With plenty of scholarship money, numerous courses and opportunities for careers after graduation, New Zealand has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students.

But, is the degree really as valuable as an American, Australian or British one?

And is New Zealand education truly less expensive?

In a chat with international education counsellor Raj Ganguly on Thursday, November 8, Get Ahead readers asked these questions and more.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:

roma asked, hi,iam in 8th std,is it good to join IBboard in 9th-10th or after that. iwish to go to new zealand but can a minor go,or can my mom or dad can accompany me.which is the best line that in choose for the future.after 5-6yrs what will be in demand. i am good in science

Raj Ganguly answers,  Hello Roma, yes you can definitely go to New Zealand however your parents have to accompany you. It would be difficult to predict something after 5-6 years however, I would imagine courses in science would always be in demand.

saket asked, I am a student of final year in Tool Design from Indo German Tool Room and wish to contune my education in Product design in University in Newziland. Kindly let me know the details.

Raj Ganguly answers, What I can suggest is you can check with "The NZ Society for Sustainability Engineering and Science (NZSSES)".

studyFirst asked, Hi, I am a software professional with 4 years exp and my masters degree in my kitty. I now want to pursue my Phd in CS. How valuable is a Phd in NZ compared to America?

Raj Ganguly answers, I would personally suggest that US is an established market for software so the options would definitely be better.

Aman asked, What is the benefit of doing MBA in New Zealand?

Raj Ganguly answers, New Zealand is an emerging market so in order to attract international students it offer good options which might not always be available in our countries.

bhanu asked, which is the best university to do mba in newzealand?

Raj Ganguly answers, University of Auckland, University of Otago, Canterbury University there are a number of Universities for you to choose from. I guess you will understand that it would be difficult to differentiate like we do in India. All of them maintain a particular standard.

tauqeeralam asked, I want persue Ph.D. and Ihave 17 years experience in teaching at graduation and post graduation level in economics

Raj Ganguly answers, You want to pursue a PhD in economics? What is your question??

arjun asked, hi, i am a medical graduate wishing to pursue masters in forensic science program. any universities in newzealand offering that program? kindly let me know the details.

Raj Ganguly answers, You can check out with University of Auckland. They offer courses in forensic sciences.

hi asked, hi wht is the cost of doing mba in newzealand and is it valid in india?

Raj Ganguly answers, It ranges from NZ$10,000 - NZ$12500. I have never heard anyone being refused for an MBA.

Teembher asked, Does NZ allows skilled migration? I'm a graduate with 3+ Software experience. How are my chances for migrating to NZ?

Raj Ganguly answers, Unfortunately this is Study Abroad forum. I'm really sorry I would not be able to comment on that.

sak asked, im a working radio professional here in india..u think i shud think of higher studies in radio frm nz?

Raj Ganguly answers, As I have mentioned earlier. New Zealand is an emerging market so I would suggest that before you take a plunge better check out what exactly you want to do?

Harish asked, Hello, I am an Industrial engineer with 1 year experience and want to persue MBA course, I would like to R the NZ universities globally reconised?? I to know more about the different courses offered by NZ universities, what is the admission procedure??

Raj Ganguly answers, Generally speaking, MBA requires at least 2 years work experience. All Universities in New Zealand are recognised. There are a few hundred courses that is offered in New Zealand and would be out of the perview and scope of this forum. It would be better if you could consult with an Educational Consultant.

bhanu1 asked, wht is the avg cost of studying mba ain newzealand?

Raj Ganguly answers, It ranges between NZ$10,000 to NZ$12500.

rajeev asked, hello sir, I'm a graduate of IITB with 4 years of workex. Tell me about prospects of Ph.D program in business function in NZ and availability of finance assistance for such programs. Pl also tell me procedure of admission for such programs. Thanks.

Raj Ganguly answers, Hello Rajiv, unfortunately one cannot opt for a PhD without a Masters. Yes there are options of financial assistance in New Zealand.

Anupam asked, hi, i am a mechanical engg. with 1.5 yr xperience in technical line.what are the chances of getting a degree in management and getting a work permit.

Raj Ganguly answers, Generally Universities prefer at least 2 years of work experience for a degree in Management. I mean Masters. So you stand a good chance. I would not be able to comment about work permits as this is a Study Abroad forum. However, I can say go through my article.

pintoo asked, is it better to do an ms in the us in a top univ or to go for an m.e degree in a top univ in new zealand..points to be considered are jobs and cost to study there

Raj Ganguly answers, A top US University is always better. Better prospects & Budget courses unfortunately don't shake hands.

RanjitF asked, Hello Mr.Ganguly... I wanna know howz the Aeronautics/Aerospace higher study in Newzealand? Are there any good universities which offer Masters in this field? And how the quality of universities compared to European and US?

Raj Ganguly answers, Hello, University of NewCastle offer a course. Personally I would suggest either Australia or US for a course like this.

miths asked, i want know abt the further studies in animation is good in abroad ?

Raj Ganguly answers, I would suggest you to search the internet and shortlist a few Universities. Yes it is definitely very good.

vishal asked, courses in films and cinema and r there any scholoships !! i have done quite good amount of films as an ast director

Raj Ganguly answers, Its not very common, however, you can check out the following link for details. http://edudiary.com/scholarships/category/scholarships-in-new-zealand/

skghosh asked, my son is in 1st semester in IT in an institute near Calcutta. He is not happy with that. He is interested in mech. engg/ robotic/ aeronautics/ automobille engg. Can he try for a degree in Nz. What do u suggest- what is to be done? he has 82% in 10th & 68% in 12th in cbse board. What would be appox expenses?

Raj Ganguly answers, In case you are interested for a detailed discussion you can contact rga.advisor@gmail.com It would be difficult to discuss in details in a forum like this.

sumit asked, hello sir, i m sumit agrawal final year student of engg(IT). i want to do MBA, would you kindly suggest me university that takes freshers in MBA

Raj Ganguly answers, Generally speaking no University does. However,if you are interested to join a college under a University you can contact rga.advisor@gmail.com where a number of budget courses can be offered.

pavan asked, Hello Sir.I'm a final year electrical engineering student.I'm interested in doing my Masters in Renewable Energy resources.Could you please enlighten me about any such courses available in NZ and what could be the total cost of education?

Raj Ganguly answers, Unfortunately New Zealand does not offer such a course. Even if any institute offers it possibly might not be too popular. It would be better to look for other countries.

Harish asked, How do you rate the American, Australian and NZ unversities?? In any order either increasing or decreasing order of Repution and work permit permission??

Raj Ganguly answers, There are autonomous bodies who do the rating on a regular basis. Work permit permission cannot be a parameter of the quality or standard of teaching or research facilities.

Anupam asked, Also please let us know the most important thing that how much value does a management degree from Newzealand has in India.

Raj Ganguly answers, It depends on how you project your knowledge and confidence in an interview board.

Hirdesh asked, Good After Noon , I Want to Study in NZ. But My english is Weak. Please advise me .

Raj Ganguly answers, You need to improve it. Pretty simple.

nayan asked, sir what is the oppertunity in the there in the it sector

Raj Ganguly answers, Unfortunately this is a Study Abroad Forum. I'm really sorry that I'm unable to comment here.

sai asked, i read in one of your replies that you require 2 yrs experience for an mba degree? is it the bare minimum? are their universities that give this program with 1 yr experience? if yes can you name a few universities that are good

Raj Ganguly answers, Sai good is a very relative term. Generally speaking most Universities ask for a two yr. work experience. However, there are a few exceptions but that depends on case to case basis.

suresh asked, I am working as Business Development Executive for an IT staffing company In Hyderabad. I have heard about Newzealand and bright prospects the companies offer there. I am already 31 years and very much willing to pursue my career in Newzealand. Can i get a job immediatly or do I need to take up any mandatory course before embarking on t a job. Please advice

Raj Ganguly answers, This is unfortunately a Study Abroad forum.

Hari asked, Sir, I am 25 years old and I am State Govt Employee. I am studied M.com & Diploma in Computers, Give me suggestion for future education step

Raj Ganguly answers, In that case i can suggest you to contact rga.advisor@gmail.com

sumpuran asked, sir i am m.sc computer i want to take higher study please suggest ss

Raj Ganguly answers, In case you are looking for a detailed discussion you are free to contact us at rga.advisor@gmail.com

ashish asked, hi is new zealand better option than australia for an mba?

Raj Ganguly answers, I can only say New Zealand is an emerging market so options after the course is much better.

rohit asked, Is GMAT score accepted in NZ? I have a gmat score of 710 and 5 yrs of experience. I want to pursue an MBA in marketing. Can you suggest some good universities for me? Thanks

Raj Ganguly answers, Yes GMAT is accepted. University of Otago University of Auckland University of Canterbury

vineesh asked, i am doing my M.B.A(marketing).is any higher studies in NZ?

Raj Ganguly answers, It depends on what you want to do.

Juhi asked, I passed my class 12 from La Martiniere Girls this year and i had taken Commerce. Now i am interested in doing my under grads in Mass Communication & Jounalism overseas in any English speaking country. Please advice.

Raj Ganguly answers, In case you are interested you are free to contact us at rga.advisor@gmail.com

aman bhai asked, hello mr.ganguly, I wanted to know which is the best university in new zealand.

Raj Ganguly answers, There is nothing called best university. There are a number of good universities in New Zealand.

raja asked, hi Ganguly i am raj i am complete P.G. (Anthropology)is any higher studies in NZ

Raj Ganguly answers, I would imagine that there would not be much of a scope.

ABDUL AZEEZ asked, Dear Mr. Raj, This is Azeez, I completd my BE Electrica in 2005 an dworking in Dubai as project engineer wiyj two yrs experiance. I would like to do higher studies. Kingdly advice me what to do?

Raj Ganguly answers, Mr. Azeez, in case you are interested you can contact us at rga.advisor@gmail.com