Image

Your dream to Study in
New Zealand is closer than you think!

Learn about the different aspects of studying in New Zealand and look for counselling
from one of our experts!

Your dream to Study in New Zealand is closer than you think!
Learn everything you need to know about studying in New Zealand and get end to end expert guidance from us.

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in New Zealand



+63


 

Study in New Zealand from Philippines

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

Over the last many months, there has been a steady increase in the number of international students with valid student visas in New Zealand. As per data from September 2022 to April 2023, the immigration department of New Zealand issued around 34,000 new visas to eligible international students. The figures apply to both dependents of individuals with valid work visas and fee-paying students from foreign countries. The Philippines is among the largest contributors to the growing international student population in New Zealand. Do you want to be a part of the growing pack? Well, why not?

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+

4000+

Filipino student
10,000+

10,000+

Courses
1,000+

1,000+

Institutions
Government universities in New Zealand feature among the top 3% of universities worldwide

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Zealand ranks fourth on the 2023 Global Peace Index, indicating how safe and welcoming it is.

Want to know more about what it is like to study in New Zealand?
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.

  1. State-funded Universities,
  2. Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITE)
  3. 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:

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
Why fret over the task of choosing a university in New Zealand when there are expert counsellors to help you out? Reach out to AECC today and gain FREE counselling on how to choose the best institute for higher education in New Zealand!
 

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:

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

The cost of studying in New Zealand includes visa charges, college tuition fees, housing charges, and so forth. Here is a table showing a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for your higher education 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
It is worth noting that the aforementioned are only rough estimates and that the actual fees are likely to vary from one university to another in New Zealand.
 

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

Need a helping hand to sort out your living costs in New Zealand?
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
Contact an AECC counsellor if you have any specific field to study in New Zealand
in mind so that you can make the best choice for your future career.

Frequently asked questions
 

There are many reasons why studying in New Zealand pays off for foreign nationals. For one, New Zealand’s immigration department offers a visa that allows eligible international graduates to study in the nation for up to three years. With a degree and a post-graduate work visa in New Zealand, you can get back the cost of studying in a matter of months. New Zealand is also an accommodating and safe nation with great natural beauty.

Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees Abroad in New Zealand



+63



Image