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New Zealand society values equality, which contributes to an accepting and secular community. It is one of the world’s most diverse nations and a shining example of multiculturalism. It is an exciting prospect to study and work in New Zealand for foreign nationals from different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. The approach to higher education is one more benefit that adds to the list of reasons why studying in New Zealand is a good idea. Now, let us take a look at some notable facts about New Zealand as a study abroad destination.
Key Facts to Study in New Zealand | |
Primary language | English |
Cost of study | NZD $20,000 to $40,000 |
Sources of funding | Part-time work, Financial grants |
Exams required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English |
Qualifications | Diploma, certificate, vocational training, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral |
Intakes | February, July, rolling intakes |
Visa | Fee-paying student visa |
New Zealand is also a beautiful country with scenic locations. An example of the beauty of New Zealand is its use as a backdrop for Peter Jackson's film series “The Lord of the Rings”. New Zealand's verdant greenery, ravaging rivers, and stunning mountain ranges scream Middle‑earth™. No wonder it is nicknamed "Home of Middle‑earth™". It is one of the world’s safest nations, which makes it easier to explore the incredible natural beauty of New Zealand as an international student. Read on for more reasons why studying in New Zealand makes sense and more information about it.
Benefits of Studying in New Zealand
Keep reading for more information regarding why studying in New Zealand is a sensible choice!
The country is also known for its forward-thinking approach to nearly everything, including education. The erstwhile prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, exemplified how compassionate and empathetic leadership could prove advantageous in propelling a country to new heights.
New Zealand has an approach to higher education that looks beyond academic achievements and focuses on developing longer-term results, like cultural competence and life skills, to prepare students to be global citizens.
The UK-influenced education system in New Zealand focuses on teaching based on research, making students handle situations systematically and in an organised way while learning
4000+
10,000+
1,000+
Government universities in New Zealand feature among the top 3% of universities worldwide
International students can work 40 hours per fortnight during their term time in New Zealand and any number of hours during their holidays.
There are three different types of student visas that allow you to study for a year or more in New Zealand, depending on your eligibility.
Some colleges in New Zealand have identical fees for domestic and international students.
New Zealand ranks fourth on the 2023 Global Peace Index, indicating how safe and welcoming it is.
Contact an AECC counsellor today!
The Education System in New Zealand
New Zealand's education system ranks among the most globally recognised. The nation follows a particular system of teaching and learning for different academic levels. The many different education levels in the country allow students to not only adapt to top learning methodologies but also be more noticeable than the rest. The education system for foreign nationals who visit New Zealand for higher education is the same as the one for domestic students.
There are five different levels of education in New Zealand, including tertiary education. Most international students seek tertiary qualifications in New Zealand, so let us discuss more about it. There are three main types of institutions in New Zealand at the post-secondary or tertiary level.
- State-funded Universities,
- Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITE)
- Private Training Establishments (PTE)
State-funded New Zealand universities mainly focus on research and education. Vocation-based polytechnic and technology schools in New Zealand offer certificate, diploma, practical, and vocational courses. The term 'PTEs' refers to privately funded institutes in New Zealand. These schools run on private funding, so they have higher tuition fees than ITE institutes. PTEs offer NZQA-approved certificates, diplomas, and degree programs in New Zealand.
University Intake Periods in New Zealand
Universities in New Zealand offer an array of programs with multiple intake periods right through the year. There are two main intake periods for foreign nationals who want to study in New Zealand colleges. The start dates for the two intakes vary by the school, though.
Usually, the first principal university intake starts in late February or early March. It is called the Autumn semester.
The second main university intake of the year in New Zealand begins in late July or early August. It is also called the Spring semester in New Zealand.
Another noteworthy aspect of the country's education system is that it offers rolling intakes, also known as flexible intakes. These intakes enable students to begin their programs at different times of the academic year instead of at the start of conventional semesters. This flexibility allows you to decide when to start attending a school in New Zealand depending on your circumstances, like personal commitments, visa processing, and/or work schedules. It also means that you can complete your studies in New Zealand at your own pace or take multiple units simultaneously to speed up your course completion.
Now that you are aware of the intake periods let us take a look at the deadlines to apply to universities in New Zealand for international students during each.
University Intake Deadlines | |
University Intake | Deadline |
Autumn | Usually, November of the previous year |
Spring | Usually, May of the current year |
There may be only one intake annually for some programs in New Zealand, so it is advisable to confirm the dates for the specific course you want to take. The last dates to apply to a university in New Zealand in each intake period may vary by the school and program. You should apply as early as possible to facilitate prompt processing of your student visa to study in New Zealand. It is advisable to start the application process with six months as a buffer period.
Popular Courses in New Zealand
Educational institutions and employers around the globe hold qualifications from New Zealand in high regard. The NZQA plays a big part in ensuring the international recognition and quality of qualifications in New Zealand. It is a developed economy with many opportunities in industries such as agricultural exports, tourism, finance, retail, and construction. Many courses have numerous advantages, like getting a permanent residence in New Zealand and being able to work in the country's highest-paying industry.
Now, which programs in New Zealand are the best for international students?
The best programs in the country are numerous. Thus, to assist you in determining your best program, here is a list of top options you should think about for your future academic investment in New Zealand:
- Business Administration
- Computer science and information technology
- Psychology
- Agriculture
- Medicine
Best Universities in New Zealand
Where can you find some of the world’s best universities? Well, virtually in every place, including the Land of the Long White Cloud. The top-ranked institutions in the country share the limelight with some of the most popular universities in the world. Every state-funded university in New Zealand offers globally recognised programs. All New Zealand universities are well regarded and known in academic communities and offer top undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs for international students.
Here is how two of the world’s best-ranking providers, namely QS and Times Higher Education, rate New Zealand colleges. Before you scroll down and look at the list of universities in New Zealand for international students, it pays to understand what THE and TopUniversities consider to rank them. Times Higher Education considers how reputed the research of universities is and how often their research papers are quoted or published worldwide. On the other hand, TopUniversities’ QS rankings survey many academic experts regarding how reputed international universities are and measure how good the teaching at these institutes is.
New Zealand Universities Overview | ||||
University Name | Best Known For | Popular Courses |
QS Rankings 2025 |
THE Rankings |
The University of Auckland | Highest-ranked university in New Zealand Large student base Wide range of study options |
Construction management Law Biochemistry |
65 | 150 |
The University of Otago | First university in New Zealand Academic excellence First-rate faculty |
Radiation therapy Behavioural science Marine science |
214 | 301 to 350 |
Victoria University of Wellington | Quality education Student diversity Research quality |
Genetics Nursing and midwifery Building technology |
244 | 401 to 500 |
The University of Waikato | Innovative and progressive university Small class sizes Internships and industry-related learning |
Political science Information technology Social work |
235 | 401 to 500 |
Auckland University of Technology | Campuses with modern buildings Top-class facilities International research impact |
Health Sports science Visual arts |
412 | 401 to 500 |
Lincoln University | Student to faculty ratio Graduate employability Courses ranging from certificate to PhD |
Life sciences and medicine Natural sciences Business and management |
371 | 401 to 500 |
Massey University | Online qualifications Top-class pedagogy and research Student support |
Creative arts Health Sciences |
239 | 501 to 600 |
Requirements for Studying in New Zealand
Would you like to pursue higher education in New Zealand? Of course, you do! This is why you are here, after all. Understanding the entry criteria for each level of study in New Zealand is important to get an idea of what you need to qualify for it. Here are some of the requirements for almost every level of tertiary education in New Zealand:
Bachelor’s Level:
- Pass Year 12 or Grade 12, with an overall score of 65% or more
- Proficiency in English
Master’s Level:
- A relevant degree at the undergraduate level
- English proficiency
- Work experience (for the programs that demand it)
Doctoral Level:
- A bachelor’s ór master’s degree in a relevant field with research experience
- English proficiency
Requirements for Studying in New Zealand
While the admission criteria vary depending on the school and program, the documents necessary for entry into any university course in New Zealand include the following:
- Previous educational certificates.
- English proficiency results: Universities in New Zealand for international students accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Cambridge English scores.
- Academic transcripts.
Documents Required for a Fee-Paying Student Visa in New Zealand
There are a few student visa types in New Zealand with different eligibility criteria. However, we are only going to discuss some of the requirements for a fee-paying student visa here. There may be exceptions to the following criteria, so reach out to a migration agent at AECC to confirm whether you are eligible for the visa. Do not leave it to chance.
- Your passport
- Proof of good character, like a police certificate
- Every document proving that you are in good health
- Proof of paying the tuition fee for a year of study or one course, whichever is shorter
- An acceptance letter from an approved education provider
- Proof of funds to afford your living costs, tuition, and return journey
- Proof of travel and medical insurance up to the time you intend to stay in New Zealand
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
Annual Tuition Fees in New Zealand (NZD) | |
Level of Study | Annual Tuition Fees (in NZD) |
Bachelor’s Degree | $20,000 to $30,000 |
Master’s Degree | $25,000 to $40,000 |
VET Courses | $20,000 to $50,000 |
Certificate/Diploma | $10,000 to $20,000 |
PhD | $6,000 to $10,000 |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
With stunning landscapes and pristine beaches, New Zealand is an amazing place to live and study. Being an international student in New Zealand allows you to enjoy the nation's natural beauty to the fullest. That said, it is important to understand how much you will have to allocate towards your living expenses in New Zealand to enjoy your stay here to the hilt.
To help you plan your finances, here is a table showing the amount of money you can expect to pay for each expense in New Zealand. Keep the following handy and plan your financial affairs in New Zealand well.
Expenses |
Approximate Cost (AUD) |
Tuition |
$15,000 to $30,000 per year |
Accommodation |
$500 to $900 a month |
Health Insurance |
$600 to $3000 |
Student Visa |
From $650 (subclass 500) |
Food |
$400 to $850 |
Travel |
$35 to $80 a month |
Contact a counsellor at AECC for expert assistance and get your study in New Zealand journey underway!
Post-Study Work Opportunities in New Zealand
New Zealand is among the few countries in the world that allow international graduates with specific qualifications to live and study there for up to three years. If you hold at least a level-7 qualification or degree, you can qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa and work in any role in New Zealand. If you lack the aforementioned qualification, however, it must be associated with your field of study and the skilled occupations list to be eligible for the visa.
How long you can work full-time in New Zealand with a visa depends on the qualification you gain from a school in the country. If you hold a master's degree or PhD after studying in New Zealand for 30 weeks or more, you can work for three years. As a doctoral degree holder, you can apply for it soon after you submit your thesis in New Zealand.
If you hold a level-8 qualification or below, on the other hand, the duration of your course will determine your visa validity. The immigration department will work it out with your school offer letter. For instance, if the offer letter states that it takes 32 weeks to complete your course, your post-study work visa will stay valid for the same amount of time. If you complete an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree consecutively in New Zealand, you can apply for a visa that allows you to work for three years.
New Zealand Qualification and Visa Validity | |
New Zealand Qualification | Standard Visa Validity |
Diploma | Course duration-dependent |
Bachelor’s Degree | Course duration-dependent |
Master’s Degree | 3 Years |
Doctoral Degree | 3 Years |
in mind so that you can make the best choice for your future career.