Study In New Zealand

Important Facts About New Zealand

All study programs are monitored by New Zealand Qualifications Authority to maintain their international standards.
New Zealand invests in research and assures a curriculum that balances traditional pedagogy and changing trends.
Some popular research areas include agriculture, computer science, healthcare, physics, engineering, and geology.
Many research programs are supported by government-led scholarships.
Living expenses and tuition fees are lesser than in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Fee Paying Student VISA allows you to work while studying.
Many government and university scholarships cover 100% of living expenses in New Zealand, including tuition fees, living costs, and health insurance.
New Zealand follows a progressive pedagogy emphasizing on experiential thinking.
Teaching is more research-focused, and students are inspired to sharpen their critical and analytical thinking skills and develop different solutions & approaches toward a problem.
New Zealand ranked fourth on the Global Peace Index 2024.
Violent crimes are very low in the country.
The country scores well for jobs and earnings for expats.
Universities here offer exceptional educational facilities, making it one of the prime reasons to study in New Zealand for Indian students.

Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

New Zealand is a popular choice among students wanting to study overseas. The country has high standards of education, English-language courses, internationally recognized qualifications, student-friendly approach, and unparalleled quality of life. New Zealand offers an excellent multi-cultural environment. New Zealand is known for its natural beauty replete, with landscapes from lush rain forests to snow-capped mountains to green hills. Studying in this country allows students to enjoy its natural beauty and benefit from its multicultural environment.

1. Ranked 2nd for Most Peaceful Country

As per the 2024 Global Peace Index, the country ranks second place for the most peaceful country at 1.313%. The strength of New Zealand is its strong economic force. Even with the diverse cultures living amongst them, the discrimination rate is low as residents here are more warm and friendly towards immigrants.

2. Follows An Independent Learning Approach

Like the UK, New Zealand follows an independent learning technique with students. Instead of having regular sessions where theoretical knowledge is shared, universities here emphasize more on independent learning. Tutors, in fact, also have group sessions to engage students in debates and discussions to help them understand topics more insightfully.

3. Great For PhD Students

While pursuing any academics is great in New Zealand, PhD students hold a better advantage, such as paying the same fees as the resident students and the ability to work full-time to understand your course better.

Additionally, PhD students pursuing research-based programs in New Zealand can benefit from the great infrastructure and updated technologies provided to strengthen their learning process.

4. Great Government Measures

Another factor that makes New Zealand the ideal choice to study or settle abroad is the supportive government measures. The government also incorporates measures to simplify the lives of its citizens. Take an example of their 4-day work policy. This initiative helped develop a proper work-life balance in New Zealand, resulting in happier citizens.

5. Great Learning Environment

When we speak about New Zealand’s academics, one of its prime focuses is the academic value it offers international students. From studying at QS-ranked universities to accessing technological solutions that empower the learning experience, New Zealand truly defines the real meaning of education.

The tutors here as well, are all experienced and hold immense academic value. Instead of reading from textbooks, these well-experienced tutors share real insights into what the market is looking for and how a student can cater to its needs. Having such realistic insights during learning enhances students learning potential.

Education System in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to the top 8 state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and multiple Private Training Establishments (PTE). Students can enroll for the following programs across universities.

Bachelor’s Degrees

A Bachelor's degree offers a top-notch education that focuses on practical learning. It usually takes three to four years to complete most Bachelor's programs.

Associate Degrees

These are two-year degree programs awarded by junior, technical, or community colleges. There are two types of associate degrees – Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

Master’s Degrees

In New Zealand, pursuing a Master's degree provides a thorough and high-level education across various fields. Typically, completing a Master's degree program takes two years.

Types of Educational Institutes In New Zealand

There are mainly three main categories of institutes in New Zealand, and they are:

State-Owned Universities: There are eight state-owned universities in New Zealand. These universities are research-based.

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs): These are vocational and higher education institutes, which are owned by the government. These institutes provide vocational education and practical training.

Private Training Establishments or PTEs: These are privately owned, and specialize in a particular subject.

Grading System in New Zealand

The university grading systems across the country varies largely. Generally, letter grades from A to D are awarded to students in denominations of + or -. In this, A, A+, and A- are the highest grades, and F is the lowest. A student who scores a D grade or below D is considered a failure.

The grading system continues down on a scale, which means A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, and C, with C being the lowest passing grade.

‘C’ is equivalent to 50% or slightly above, and the failing grades are D, E, and F (this notation may differ across universities).

For honors degrees, the letter grades indicate degree classes, with A+ and A- standing for first, high B and B+ equivalent to 2:1 and so on.

Actualize Your Study In New Zealand Dreams By Booking Your Free Career Counselling Session With Our Expert Counsellors

Book Now

Top Courses To Pursue in New Zealand for Indian Students

A unique factor about pursuing New Zealand courses is the academic value you receive from any study program chosen. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority monitors the course quality offered by multiple academic institutions in the country. Due to this, international students will always have access to superior course quality, updated course curriculum and uniquely designed course structure. The course content in New Zealand has also been designed to support the ‘Kiwi’ style teaching approach practised in classrooms.

Pursuing a course in New Zealand has multiple benefits, such as:

Students prefer to pursue the courses offered in New Zealand as the academics here are backed by good educational infrastructures and updated technology tools.
Course structures in New Zealand are designed to cater to the blend of traditional teaching styles with the incorporation of educating students on the latest trends in the job market.
During course learning, students will develop three essential skills: critical thinking, analytical thinking and the ability to identify challenges and find suitable solutions.
Students can customize their course study programs as per their academic interests. New Zealand universities offer a tool to help students get an overview of the course’s concepts and which specialization can be added to their chosen study program accordingly.

New Zealand offers a range of courses for international students to choose from, irrespective of the study program chosen. However, the country has seen massive growth in a few academic fields over the years. Due to this, certain courses grew to become a highly preferred academic choice by students globally. Here is an overview:

1. Engineering

Top courses to pursue: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Civil Engineering (New Zealand Immigration website stated, there will be a need to hire over 1,500 engineers yearly to match New Zealand’s economic growth).
Top Universities: University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and Auckland Institute of Technology.

2. Agriculture

Top courses to pursue: Agricultural Science, Forestry Science, Horticulture are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Agricultural Science (Statista stated, in 2022, over 81.2 thousand people were hired to work in the agriculture industry in New Zealand).
Top Universities: Massey University, University of Auckland, and Lincoln University.

3. Hospitality and Tourism

Top courses to pursue: International Hospitality Management, Wine and Viticulture, Hotel Management are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Hotel Management/Tourism (Statista stated, In 2022, over 240,000 people were hired in the tourism sector. This number has increased from 234,000 in 2021).
Top Universities: University of Otago, University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington.

4. Healthcare

Top courses to pursue: Nursing, Physicians, MBBS are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Nursing (The New Zealand Nurses Organization stated, the demand for nurses will continue to grow since by 2035, 50% of nurses will retire).
Top Universities: Auckland Institute of Technology, Massey University, and University of Canterbury.

5. Technology

Top courses to pursue: Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Information Technology are popular examples.
In-Demand course: Information Technology (An Industry study stated, employers are expecting to hire over 4,000 to 5,000 digital technology professionals yearly in the future).
Top Universities: University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, and Auckland Institute of Technology.

Apart from the above, there are also several other courses which you can pursue in New Zealand, such as:

All courses designed in New Zealand aim to prepare students to be confident when making career-related decisions. Due to this, most New Zealand graduates find lucrative employment opportunities faster at any leading organizations globally.

Popular Universities to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

There are eight universities in New Zealand and following indicates their position in the QS World University Rankings.

New Zealand Universities	QS World University Ranking 2023	QS World University Ranking 2024
The University of Auckland	87	68
University of Otago	217	206
Victoria University of Wellington	275	241
University of Canterbury	284	256
Massey University	292	239
Lincoln University	368	362
University of Waikato	331	250
Auckland University of Technology	486	407

Popular Universities That Do Not Require IELTS / TOEFL

Below mentioned are some of the major universities in New Zealand that accept scores of English proficiency tests other than the IELTS:

University of Canterbury
University of Auckland
Lincoln University
University of Otago
Unitec Institute of Technology

All the universities mentioned above in New Zealand accept test scores of the following alternative tests:

PTE
CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced)
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)
NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in the English Language)

Popular Cost-Effective Universities in New Zealand

There are eight universities in New Zealand, and all are state-funded. These universities ensure affordable tuition fees. The fee structure range from NZD 28,025 to 69,4300 per year.

University of Canterbury: A leading research-intensive university offering a wide range of academic programs. Fees range from NZD 30,000 – 42,000 per year.
Lincoln University: New Zealand’s specialist land-based university known for its expertise in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields. Fees range from NZD 31,100 – 68,400 per year.
Massey University: One of New Zealand’s largest universities, offering a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. Fees range from NZD 34,790 – 69,4300 per year.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT): A contemporary university focused on industry-relevant education and innovative research. Fees range from NZD 34,374 – 52,611 per year.
University of Otago: New Zealand’s oldest university known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant student life. Fees range from NZD 37,226 – 63,411 per year.
University of Waikato: A comprehensive university known for its research and strong community engagement. Fees range from NZD 28,025 – 43,575 per year.
Victoria University of Wellington: A prestigious university offering many programs in humanities, sciences, and professional disciplines. Fees range from NZD 30,549 – 43,036 per year.
University of Auckland: New Zealand’s largest and highest-ranked university renowned for its research excellence and comprehensive academic offerings. Fees range from NZD 35,249 – 59,770 per year.

Admission Process to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Step 1: Choose the desired course and program

Students must carefully research all the courses, institutions and locations and consider the areas of specialization.

Step 2: Check entry requirements and deadlines

After choosing the desired course and education provider, students must carefully examine all the necessary entry requirements and deadlines.

Step 3: Apply Online

Students can directly apply online using the ‘Apply Now, and this will take them to the university admissions application system. They will be prompted to create an account on the portal for applying.

Step 4: Submit the application

After completing the application information and uploading the documents, students need to SUBMIT their application for evaluation. The application will be evaluated by the university office. This evaluation may take up to 6 weeks.

Step 5: Accept the offer:

If successful, the student will receive an Offer for Placement, which will be delivered through the portal on which they have applied.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Eligibility Requirements – Undergraduate Courses in New Zealand

If the student is willing to pursue his graduate-level education or undergraduate education in the New Zealand University, then the eligibility requirements are as follows:

Students must complete their 12th class or equivalent from any recognized university across the world.
A score of 60% or above in higher secondary examinations.
Proficiency in English is a must to apply for admission to the undergraduate courses.
Some universities also require students to submit scores of the IELTS or TOEFL examination.

Eligibility Requirements – For Graduate Courses in New Zealand

The eligibility criteria for the graduate courses in New Zealand are:

Most New Zealand Universities accept bachelor’s degrees awarded by Indian universities.
Some universities prefer a bachelor’s degree equivalent to New Zealand’s honors degree, which requires 16 years of formal education.
A score of 60% and above in undergraduate studies.

Many universities in New Zealand require students to submit proof of work experience while seeking an admission to MBA.

In addition to the above, the students have to submit the following documents:

Relevant 12th / undergraduate degree certificate from a recognized university in the relevant field.
Scores of entrance tests like GMAT or GRE.
Scores of English language proficiency tests like valid TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE/ Duolingo scores.
Resume/ CV (course-specific requirement)
Recommendation Letters
A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
A valid passport
Bank statements and proof of financial coverage for your entire study timeline.

University Intakes and Timeline

There are two intake seasons in New Zealand i.e. Fall and Spring Intake.

Jan - Feb Intake (Spring)

This semester lasts from February to June. Let’s look at the timeline of the intake.

April – May: Create a list of courses, universities you wish to apply to, application dates, eligibility criteria, etc.

June – July: Take English proficiency tests and standardized exams required for seeking admission to your university.
August – September: Apply to universities with all required documents.
October – November: Accept the letter of confirmation and work on your finances.
November – December: Apply for a student VISA.
December – January: Book tickets and prepare to start your new semester at New Zealand University.

July Intake (Fall)

This semester lasts from July to November. Let’s look at the timeline of the intake.

August – September: Create a list of courses, universities you wish to apply to, application dates, eligibility criteria, etc.
October – November: Take English proficiency tests and standardized exams required for seeking admission to your university.
December – January: Apply to universities with all required documents.
March – April: Accept the letter of confirmation and work on your finances.
April – May: Apply for a student VISA.
June – July: Book tickets and prepare to start your new semester at New Zealand University.

Cost Of Studying In New Zealand for Indian Students

Here we have included the average annual cost of education in NZD ($). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in New Zealand.

Types of Expenses	Expenses in NZD ($)
Tuition Fees	NZ$20,000-$40,000 for undergraduate programs; NZ$20,000 – $45,000 for master’s programs; NZ$6,500 – $7,500 for PhD programs NZ$ 50,000 for MBA programs
Accommodation	NZ$140 to $293 per week for a shared flat; $235 to $370 per week for studio room; $346 (uncatered) to $484 (catered) per week for halls of residence; and $285 onwards per week for homestays
Living Expenses	NZ$18,000 to NZ$20,000, depending on your lifestyle and the city where you live. The living costs include expenses like food and beverage, clothing, household utilities, transport, communication, miscellaneous goods, and services.
Medical Health Insurance	The average cost of medical health insurance for Indian students is NZ$400 – $700.

Types of Student VISA to Study in New Zealand

Sr. No.	Student Visa Type	Duration and Other Information
1	Fee Paying Student Visa	This visa is valid for your entire study period. The visa duration is 4 years and you can work part-time for 20 hours a week and work full-time during holidays.
2	Visitor Visa	This visa is required for attending short courses up to 3 months. The visa duration is only 9 months.
3	Vocational Trainee Student Visa	This visa is issued to trainees who have received a New Zealand Short-Term Training Scholarship by Manaki New Zeland Scholarships. This stands valid for the length of study at Manukau Polytechnic for nautical students or for the length of 12 months for those who are taking a course.
4	Working Holiday Visa	This visa is issued to young people between 18 to 30 years of age. This visa allows them to take up a course of short duration up to 6 months.
5	Foreign Government Supported Student Visa	This visa is issued to students who have a foreign scholarship or loan and they can stay in the country for up to 4 years.
6	Pathway Student Visa	This visa allows students to study up to 3 courses, one after another. It is issued for a maximum duration of 5 years.
7	Exchange Student Visa	This visa allows you to study full-time as a part of the school-to-school exchange program. You can work full-time or part-time up to 20 hours a week. The Exchange Student Visa is issued for a maximum duration of 4 years, depending on the length of the exchange.

How to Apply for New Zealand Student VISA

Step by step process to make an online application for New Zealand Student VISA is as mentioned below:

Visit the New Zealand Immigration website.
Select the type of VISA, duration of studies, and click on view VISA details and apply.
Check the criteria and click on Apply Now.
Set up your account.
Make your student VISA application.
Add all necessary information, including your name, contact details, and passport.
Upload all necessary documents and complete the application.
After this, students will be directed toward a declaration page; they need to agree to the declaration and complete the application process.
Get ready for the interview process, which may be conducted via video calls or telephone with immigration department officials from New Zealand. You may be prompted to travel to your local embassy to do this. So, it is always recommended to prepare in advance so that you do not miss important VISA interview deadlines.

Important Documents To Be Submitted During The VISA Application

Best Student Cities In New Zealand

The best student cities in New Zealand for international students are:

auckland

Christchurch

Wellington

Invercargill

Dunedin

Palmerston North

Hamilton

Exams to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

International students must clear any of the following language proficiency tests and standardized exams to be admitted to universities in New Zealand.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): This is the official language test for most universities in New Zealand. It evaluates a student’s abilities in reading, talking, writing, and listening.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The scores of TOEFL iBT is approved by most universities in New Zealand. Student visas are also approved for TOEFL iBT, however, students who have taken tests in iBT Home edition may not be easily accepted.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): This test has been recently added to the list of approved English proficiency tests in New Zealand. The results of PTE are accepted by most universities in New Zealand.

Occupational English Test (OET): This test is taken by professionals in the healthcare industry who want a temporary registration to practice in the country.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): This test is mandatory for seeking admission to master’s in some universities in New Zealand. Applicants interested in studying masters, MBA, and PhD programs can appear for this test.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): This test is important to complete an MBA at the university in New Zealand. Many business schools may additionally require 3-4 years of work experience.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): The test is mandatory for students seeking admission to dentistry, medical, and clinical courses.

Government and Non-Government Scholarships

The following is a list of popular government and non-government scholarships available for Indian students to study in New Zealand.

Name of Scholarship	Description
New Zealand Commonwealth scholarships	Indian students who wish to pursue master’s and Ph.D. in New Zealand can apply for this Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. This scholarship covers living expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, travel expenses, and start-up expense. Allowance: NZ $491 per week for living expenses; set-up allowance of NZ $3000; travel, medical, and research costs are offered to students pursuing master’s programs in New Zealand.
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)	These scholarships are awarded to Indian students who wish to enrol in PhD programs in New Zealand. The scholarships are established by the government of New Zealand and cover university tuition fee, living stipend (up to NZ$25,000) and health insurance coverage up to NZ$600 annually. The scholarships are awarded for three years.
New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship (NZIUFS)	This scholarship is established by the government of New Zealand and awarded to Indian students wishing to pursue undergraduate courses in New Zealand from the following eight universitiesUniversity of AUTUniversity of LincolnUniversity of MasseyAuckland UniversityCanterbury UniversityOtago UniversityWaikato UniversityWellington University of Victoria This scholarship doesn’t cover disciplines like aeronautics, dental surgery, medicine, optometric, and veterinary sciences. The scholarship amounts would differ across countries.
New Zealand Excellence Scholarships	These scholarships are awarded to Indian students wishing to pursue undergraduate and PG programs in New Zealand. It is jointly funded by New Zealand universities and Education New Zealand (ENZ). The scholarship value is NZ$5,000 for graduate and NZ$10,000 for undergraduate courses.
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship	Introduced by the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Green House Emissions, this scholarship is awarded to Indian students who wish to enrol for PhD program in agricultural emission science. The scholarship value is NZ$47,200 and covers tuition fees, annual stipend, medical insurance, visa application fee, airfare, research allowance, and so on.

Post Study Work VISA

A post-study work VISA in New Zealand is issued to those talented students who wish to stay back in New Zealand after their studies. Any student is eligible for a post-study work VISA if they have studied a degree level 7 or above and non-degree level 7 or below qualification. The duration of post study work VISA will depend on the degree completed by you. If you have completed a graduate degree and have studied for at least 30 weeks, then you are eligible for a stay up to 3 years. If you have completed qualification for level 8, the work VISA will be valid for the same length as your study. If your course lasts for 32 weeks, then the VISA duration will be 32 weeks.

On-Campus and Off-Campus Jobs

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs:

Cafe
Teaching Assistant
Administration
Research Assistant
Peer Tutor
Library Attendant
Campus Tour Guide

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs:

Retail Sales Assistant
Supermarket Assistants
Seasonal Worker
Waiter or Waitress
Kitchen-Hand
Call Centre Operator
Bartender

Popular Career Prospects for International Students

Popular career prospects and average salary of graduates from universities in New Zealand are listed below. Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of the organization you work for

Job Description	Average Annual Salary
Information Technology Manager	NZ $107,000-$150,000
Building and Construction Manager	NZ $95,000-$170,000
Information Technology Architect	NZ $112,000-$155,000
Marketing Manager	NZ $80,000-$200,000
Procurement Manager	NZ $85,000-$200,000
Ship’s Master	NZ $42,000-$250,000
Ophthalmologist	NZ $58,000-$240,000
Mine Manager	NZ $100,000-$210,000
Senior Communications Specialist	NZ $70,000-$250,000
Financial Advisor	NZ $72,000-$250,000

ETS Authorized Test Center

Know More

ETS Authorized Test Center

Know More

Study in New Zealand FAQs

Can a student get PR in New Zealand?

Yes, students can apply for PR in New Zealand. There are three types of PR in New Zealand - Skilled Migrant, Partner, and Business and Investment Category. The Skilled Migrant Visa is suited for those who want to stay in New Zealand permanently, and have a job along with the required qualifications and experience. Family Visa is suited for those who are the partner/spouse or dependent of a person who is already sponsored. The Business and Investment Resident Visa is suited for those who wish to invest and start their business in New Zealand. To be avail PR visa, a student must:

What are the student VISA requirements in New Zealand?

A student qualifies for a New Zealand student visa if he/she:

Is accepted for a course at an institute approved by the New Zealand Qualifications. Authority (NZQA) or the Ministry of Education in New Zealand.
Can show the proof of finances to cover tuition fees and living costs for the duration of study.
Can show a ticket of NZ or proof of finances to buy the ticket.

How many years of gap is acceptable in New Zealand?

A student can apply to the university in New Zealand even after the gap of 10 years. However, a student may be required to show credible information about what he/she was doing during gap years.

Is there any exceptional prerequisite for under-18 students to live in New Zealand?

This depends on the terms laid down by your college. A student has to provide details of a local guardian who will be responsible for your well-being.

Can I work and study in New Zealand?

Indian students are permitted to work for 20 hours every week during a semester and full-time during holidays. Doctoral and research students can work full-time.

Is it possible to extend my student VISA?

Yes, you can extend your student visa. You need to apply for an extension before your visa validity expires. You must obtain a new offer from your university or study institution and pay a tuition fee. You must complete the student visa application, as well as show that you have sufficient money to cover your expenses during the study and after that.

Can I get a job In NZ after graduation?

Yes, you can land a job in New Zealand after post-graduation. There is a high demand for graduates in engineering, healthcare sciences and medicine.

Can I bring my dependents to New Zealand?

Yes, you can bring your dependents to New Zealand provided they meet general visitor visa requirements.

What are the conditions under which my student VISA may get canceled?

Your student visa may get cancelled mainly if you do not meet the attendance requirements or indulge in any unlawful activities in the country.

Can I enroll for more than one course in New Zealand?

Yes, you can enroll for more than one course in New Zealand by seeking the Pathway Student visa. It allows you to enroll for three consecutive study programs at one or more accredited institutes over five years.