Oceania · English
Study in New Zealand
Safe, scenic, and internationally recognised qualifications
University intakes
February (main) and July
Degree length (UG)
3 years
Number of universities
8 public universities
Post-study work
Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years
Population
~5 million (very small country)
Languages
English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language (all official)
Overview: studying in New Zealand
New Zealand offers high-quality tertiary education in a safe, welcoming, and spectacularly scenic environment. Its eight universities are internationally recognised, and the country's small size means a close-knit student community. New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa allows graduates to stay and work after their studies, and the country is known for its outdoor lifestyle, low crime rate, and strong Māori cultural heritage.
Pros and cons
Advantages of studying in New Zealand
- ✓Very safe country with low crime rates
- ✓High-quality universities in a scenic natural environment
- ✓Open and welcoming culture, particularly for Asian students
- ✓Post Study Work Visa gives open work rights after graduation
- ✓English-speaking, making the transition easier
- ✓Strong agriculture, environmental science, and marine research programmes
Things to consider
- –Geographic isolation — long flights from most countries
- –Smaller job market than Australia, Canada, or the UK
- –Limited number of universities compared to larger English-speaking countries
- –Higher cost of living in Auckland
- –Pathway to permanent residency can be complex
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
NZ$22,000–NZ$35,000NZD/yr
Per year. Engineering and health sciences are typically at the higher end. Humanities and social sciences are lower.
Postgraduate / Master's
NZ$26,000–NZ$42,000NZD/yr
Per year. Specialist master's and professional programmes are at the higher end.
MBA (total programme)
NZ$40,000–NZ$70,000NZD
Total programme cost for full-time MBA.
Cost of living in New Zealand
Estimated monthly costs — Auckland
NZ$1,800–NZ$2,500NZD/month
Includes: Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal costs
Wellington is similar to Auckland. Dunedin and Christchurch are notably more affordable (NZ$1,300–NZ$1,800/month). INZ guidance suggests budgeting approximately NZ$20,000/year for living costs.
New Zealand student visa: Student Visa
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Key requirements:
Offer of place from a New Zealand educational institution
Evidence of sufficient funds (tuition fees + NZ$20,000 for living per year)
English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar)
Valid passport
Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required)
Police clearance certificates
Medical/travel insurance
New Zealand uses an online application system. Always check Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for current fees, requirements, and processing times.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic
6.0–6.5 overall for most programmes
TOEFL iBT
80–90 iBT for most programmes
Exemptions
Citizens of English-speaking countries are generally exempt. Some institutions accept other tests including PTE Academic and Cambridge.
Requirements vary by institution and study level. Always confirm with your specific university or polytechnic.
Work rights
During study
Up to 20 hours per week during term time; full-time during scheduled holidays
After graduation
Post Study Work Visa: open work visa, typically 1–3 years depending on qualification level. Duration was extended for higher-level qualifications in 2023.
New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa does not require a job offer. It allows work for any employer. Check Immigration New Zealand for current durations by qualification level.
Top student cities in New Zealand
Auckland
University of Auckland, AUT; largest city, most opportunities, highest costs
Wellington
Victoria University; capital city, government and arts hub
Christchurch
University of Canterbury; rebuilt city, engineering and agriculture
Dunedin
University of Otago; oldest university in NZ; most affordable major city
Hamilton
University of Waikato; agricultural research, close to Hobbiton
Popular subjects
Practical information
Accommodation
Most universities offer on-campus accommodation for first-year students. University halls of residence typically cost NZ$200–NZ$400/week depending on the institution and city. Private rental in Auckland is expensive; shared accommodation typically NZ$200–NZ$350/week per person.
Healthcare
International students on a Student Visa for more than 2 years are eligible for publicly funded health care. Those on shorter visas should arrange comprehensive medical insurance. Accident cover is provided by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) for accidents regardless of visa status.
How to apply to study in New Zealand
Apply directly to your chosen university or polytechnic
Receive an offer of place
Pay tuition deposit and receive Offer of Place letter
Apply for Student Visa through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) online
Arrange medical insurance and prepare documentation
Attend visa appointment if required
Prepare for arrival and orientation
Scholarships for international students in New Zealand
New Zealand Government Scholarships (NZAS)
Postgraduate scholarships for citizens of eligible Pacific and developing countries
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries at postgraduate level. Check ENZ for eligible countries.
Visit official website →University scholarships
New Zealand universities offer merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students
Eligibility: Varies by institution. Check individual university websites.
Visit official website →Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?
Undergraduate tuition typically ranges NZ$22,000–NZ$35,000 NZD per year. Per year. Engineering and health sciences are typically at the higher end. Humanities and social sciences are lower.
What is the visa process for studying in New Zealand?
You will need a Student Visa. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Key requirements include: Offer of place from a New Zealand educational institution; Evidence of sufficient funds (tuition fees + NZ$20,000 for living per year); English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar). New Zealand uses an online application system. Always check Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for current fees, requirements, and processing times.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Up to 20 hours per week during term time; full-time during scheduled holidays
What are the post-study work options in New Zealand?
Post Study Work Visa: open work visa, typically 1–3 years depending on qualification level. Duration was extended for higher-level qualifications in 2023.
What IELTS score do I need to study in New Zealand?
6.0–6.5 overall for most programmes. Requirements vary by institution and study level. Always confirm with your specific university or polytechnic.
Also considering the UK?
The UK has 3-year degrees, a 2-year post-study work visa (Graduate Route), and 90+ universities. Co Lab Education returns 50%+ of agent commission back to you as an education grant.