New Zealand

Country snapshot

• Capital: Wellington

• Largest city: Auckland

• Language: English (Māori is also an official language)

• Dial code: +64

• Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

• Main intakes: February and July (some programmes also in November)

Why study in New Zealand?

You’ll find innovative, hands-on learning with strong links to sectors like tech, agribusiness, creative industries, engineering, environmental sciences, and health. Cities are welcoming and easy to navigate, and outdoor adventure is never far away.

Key benefits

• Globally respected degrees and research culture

• Modern facilities and student-centred teaching

• Diverse, multicultural campuses and supportive services

• Excellent quality of life and personal safety

• Strong employability with internships, projects, and industry ties

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting programme prerequisites (specific subjects/grades may apply)

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree; GPA/credit requirements vary by programme

• English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (waivers possible if prior study was in English)

• Programme-specific: Portfolios/auditions (arts/design), maths/physics checks (engineering), work experience (MBA/management)

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts & certificates (certified translations if needed)

• English test results (if required)

• Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where applicable)

• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs

• Passport-size photos and completed application forms

Student visa & immigration (overview)

• Receive an Offer of Place from an approved education provider

• Provide proof of funds for living costs and tuition (as per current requirements)

• Hold health insurance for the full study period

• Complete online application, medical/police checks (if required), and biometrics

• After approval, follow entry instructions and enrol on arrival

Work during & after studies

• During studies: Part-time work is generally permitted during term (commonly up to 20 hours/week) and more during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.

• After studies: Post-study work rights may be available for eligible qualifications and providers; length and conditions depend on programme level and duration.

Costs (guide numbers)

(Actual figures vary by university, programme, and city.)

• Tuition — Undergraduate: ~NZD 22,000 – 40,000+ per year

• Tuition — Postgraduate: ~NZD 26,000 – 45,000+ per year (specialist programmes can be higher)

• Living expenses: ~NZD 20,000 – 27,000 per year (Auckland/Wellington higher)

• Health insurance: required for international students (cost depends on plan)

• Books & supplies: ~NZD 500 – 1,000 per year

Top universities (examples)

• University of Auckland

• University of Otago

• Victoria University of Wellington

• University of Canterbury

• University of Waikato

• Massey University

• Lincoln University

• Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• University entrance/merit scholarships and international excellence awards

• Government-linked and country-specific scholarships

• Faculty/department awards; research/teaching assistantships (postgrad)

• Alumni or early-payment bursaries (institution-dependent)

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (entry criteria, deadlines, language, portfolio/tests if any)

2. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations, SOP, references, English test, CV/portfolio where needed)

3. Apply via university portals before the intake deadline

4. Accept offer and pay any required deposit; receive your Offer of Place

5. Apply for the student visa (proof of funds, insurance, medical/police checks if required)

6. Arrange accommodation, flights, and insurance; plan arrival

7. Enrol & orient: attend welcome sessions, set up banking/phone/transport, and start classes