Study in New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand is an excellent choice! Every university in the country complies with international standards, which are periodically examined and overseen by the government to guarantee a consistently high standard of education. It features a forward-thinking, adaptable educational system that blends conventional teaching methods with creativity and technology to provide credentials that are accepted and acknowledged throughout the world. Did you also know that New Zealand is among the world’s most peaceful nations, ranking fourth on the Global Peace Index? Understand every aspect of studying in New Zealand.

Why study in New Zealand?

The following justifies making New Zealand your future study destination:

Quality of Education: According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, all eight universities in New Zealand are ranked within the global Top 500, with one in the Top 100 (The University of Auckland at Rank 65).
Programs with a Short Duration: Master’s degrees in New Zealand are typically one to two years long, providing a fast pathway to an advanced qualification and the workforce.
Student-Friendly: New Zealand remains incredibly cost-effective for students when compared to other countries like the US and the UK. Living expenses and tuition are reasonably priced.
Enhanced In-Study Work Rights: From November 3, 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit, providing greater financial flexibility.
Post-Study Work Rights (PSWR): New Zealand provides generous PSWR for up to three years.
Employability for Overseas Students: New Zealand has a consistently low unemployment rate compared to many OECD countries, and international students are being absorbed into sectors at a significant pace.

Programs and Their Duration in New Zealand

Here are the programs that Kiwi universities offer:

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	3-4 years

Cost of studying and living in New Zealand

The cost of living for visa purposes is set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is consistently monitored.

Tuition: The average cost of studying is between NZD 20,000 and NZD 54,000 annually.
Annual Living Expenses (Visa Requirement): For tertiary-level study, you must show proof of funds of at least NZD 20,000 for each year of study (or NZD 1,667 per month for courses shorter than one year). This figure is required by INZ and has remained consistent in 2025.

Academic Intake to Study in New Zealand

Most institutions begin their academic year in late February and July. There are many institutions which offer multiple start dates throughout the year.

Program	Intake	Deadline
Undergraduate and Postgraduate in a University	July and February	Rolling basis
Diploma Programs in Colleges	July and February	Rolling basis

*Some courses are available for April and October/November intakes. Please check the university website for more details.

Deadline for New Zealand universities

You should begin getting ready for your application at least eight to nine months before your program starts, especially to secure a spot and allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Popular programs to study in New Zealand

Here are the popular programs you can pursue in Kiwi universities, many of which align with the country’s skill shortage lists:

Engineering
Data Science / Analytics
Information Technology / Computer Science
Cyber Security
Business and Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Health Science
Agricultural Science

Post-Study Work Rights in New Zealand

Here are the post-study work rights for different courses in New Zealand:

Course	PSWR Duration	Condition of Work Visa
PhD, Masters, and Bachelors	3 years	Work in any field
Post Graduate Diploma	In-line with the duration of the course	Work in any field
Graduate Diploma/Diploma	In-line with the duration of the course (only if the course leads to occupation under the Green List)	In-line with the course of study

Universities in New Zealand

Explore a complete list of universities in New Zealand here.

Admission Checklist

To ensure a smooth application process, please prepare the following essential documents:

Passports: Present & Previous (Original)
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Language Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS/PTE/TOEFL (Original)
Birth Registration Certificate
National ID Card (if eligible)
Academic Records:
- Result sheets for the last two years (for school students)
- Certificates & Mark Sheets/Transcripts (Original)
Medium of Instruction Confirmation
Study Continuation Report (Original)
Job Experience Certificate (Original, if eligible)
Extra Qualification Certificate (Original, if eligible)