Study in New Zealand: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships & Careers

New Zealand is emerging as a popular international education destination for students. More than 70,000 international students currently study in New Zealand. 10% of the global student base, 59,000 Indian students, is pursuing in-demand courses in New Zealand. The New Zealand institutions provide various courses in hospitality, tourism, business, agriculture, and STEM.

In terms of global ranking, it is ranked #4 on the Global Peace Index, making New Zealand a popular destination for students to fulfill their career aspirations.

The country has to offer many Indian students, from encompassing academic expeditions to the best quality of life. The New Study Zealand visa for Indians is the gateway to pursuing the best quality education in Ireland.

Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

Why Choose New Zealand for Your Studies?

• Affordability: Lower cost of living in New Zealand without compromising on the good quality of life.
• Scholarship opportunities: The scholarship amount ranges from NZD 10,000-20,000
• Good post-study work opportunities: Eligibility for Post study work visa is up to 3 years.63% of the students are employed in New Zealand after their graduates minimum salary for graduates in New Zealand is 60,000 NZD

Best Universities in New Zealand

One can pursue a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate at an institution in New Zealand. The academic year begins in late February/March – November (spring).

New Zealand has eight state-funded universities that offer degree-level education. There are about 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), which are now under the Te Pukenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology), along with 400 different private training establishments(PTE).

Most universities in New Zealand use English as the mode of instruction. Here is a list of the top universities in New Zealand, along with their QS rankings. These universities offer the best courses, faculty and structure to study in New Zealand.

QS Ranking (2024)	Name of the Institution
68	The University of Auckland
206	University of Otago
241	Victoria University of Wellington
256	University of Canterbury
239	Massey University
250	University of Waikato
362	Lincoln University
407	Auckland university of technology

 

Best Courses in New Zealand

The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) mentions all New Zealand qualifications to study in New Zealand. Bachelor's courses take 3-4 years, whereas master's courses take 1-2 years.

Here is a breakdown of the top courses, universities, and their average tuition fees in New Zealand.

Name of the Course	Top Universities	Average Tuition fees (NZD)
Computer science and IT	Waikato University and University of Auckland	NZD 4,500 - 53,065
MBA	Massey University, Auckland University of Technology	NZD 51,000 – 61,000
Agriculture	Lincoln University, Massey University	NZD 22,000 – 42,000
Psychology	Otago University, University of Auckland	NZD 30,000 – 44,000
MBBS	Otago University, Victoria university of Wellington	NZD 5,000 – 1,02,000

 

Duration of programs and courses to study in New Zealand

Name of the Program	Duration
Diploma	1 - 2 years
Bachelor’s degree	3 - 4 years
Postgraduate diploma	1 - 2 years
Master’s degree	1 - 2 years
Doctorate or PhD	4 – 7 years

 

New Zealand Study Intakes

 Deciding to study in New Zealand as an international student should align with the proper intake universities offer. To study in New Zealand the intakes in New Zealand are spaced strategically. Here are the schedule and deadlines for the intakes for the programs and courses in New Zealand.

Intake	Semester	Deadlines
January	1 (February – June)	January/ February
July	2 (July – November)	July
Rolling intake	Anytime in the year	NA

Preparing for your study intakes in New Zealand

It is always recommended that students applying for a New Zealand student visa consider the timeline of study intakes.

Following is the schedule for deadlines and intake: 

January Intake timeline	July Intake timeline	Activity
April – May	August – December	Research and make a list of the preferred universities
June – July	December -  February	Attempt English language proficiency tests
August – September	February -  March	Fill out application forms with the universities and upload the essential documents
October – November	March - April	Accept the admission offer and confirm the letter of enrollment
November - December	April - July	Apply for the scholarship and complete the financial requirements.
December – January	June - July	Apply for the student visa NZ

 

Cost of Study in New Zealand

If you are an international student who wants to expand your horizons and study in New Zealand. Understanding financial commitment is, therefore, very important for a well-rounded experience and the ability to make better decisions. The country has a unique education system, and the budget suits everyone. International students studying in New Zealand must pay between NZD 20,000 and NZD 54,000 annually.

Here is a breakdown of the cost of living and the fees for international students depending on their level of education:

Particulars	Average cost per month (NZD)
Accommodation (Rent)	800 NZD
Utilities (Electricity, Water and Gas)	150 NZD
Internet	50 NZD
Mobile Phone	40 NZD
Groceries	300 NZD
Food	200 NZD
Public transportation	70 ZD
Health Insurance	60 NZD
Entertainment (movies, events)	75 NZD

Degree Level and Costs:

Level of Education	Costs for Global students in NZD (per year)
Bachelor’s	NZD 20,000 – NZD 25,000
Master’s	NZD 25,000 – NZD 30,000
Doctorate	NZD 28,000 – NZD 32,000

 

Tuition fee:

Every university in New Zealand sets its tuition costs that depend upon the type of course and prestige of the institution. Here is a breakdown of top universities and their tuition fee:

Top Universities	Average Tuition fees (NZD)
Waikato University and University of Auckland	NZD 4,500 - 53,065
Massey University, Auckland University of Technology	NZD 51,000 – 61,000
Lincoln University, Massey University	NZD 22,000 – 42,000
Otago University, University of Auckland	NZD 30,000 – 44,000
Otago University, Victoria university of Wellington	NZD 5,000 – 1,02,000

 

Accommodation:

Aside from tuition fees, accommodation is a significant expense when studying in New Zealand. The amount of accommodation depends upon the type and the location of the accommodation. Here is the breakdown of the accommodation cost, which depends on the accommodation type.

Type of accommodation	Average Tuition fees (NZD)
Halls of Residence	NZD 200 to 500 per week
local homestays	NZD 110 to 370 per week
youth hostels	NZD 200 per week
sharing rented apartments	NZD 200 per head per week

 

Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing education degrees in New Zealand can be affordable, as a range of scholarships is offered to international students. These scholarships are offered based on leadership qualities and merit. They can be partially or fully funded. 

The following is a list of the scholarships provided in New Zealand, along with the amount offered per year:

Name of the scholarship	Amount in NZD (per year)
AUT International Scholarship- Southeast Asia	NZD 5000
AUT International Scholarship- Faculty of culture and society	NZD 7000
Lincoln University international pathway merit scholarship	NZD 2500
Lincoln University international undergraduate scholarship	NZD 3000
Lincoln University undergraduate Vice-chancellor’s scholarship	NZD 5000
Lincoln University International school Leaver’s scholarship	NZD 10,000
The university of Auckland ASEAN high achievers scholarship	NZD 10,000
The university of Auckland International student excellence scholarship	NZD 10,000

 

How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa

Step 1: Receive an offer letter from the desired institution in New Zealand

Step 2: Gather and arrange all the required documents

Step 3: Completely fill out and submit the visa application

Step 4: Make the payment of the New Zealand visa fee

Step 5: Await the outcome of the student visa application through email

*Want to study in New Zealand?  Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 New Zealand student visa processing time

The student visa NZ processing time is approximately one month. The Time depends on the education provider and the nature of the application. 90% of student visa NZ applications are processed within 66 weekdays. The table below shows the average New Zealand Student Visa Processing time and educational institution. 

NZ Education Provider	Average NZ student visa processing time	New Zealand student visa processing time
Te Pukenga	7 weeks	59 weekdays
PTEs	7 weeks	47 weekdays
Universites	6 weeks	47 weekdays

 

The New Zealand visa fees

The New Zealand visa fees  depend upon the applicant’s nationality. New Zealand has a system of three bands, which are as follows:

Band A: This is for applicants who are in New Zealand and are required to apply.

Band B: Applicants belonging to Pacific nations

Band C: All applicants belonging to all other nations. 

Student visa type	Band A	Band B	Band C	Immigration Charge
Hard Copy	260 NZD	205 NZD	280 NZD	17 NZD
Online	233 NZD	178 NZD	253 NZD	17 NZD
Education Provider	100 NZD	NA	NA	17 NZD

 

New Zealand Study Visa Requirements and Eligibility

The following are the New Zealand student visa requirements

• certified copies of  certificates and transcripts from previous institution
• proof of English language proficiency score
• A recent updated resume or CV for certain postgraduate programs
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Fully filled application form of New Zealand study visa
• A valid passport with a validity of 3 months from intended departure of New Zealand
• Two passport size photographs
• Letter of acceptance from desired institutions in new Zealand
• Sufficient financial funds to cover tuition fees
• Certificate of good character
• Receipt of student visa NZ fee payment

Benefits of Studying in New Zealand

1. World-renowned institutions: New Zealand has some of the most prestigious institutions with global recognition. Institutions in the UK offer advanced learning across various disciplines and also have state of the art facilities. New Zealand has poured valuable resources into its education system in recent years, similar to the British system. The University of Auckland ranks as 100 of the world's top universities. The University of Waikato in Hamilton ranks 72nd in the world. Due to such recognized universities' presence, international students have a vast support network. Therefore there are a lot of top reputed universities to study in New Zealand.
2. Quality education system: Universities in New Zealand are ranked the best in the world. Universities focus on developing the skills required in the student other than just excellent courses. There is an array of classes in the universities of New Zealand from which to choose. The universities also undergo frequent checks by the government of New Zealand to ensure the quality of education. The enrollment ratio of teachers and students in the universities is 6:7, enabling better interaction between students and tutors. Students are provided with an abundance of opportunities in research as well.
3. Secure and warm experience: New Zealand offers a safe, secure, and inclusive experience for international students. This enables them to focus on their academics without any apprehension. 
4. Work Opportunities: A New Zealand student visa opens various working opportunities for international students. The advantages are that they can work full-time during holidays, and they can also apply for a 6-month work permit that helps them gain points for a further residency application. The teaching approach in New Zealand also emphasizes practical and hands-on learning, which ensures real-world experiences. The student can work and study in New Zealand at the same time.
5. Affordable than other countries: New Zealand is cheaper than many countries. However, some courses like medicine and engineering can be a little expensive. The high-ranking universities in New Zealand have fee structures, but the average tuition fee is NZD 22,000 – 35,000 annually. The New Zealand visa fee is also cheaper. 
6. Various scholarships are available: New Zealand supports international students by providing multiple scholarships. Students can apply for institutional, program-specific accommodation, and government scholarships. Scholarships help students lower their tuition costs. A student can cut costs through scholarships with a New Zealand study visa.

 

Post-Study Work Opportunities in New Zealand

International students studying in New Zealand can also apply for a post-study work visa after they complete their education. The students can work 20 hours a week, getting a minimum wage of approximately NZD 18.

The validity of the post-study work visa is 1-3 years and can also depend on the education qualification of the student. The cost of the post-study work permit is NZD 700. It is usually processed within 38 weekdays.

However, the post-study work permit can only be applied once. Students must apply for the post-study work visa within three months of the end date of the NZ study visa processing time.

Level of study	Duration of course	Eligibility of New Zealand study visa
Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or above	At least 30 weeks in New Zealand	Three year open work visa
Non degree Level 7 qualification	At least 30 weeks in New Zealand	Three year open work visa
One qualification at level 4-6	At least 60 weeks in New Zealand	Three year open work visa
Two qualifications at level 4-6	Study 60 weeks in total, 30 weeks for each qualification. The second qualification s higher than the first level.	Three year open work visa

 

Eligibility and document requirements to apply for a post-story work visa in New Zealand

• Work visa application form of NZD 700
• Evidence that the applicant has completed education
• Bank statement of 3 months
• Passport
• Two recently clicked passport-sized photographs]
• Must have the education certificates

Career Opportunities for International Students in the New Zealand

The employment rate in New Zealand is 68.4%, one of the world’s highest. Accordingly, New Zealand has a range of job opportunities from every sector and field. The average annual salary in New Zealand is NZD 78,956. Here is a breakdown of the job market in New Zealand

Job Category	Job requirement	Annual salary
Construction	Manager Builder Surveyor	NZD 153,000 – 224,000
Engineering	Electrical engineer Civil engineer	NZD 80,000 – 100,000
Health and social services	Clinical psychologist Radiologist Psychiatrist	NZD 80,000 – 90,000
Hospitality and Tourism	Chef	NZD 75,000 – 95,000
Trades	Automotive electrician Mechanic	NZD 50,000 – 60,000
ICT and electronics	Multimedia specialist Software engineer Web developer	NZD 130,000
Science	Environmental scientist Food technologist	NZD 75,000 – 95,000

 

Part-Time Work Options for International Students in New Zealand

Most international students in New Zealand work part-time to support their finances, monthly expenses, and additional costs. New Zealand allows international students to work part-time and study simultaneously to manage their financial expenses. More than 2000 part-time jobs are available for international students in New Zealand. The average tuition fee for master’s courses in New Zealand ranges from NZD 26,000 – 37,000. Here is a list of top part-time job roles and their average hourly salary.

Top high paying jobs for International students in New Zealand

*Want to work in New Zealand? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Part Time job role	Average salary per hour
Tutor	NZD 30 – 35
Freelance Writer	NZD 24
Retail sales assistant	NZD 20 - 30
Waiter / Waitress	NZD 24
Customer care representative	NZD 25 - 30
Cashier	NZD 24
Nanny	NZD 25
Bartender	NZD 26
Library Assistant	NZD 22 - 25
Supermarket Assistant	NZD 21
Receptionist	NZD 26

 

Education Loans and Financial Aid

Studying in New Zealand can be a great kickstart to one’s career, but it requires sufficient financial resources, so some students seek education loans in New Zealand. Various financial institutions in India and New Zealand provide education loans and financial aid. 

The governments of India, with the Reserve Bank and Indian Bankers Associations, have formed a comprehensive and inclusive educational loan scheme. 

Different banks have different limits on their education loans that help students to study abroad. Here is a list of New Zealand universities that provide secured and unsecured loans.

Name of the university	Tuition fee	Secured loan	Unsecured Loan
University of Auckland	NZD 33,688	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
University of Otago	NZD 27,700	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
University of Canterbury	NZD 29,550	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Victoria university of Wellington	NZD 29,154	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
University of Waikato	NZD 23,170	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Massey University	NZD 24,300	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Lincoln University	NZD 10,000	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Auckland University of Technology	NZD 12,000	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Auckland Institute of studies	NZD 11,568	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Manukau institute of Technology	NZD 14,545	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology	NZD 13,565	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand	NZD 7,565	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Western institute of technology at Taranaki	NZD 10,656	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
NZMA	NZD 7898	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Pacific International hotel management school	NZD 7898	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Laidlaw college	NZD 10,008	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
ICL business school	NZD 12,456	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
Newton college of business and Technology	NZD 9675	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC
New Zealand institute of studies	NZD 8976	Availaible from all lenders	Private banks and NBFC

 

Eligibility requirements for obtaining an education loan

The following are the eligibility requirements for obtaining an education loan for studying in New Zealand

• Students seeking an educational loan should be Indian nationals.
• The student should have secured admission to an institution in New Zealand.
• The student should have secured admission in technical/ professional courses through the entrance exam selection process.

 

Documents required for obtaining an education loan

The following are the documents required before obtaining an education loan for studying in New Zealand:

• A completely Filled loan application form
• Proof of identity, such as a PAN or A valid passport
• Proof of address such as Aadhar or a utility bill
• Proof of admission to the course and university
• Two passport-size photographs
• Original mark sheets of the last qualifying examination
• Copies of the letter confirming the scholarship
• Bank statement of the last 6 months
• Assessment of income tax orders of not more than two years

Banks in India that offer education loans in New Zealand

Name of the Bank	Rate of Interest	Tenure
HDFC Bank	9.55% p.a onwards	Up to 15 years
State bank of India	11.15% p.a onwards	Up to 15 years
Union bank of India	15% p.a onwards	Up to 15 years
Axis Bank	13.7% p.a onwards	Up to 20 years

Best Cities in New Zealand for International Students

1. Wellington: The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington, which is a home to reputed universities like Victoria University of Wellington and Wellington Institute of Technology. Wellington offers the perfect balance between urban and outdoor activities. The cost of living is a little more expensive than in other cities like Auckland and Christchurch. The average student expenses without the rent costs around NZD 1,800 - NZD 2,500  per month.

2. Auckland: The largest city of New Zealand with 1.6 million residents.  Auckland is also a home to the University of Auckland with over 3,000 students. The city of Auckland offers a great lifestyle with access to all beaches, restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. Auckland’s cost of living is the most expensive in New Zealand, with student expenses without the rent costing around NZD 2,000 to NZD 3,000.
3. Hamilton: Hamilton is located on the Northern Island’s Waikato River. Hamilton is a more relaxed and cheaper alternative to cities like Wellington and Auckland. The University of Waikato is a reputed institution with an emphasis on research and innovation. It has a student-friendly cost of living where the average monthly expenses without the rent range from NZD 1,500 to NZD 2,000.
4. Christchurch: Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island and well known for its English heritage and has a very different western culture. New Zealand’s second oldest university and Christchurch’s primary university The University of Canterbury has great courses for agriculture and natural sciences, plant and animal biology, ecology, and geology research programs The cost of living in Christchurch is comparatively lower than of  Auckland and Wellington, with monthly cost excluding rent that ranges from NZD 1,600 to NZD 2,200 per month.
5. Dunedin: The city of Dunedin is located in the South island and known for its Scottish influence. The University of Otago or Otago Polytechnic is the most prestigious and best option in Dunedin. Dunedin’s other field of expertise is technology, which is represented by Otago Polytechnic. The cost of living in Dunedin is among the cheaper, with student expenses without the rent ranges from NZD 1,400 to NZD 1,800 per month. Dunedin is also known for its literary heritage and hosts many events, businesses, institutions and organizations. There are various Dunedin institutions from where you can continue your professional and postgraduate studies with undergraduate courses simultaneously. 

New Zealand is quickly becoming a top destination for international students looking to study in New Zealand, offering not only world-class education but also an exceptional quality of life.

The New Zealand study visa provides Indian students with the perfect gateway to access these opportunities, whether for undergraduate or postgraduate education. The affordability of living in New Zealand, combined with the high quality of education, makes it an ideal destination for students who want to balance academic goals with a great lifestyle. Additionally, New Zealand offers excellent post-study work opportunities, with a New Zealand student visa allowing graduates to stay and work for up to three years. For those considering New Zealand student visa requirements, it is essential to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the NZ study visa processing time, which generally takes a few weeks.

Make sure to check the New Zealand visa fees and prepare all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth application process. Whether you're looking for top-tier education, affordable living, or great career opportunities, studying in New Zealand offers a path to success.

Y-Axis is the right mentor to advise you on studying in New Zealand.

It helps you with:

• Free Counseling: avail professional counseling to help you choose the right course and university in New Zealand
• Campus Ready Program, a Y-Axis initiative that counsels every student to navigate in the right direction during and after the study program in New Zealand
• Y-Axis Coaching services assist you in acing your IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GMAT, and OET test results with our live classes. This helps you to score well on the exams required to study in New Zealand
• Get counseling and advice from proven expertise to advise you in all the steps while applying for a New Zealand Student Visa

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