Study in New Zealand
Now’s the best time to study in New Zealand! Why? The government just set a target to increase international enrolments from 83,400 now to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.
The growth plan announced by the government will increase revenue from international students from NZ$ 3.6 billion to NZ$ 7.2 by 2034. See official growth plan.
In New Zealand, great education and vibrant cultural experiences ignite your passion for learning and shape a brighter future.
Here, we will try to help you to understand everything about studying in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Visa : Why New Zealand is a great choice!
The New Zealand Visa is highly prized. This is because it’s a very beautiful country (think Lord of the Rings) and one of the best places to live in. It’s the 12th happiest country in the world (World Happiness Report 2024), the 3rd most peaceful country in the world (IEP Global Peace Index 2025) and has the 16th best Human Development Index (UNDP) in the world.
It also has a truly world-class higher education system. QS ranks New Zealand higher education as the 16th best in the world (QS System strength ranking 2018) and Universitas21 ranks New Zealand’s higher education as the 14th best in the world (Ranking of National Higher Education Systems 2020).
The New Zealand Study Visa : Costs and Scholarships
The New Zealand study visa is used by most students for Master’s and Bachelor’s study. Studying a Master’s in New Zealand can cost you anything between NZ$ 20,000 and NZ$ 45,000. Studying a Bachelor’s can cost you anything between NZ$ 25,000 and NZ$40,000. Scholarships are also available for meritorious students in these universities. Here’s a list of NZ universities and their tuition fees and scholarships if you study in them on a student visa NZ.
| UNIVERSITY | INT’L TUITION | INT’L SCHOLARSHIPS |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland University of Technology | NZ$ 35,000 TO 45,000 for most bachelor’s and Master’s courses | NZ$ 5,000 for Bachelor’s NZ$ 7,000 for Master’s |
| University of Otago | Most Bachelor’s and Master’s courses NZ$ 45,000 | Otago Global Scholarships: NZ$ 15,000VC’s Scholarship: NZ$ 10,000 |
| Lincoln University | Bachelors: NZ$ 32,000 to NZ$ 36,000 for most courses Research Master’s: NZ$ 35,000 to NZ$ 37,000 for most courses | LU International Undergraduate Scholarship: NZ$ 3000 |
| University of Auckland | Bachelor’s: NZ$ 38,000 to NZ$ 55,000 for most courses. Master’s: NZ$ 42,000 to NZ$ 55,000 for most courses | International School Leaver Scholarship: Up to NZ$ 20,000India High Achievers Scholarship: Up to NZ$ 20,000International Students Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZ$ 10,000Doctoral Scholarship: NZ$ 34,569 |
| University of Canterbury | Bachelor’s: NZ$ 32,800 to NZ$ 49,900 for most courses Master’s: NZ$ 36,400 to NZ$ 49,900 for most courses | Ah Nua Scholarship: NZ$ 5,000Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship: NZ$ 10,000 for 1 yearUC India High Achievers Scholarship: NZ$ 5,000 in 1styear |
| Massey University | Bachelor’s: NZ$ 32,000 to NZ$ 43,000 for most courses Master’s: NZ$ 56,000 to NZ$ 70,000 for most courses | Business Excellence Scholarship: NZ$ 5,000 X 3 yearsMU Master’s Research Scholarship: NZ$ 15,000 for 1 year MU Doctoral Scholarship: NZ$ 90,000 over 3 years |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Bachelor’s: NZ$ 33,000 to NZ$ 42,000 for most courses Master’s: NZ$ 60,000 + for most courses | International School Leaver Excellence Scholarship: NZ$ 20,000 over 3 yearsTongarewa International Scholarship: NZ$ 10,000 for 1styear |
| Waikato University | Bachelor’s” NZ$ 30,000 to NZ$ 40,000 for most courses Master’s: NZ$ 37,000 to NZ$ 51, 000 for most courses | Ko Te Tangata School Leaver’s Scholarship: NZ$ 5,000Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship: NZ$30,000 over 3 yearsPacific Excellence Scholarship: NZ$ 20,000 over 3 years |
The Manaaki Scholarships: The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to students who apply for this scholarship as they apply for a student visa NZ. They aim to support international students from developing countries, particularly in the Pacific and ASEAN regions, to study at New Zealand’s world-class institutions, fostering skills for sustainable development. Fully funded, these scholarships cover tuition, living expenses (NZ$615/week), travel, and more, fostering academic excellence and cultural immersion and are a great addition to the New Zealand study visa.
Student Visa in New Zealand Requirements
Stay Duration: Up to 4 years
To Apply, You Need:
Overall, the New Zealand study visa requirements are simple. Academics, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE and Finances are the most important things in your visa application.
Student Visa Restrictions and Conditions
The Student Visa Application Process
Work Rights and Post Study Work for student visa holders
On a student visa NZ, work rights for international students are simple; you can work 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time (40 hours a week) during holidays. After graduation, you have 3 years of post-study work visa leading to permanent residency.
The Post Study Work Visa
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is provided to international students who have finished their studies for 3 years with an option for permanent residency.
To apply for the Post Study Work Visa you need to:Pathway to Permanent Residency in New Zealand
After completing studies, international graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on their qualification. This visa helps gain work experience, a key step toward permanent residency. Graduates can pursue residency through the Skilled Migrant Category by earning points for qualifications, experience, and job offers. Alternatively, jobs on the Green List or skills shortage list may lead to a Work to Residence Visa. After meeting requirements, apply for a Resident Visa, then permanent residency after typically two years.
The Best Uni in New Zealand – Let the search begin
Interested in studying in the best Uni in New Zealand? New Zealand has only 8 universities, so first, let’s see how they fare in the world rankings.
| Name | QS World Ranking 2026 | THE World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 65 | 152 |
| University of Otago | 197 | 351-400 |
| Massey University | 230 | 510-600 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 240 | 401-500 |
| University of Canterbury | 261 | 510-600 |
| University of Waikato | 281 | 401-500 |
| Lincoln University | 407 | 510-600 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 410 | 401-500 |
Top Universities for Indian students
In New Zealand University of Waikato, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago offer Indian students world-class education and vibrant campus life. The University of Waikato, located in Hamilton, stands out as the best fit for most Indian students. With a 72% acceptance rate, affordable tuition, and no application fee, it’s accessible. Waikato excels in research, offers over 2,000 industry placements, and provides scholarships for Indian students based on academic merit. Its diverse programs, including Māori studies and AI, ensure a welcoming, career-focused experience.
The top colleges for Indian students
Indian students seeking vocational training in New Zealand can choose top colleges like Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. These offer affordable, industry-aligned programs in hospitality, IT, and engineering, with strong job prospects.
Masters in New Zealand
Pursuing a Masters in New Zealand offers international students world-class education and career opportunities. The best uni in New Zealand, University of Auckland, alongside good universities in New Zealand like Otago and Waikato, provide diverse programs. A Masters in New Zealand ensures globally recognized qualifications and vibrant campus life.
What are most Masters students studying?
Most international students in New Zealand study Technology (IT, Computer Science, AI etc.) or Business or Health Sciences. New Zealand is also a hot destination for Biomedical/Biotech studies, Engineering and Environmental Studies.
Why NZ is the best for your Master’s
Most international students in New Zealand study Technology (IT, Computer Science, AI etc.) or Business or Health Sciences. New Zealand is also a hot destination for Biomedical/Biotech studies, Engineering and Environmental Studies.
Four Great Reasons:Bachelors in New Zealand
Pursuing a bachelor’s in New Zealand offers international students quality education and global opportunities. Unlike a Masters in New Zealand, bachelor’s programs provide foundational skills. The best uni in New Zealand, University of Auckland, and good universities in New Zealand, like Otago and Waikato, ensure diverse, career-focused degrees.
What are most Bachelor’s students studying?
International undergraduate students in New Zealand often pursue degrees in Business Management, Information Technology, Engineering (especially Civil), Health Sciences, and Environmental Sciences. These courses, offered by top universities like Auckland, Otago and Waikato, are popular for their global relevance, practical training, and strong job prospects.
Why is NZ the best bet for your Bachelor’s?
New Zealand is the best bet for your Bachelor’s due to its world-class education, affordable tuition (NZ$20,000-35,000/year), and safe, inclusive environment. Top universities like Auckland, Otago and Waikato offer globally recognized degrees, practical training, and post-study work visas (up to 3 years), ensuring excellent career opportunities for international students.