a theatre, and exhibition spaces. Delhi Technological University has a single campus in Delhi, India, with well-equipped laboratories, workshops, libraries, sports facilities, and hostels.
• Costs: The cost of studying B.Tech at Ara Institute of Canterbury for international students is NZ$23,000 per year, plus living expenses of NZ$15,000 to NZ$18,000 per year. The cost of studying B.Tech at Delhi Technological University for international students is INR 1,50,000 per year, plus living expenses of INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year. The exchange rate as of December 2023 is 1 NZD = 51.73 INR
• Outcomes: The employment outcomes for B.Tech graduates from Ara Institute of Canterbury are high, as the institute has strong industry partnerships and workplace training opportunities, which enhance the employability and practical skills of the students. The average salary for B.Tech graduates from Ara Institute of Canterbury is NZ$60,000 per year. The employment outcomes for B.Tech graduates from Delhi Technological University are also high, as the institute has a good reputation and placement record, with many students getting recruited by top companies in India and abroad. The average salary for B.Tech graduates from Delhi Technological University is INR 11,00,000 per year.

Ultimately, the choice between Ara Institute of Canterbury and Delhi Technological University for doing B.Tech depends on your personal and professional goals, as well as your preferences for the learning environment, curriculum, and opportunities.

The job opportunities depend on the specialisation and pathway you choose for your B.Tech degree. Some of the possible career paths and roles are:

• Information Systems: You can work as a business analyst, systems analyst, database administrator, IT consultant, IT project manager, IT support specialist, or web developer in various sectors such as banking, education, health, government, or retail.
• Networking and Infrastructure: You can work as a network engineer, network administrator, network security specialist, network manager, systems administrator, cloud engineer, or IT support specialist in various sectors such as telecommunications, internet service providers, data centers, or IT companies.
• Software Development: You can work as a software developer, software engineer, software tester, software architect, web developer, mobile developer, or interactive media developer in various sectors such as software companies, gaming companies, web design companies, or IT companies.

The demand for IT professionals in New Zealand is high and expected to grow in the future, as technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of life and business. The average salary for IT professionals in New Zealand is $82,000 per year, but it can vary depending on your experience, skills, location, and employer.

The application process for Ara Institute of Canterbury is similar to other universities in New Zealand, but there are some differences as well. Some of the similarities and differences are:

Similarities:

• You can apply online through the university website or by email, or by downloading an application form and sending it by mail.
• You need to provide your personal details, academic qualifications, English proficiency test scores, and any additional documents required by the specific programme you are applying for.
• You need to pay an application fee, which ranges from NZ$25 to NZ$50, depending on the university.
• You need to apply before the application deadlines, which are usually in January or February for the first semester, and in June or July for the second semester.

Differences:

• Ara Institute of Canterbury offers a wider range of programmes, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and graduate qualifications, while other universities mainly offer degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury has more flexible study options, such as online, blended delivery, and part-time programmes, while other universities mainly offer full-time on-campus programmes.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury has more industry partnerships and workplace training opportunities, which can enhance your employability and practical skills, while other universities have more research opportunities and facilities, which can expose you to cutting-edge innovations and developments.

There is no definitive answer to which institution is better for B.Tech in New Zealand, but I can provide you with some information and comparisons:

• There is no clear winner across every subject area at the bachelor’s degree level when comparing universities. However, they suggest looking at the course and qualification completion rates, employment outcomes, and salary prospects for different study subjects and providers. You can find this data on the Ministry of Education website.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury offers nationally recognised and exceptional certificates, diplomas, degrees and graduate qualifications. The practical, hands-on learning is given in a supportive, welcoming environment. Ara Institute of Canterbury has six campuses throughout the South Island.
• Lincoln University is a specialist land-based university that offers world-class research and teaching across the full spectrum of the land-based sector. Lincoln University has a single campus in Lincoln, near Christchurch. Lincoln University is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for agriculture and forestry.

Some of the possible advantages of choosing Ara Institute of Canterbury over Lincoln University for B.Tech are:

• Ara Institute of Canterbury has a wider range of B.Tech programmes, such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and medical engineering, while Lincoln University only offers B.Tech in environmental engineering.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury has more flexible study options, such as online, blended delivery, and part-time programmes, while Lincoln University mainly offers full-time on-campus programmes.
• Ara Institute of Canterbury has more industry partnerships and workplace training opportunities, which can enhance your employability and practical skills.

Some of the possible advantages of choosing Lincoln University over Ara Institute of Canterbury for B.Tech are:

• Lincoln University is a more prestigious and internationally recognised institution, ranking higher than Ara Institute of Canterbury in the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
• Lincoln University has a more specialised focus on the land-based sector, which can provide you with more in-depth knowledge and expertise in environmental engineering.
• Lincoln University has more research opportunities and facilities, which can expose you to cutting-edge innovations and developments in the field of engineering

Ultimately, the choice between Ara Institute of Canterbury and Lincoln University for B.Tech depends on your personal and professional goals, as well as your preferences for the learning environment, curriculum, and opportunities. 

You will need the following documents when submitting your visa application:

• Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand
• Completed Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012)
• Application fee payment receipt (fee as mentioned above)
• An offer of a place – You need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand institute/university. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received
• Letter from your current institution confirming your status as a study abroad student
• Health insurance receipt
• You may be required to show Health and Character certificates, to prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine
• Two passport-sized photographs

The tuition fees for international students at Ara Institute of Canterbury typically range between NZD 8,000 - 27,500 per year, depending on the programme and level of study. The tuition fees for international students at Lincoln University typically range between GBP 15,900 - 19,300 per year, depending on the programme and level of study. Based on the current exchange rate, GBP 1 is equivalent to NZD 1.973. Therefore, Lincoln University is more expensive than Ara Institute of Canterbury in terms of tuition fees. However, you should also consider other factors, such as living costs, scholarships, and quality of education, when choosing a university.

Ara offers admission around the year, i.e. it has rolling admissions for most of the courses. International students can apply for admission months are January, February, May, July, and October. 

You can refer to the application deadlines given below: 

• Bachelor’s Deadline (Feb Start): Jan 22, 2026
• Bachelor’s Deadline (Jul Start): Jun 23, 2026
• Master’s Deadline (Feb Start): Over
• Master’s Deadline (Jul Start): May 15, 2026

You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. An application fee needs to be paid at this university while completing the application process. 

Unfortunately, I cannot definitively tell you whether a TOEFL score of 85 is good enough for Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC) without more information. The minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission into AIC programs can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Specific programme you are applying to: Different programs at AIC might have different English language proficiency requirements.
• Level of study: Undergraduate programs may have lower score requirements compared to postgraduate programs.
• Your academic background and other qualifications: Applicants with strong academic records or relevant experience might be considered despite slightly lower TOEFL scores.

TOEFL score range for AIC: Based on publicly available information, the average TOEFL score requirement for most programs at AIC ranges from 80 to 90.

• Score of 85: Your score of 85 falls within this range, making it competitive for many programs at AIC. However, some competitive programs, particularly in postgraduate studies, might require a higher score.

There are currently 3 scholarships being offered to international students at Ara, all with varying requirements, benefits, and application processes. They are:

• Advanced Energy Technology Scholarship: A $5000 scholarship for M? ori, Pacific or women studying mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering at Ara. You need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and a minimum GPA of 6.0
• M? ori and Pacific Scholarship: A scholarship that champions equitable outcomes for M? ori and Pacific learners by supporting their access to and success in tertiary study at Ara. You need to be of M? ori or Pacific descent, and have a minimum GPA of 5.0
• Excellence Scholarship: A scholarship that supports high-achieving learners who exhibit all-round ability and academic excellence to access and succeed in tertiary study at Ara. You need to have a minimum GPA of 7.0, and demonstrate your interest, aptitude, and potential for the programme you are applying for4.
• The scholarship value for each scholarship is $4,000 per equivalent full-time student enrolment, which means you can spend it on anything that helps you succeed in your studies, such as fees, rent, transport, or childcare. You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. You will also need to pay an application fee of NZD 250, which is non-refundable. You should apply as early as possible, as the admission process can take up to 8 weeks.

You will need the following documents when applying for a programme at Ara:

• Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum score required depends on the program, but usually it is 6.0 or higher for IELTS, 80 or higher for TOEFL, or 50 or higher for PTE.
• Resume/CV, highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
• Letters of recommendation (LORs) from your teachers, employers, or mentors, who can vouch for your academic potential, skills, and character.
• Personal statement, explaining your motivation, goals, and suitability for the programme you are applying for.
• Passport copy, showing your personal details and validity.
• Financial documents, such as bank statements, loan approvals, or scholarship letters, to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in New Zealand.
• You can apply online by selecting “apply now” on the programme page you wish to apply for on the Ara website. You will also need to pay an application fee of NZD 250, which is non-refundable. You should apply as early as possible, as the admission process can take up to 8 weeks.
• The admission criteria for each programme may vary depending on the level, duration, and content of the program. You will need to have a higher education entrance qualification, which is equivalent to the New Zealand NCEA Level 3 or higher. If you have a foreign qualification, such as the Indian CBSE, ISC, or State Board, you will need to check if it is recognised in New Zealand and if you need to take an assessment test or a preparatory course. You can use the NZQA website or the Ara website to check your qualification.

In summary, an average Indian student can join Ara Institute of Canterbury, as long as they meet the academic and English language requirements, and have the necessary documents and funds to support their study. However, the admission process is competitive and selective, so you will need to demonstrate your interest, aptitude, and potential for the programme you are applying for. 

When it comes to part-time jobs for Indian students at Ara Institute of Canterbury (AIC), there are several popular sectors that offer flexibility, valuable experience, and potentially align with their future career aspirations. Here are some top picks:

Hospitality and Retail:

• Restaurants and cafes: These settings can offer flexible hours, opportunities for interaction, and potential tips, making them popular among students.
• Retail stores: Working in various stores provides customer service experience, product knowledge, and teamwork skills, all valuable assets for any career path.

Education and Administration:

• Tutoring and educational support: Sharing their academic knowledge and assisting other students can be rewarding for Indian students with strong academic backgrounds.
• Administrative roles: Assisting with office tasks, data entry, or event organisation can develop valuable organizational and communication skills.

Technology and Creative fields:

• Web development and design: Students with tech expertise can find freelance gigs or part-time work with agencies, honing their skills and building portfolios.
• Graphic design and content creation: For creative individuals, freelance graphic design, photography, or video editing work can be both fulfilling and income-generating.

Other attractive options:

• Call centers: Multilingual students can leverage their language skills in customer service roles at call centers.
• Event management: Assisting with event setup, logistics, or catering can be a dynamic and exciting part-time opportunity.