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New Zealand is the 8th best study abroad destination, enticing international students with its exceptional safety per Global Peace Index, low corruption, and crime rates. The world-renowned New Zealand universities offer a top-notch education, while the country's work-life balance and stunning lifestyle add to its allure. More than 30,000 Indians out of international students pursue study in New Zealand for Indian students over there.
However, with over 20,000 vacancies annually and the introduction of Green List Occupations post-pandemic, the appeal of pursuing study in New Zealand has only grown stronger. So, let’s get started!
If you are thinking about study in New Zealand, start by reviewing the crucial highlights listed below.
| Total Universities in New Zealand | 08 |
| Universities Ranking in Top 100 Globally | 01 (2024) |
| Education Levels | Primary, Secondary & Tertiary |
| Tertiary Education Regulator | New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) |
| ELP Test Scores Required | TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo |
| Standardised Test Scores Accepted | UG: SAT / NEET UG / LSAT PG: GRE / GMAT / MCAT |
| Undergraduate Admission Eligibility | 12th scores + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
| Postgraduate (Taught & Research) Admission Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
| NZ Qualifications Recognised | Globally |
| New Zealand University Acceptance Rate | Highly selective (90%) |
With hundreds of options available, pinpointing the top universities in New Zealand can be a daunting task for aspiring students. To simplify the search, we've compiled a list of the top 8 New Zealand Universities that cater to your academic aspirations.
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | THE World Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|
 |
65 | 150 |
 |
214 | 301-350 |
 |
235 | 401-500 |
 |
239 | 501-600 |
 |
244 | 401-500 |
 |
261 | 501-600 |
 |
371 | 401-500 |
 |
412 | 401-500 |
Several compelling reasons attract international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, ranging from academic quality to post-study work opportunities. These are among the primary factors, from the lower cost of studying in New Zealand to abundant scholarship opportunities and the ease of finding employment and working while studying. Furthermore, some benefits of studying in New Zealand include:
New Zealand universities offer a wide range of courses in various fields. The list of top courses international students can study in New Zealand for graduate or postgraduate courses is below.
| Academic Discipline | Specialisations |
|---|---|
| Business Administration |
MBA Supply Chain Management |
| Information Technology | Information Technology |
| Medical Sciences | MBBS |
| Arts & Design | Graphic Designing |
| IT | Computer Science |
| Engineering |
Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical Engineering |
| Nursing | Nursing |
Now that you have decided to study in New Zealand and apply to top-rated universities follow the steps below to ensure a smooth application process.
If you are seeking guidance concerning admission and selection of NZ universities, you can reach out to study in New Zealand consultants.
You can find essential details on the New Zealand admission process below.
| Admission Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 79-100
PTE: 58-76
IELTS: 6.0-7.0
|
| Academic Requirementsy |
Undergrad: 55% aggregate
Grad: GPA 3.0
Diploma: HS completion
|
| Documents Required | GPA, LORs, SoP, Transcripts, CV, Visa |
| Financial Docs | Bank statements, Deposits, Loan papers |
| Interview | With the admission committee for acceptance |
| Student Visa | Uni acceptance, Funds proof, Insurance |
| Other Requirements | Test scores, Health insurance, Passport |
Language-specific exams to study in New Zealand
Non-native English speakers applying to universities in New Zealand must pass a proficiency test for admission and visa purposes because English is the primary language of instruction.
Different courses and institutions in New Zealand have varying application deadlines, so stay updated with relevant deadlines.
New Zealand primarily offers admissions twice a year, divided into Semester I and Semester II:
For programs with rolling admissions, intakes in New Zealand occur monthly, allowing year-round admission. You must submit applications at least 4 months before the start date to secure ample time for visa processing. You should ensure timely submissions to meet strcollNew Zealand Universities' deadlines and visa requirements.
Before studying in New Zealand, it is essential to understand total expenses, including tuition fees, transportation, food, accommodation, and other expenses. Knowing these estimated costs helps manage finances while studying abroad.
Numerous internal and external factors, including the program's level and preferred university, will affect the Study in New Zealand Cost of the various programs available nationwide.
| Level of Education | Tuition Range (NZD) | Tuition Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 | INR 10.38 Lakhs - 16.61 Lakhs |
| Postgraduate Master’s Degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 | INR 13.50 Lakhs - 19.21 Lakhs |
| Doctoral Degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 | INR 3.37 Lakhs - 4.67 Lakhs |
The Cost of living in New Zealand varies by city and university. Expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses. It's essential to budget accordingly when planning to study in New Zealand.
| Types of Expenses | Cost of Living in New Zealand Per Month (INR) |
|---|---|
| Meal (one-time) | INR 1,246 |
| Coffee | INR 273 |
| Water bottle | INR 168 |
| 1 L Milk | INR 154 |
| 500 gm Bread loaf | INR 159.40 |
| 1 kg Rice | INR 166 |
| Dozen eggs | INR 364 |
| 1 kg Fruits | INR 172 - INR 252 |
| 1 kg Potatoes | INR 172 |
| 1 kg Onions | INR 144 |
| Transportation pass monthly | INR 8,307 |
| Utility bills | INR 15,570 |
| Clothing | INR 3,432 - INR 9,570 |
Students planning to study in New Zealand tend to select cities known for their academic excellence, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. The top cities international students prefer to study in New Zealand are listed below, according to QS Best Student Cities 2024 rankings.
Auckland : Auckland is a great city for academic, sporting, and recreational activities. It is conveniently located near several of New Zealand's major cities and attractions. Auckland also has a beautiful climate - not too hot, not too cold, but usually just right, with average temperatures of 24 degrees in the summer and 15 degrees in the winter.
Christchurch : Christchurch is an appealing city where you may study, work, and enjoy a dynamic yet calm lifestyle. It's Aotearoa's newest city, with a burgeoning tech sector, a talent pool supported by three world-class universities, a progressive attitude, and an innovation ecosystem unlike any other.
Auckland
| QS Rank | 29 |
|---|
Christchurch
| QS Rank | 74 |
|---|
The New Zealand student visa application process has several requirements and documentation. Fee-paying student visas are common among Indian applicants. The university offers proof of payment, income verification, passport copies, character and health certificates, and academic transcripts, which are all required.
Additionally, showing sufficient funds for living expenses, English language proficiency, and intent to depart post study work permit in New Zealand is required. You might have to go through interviews and medical exams. The application is available online, with fees varying according to submission type and location.
English language proficiency, typically demonstrated through IELTS, is critical, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each module required for visa approval. For Indian applicants, New Zealand student visa fees vary: an online application costs $230, whereas a paper submission costs $330.
New Zealand has a higher cost of living than other popular study destinations. As a result, you may believe studying in New Zealand is relatively inexpensive. This is not the case. International students can apply for various scholarship opportunities to study in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, applying for Scholarships for Indian Students requires a good merit or competitive academic score. You can receive up to a full tuition waiver. Some popular scholarships include:
Scholarship to Study in New Zealand
Here are the scholarships available to study in New Zealand for indian students.
| Name of Scholarship | Level of Study | Countries Eligible | Eligibility Criteria | Applications Open | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship | PhD | India | Indian students pursuing PhD in New Zealand | Not specified | 600 NZD/year for 3 years |
| University of Otago International Masters Research Scholarship | Masters | International | International students pursuing first masters research program at the University of Otago | Not specified | 15,000 NZD stipend |
| UC International First-Year Scholarships | Undergraduate | International | Undergraduate program at University of Canterbury | Not specified | 10,000 to 20,000 NZD |
| Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship | Not specified | Asian countries | Asian students enrolling in University of Canterbury | Not specified | 15,000 NZD |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards | Not specified | India | Indian students enrolled with New Zealand Universities | Not specified | 5,000 NZD |
| Guardian Trust’s Masters Scholarship in Commerce | Masters (Commerce courses) | Not specified | Students applying for full-time and part-time courses at University of Canterbury | Not specified | 16,500 NZD |
After completing their degree, you can opt to stay for work or further studies with a post study work permit in New Zealand valid for 1 - 3 years, granting access to open work conditions.
The average annual salary for New Zealand workers is 97,600 NZD (49.94 lakhs INR), ranging from 24,600 NZD (12.58 lakhs INR) to 434,000 NZD (2.22 crores INR), inclusive of additional benefits.
Salary distribution highlights that 25% earn less than 60,700 NZD/yr, 50% less than 91,400 NZD/yr, and 75% less than 127,000 NZD/yr. Notably, there's a slight gender wage gap of around 5%, with men averaging 99,900 NZD and women 95,000 NZD annually.
| Field | Average Annual Salary (Approx) | Job Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | NZ$40K - NZ$85K | Strong demand for medical professionals; requires formal training and registration |
| Education | NZ$35K - NZ$75K | Regularly, more teachers’ requirements at all academic levels, opportunities in schools, colleges, and universities in New Zealand |
| Software | NZ$85K - NZ$145K | Abundant opportunities in tech companies; flexibility in work options |
| Cooking | NZ$50,234 | Demand in hospitality and tourism industry; progression from assistant to head chef |
| Construction | NZ$110K | Growing sector with diverse job roles; demand for residential and commercial construction |
| Manufacturing | NZ$50K - NZ$70K | Technology-driven industry with a focus on innovation; opportunities in production and operations |
| Engineering | NZ$75K - NZ$110K | Various sectors including automobiles, mining, and IT; internships often lead to full-time roles |
| Other Unskilled | NZ$7500 | Easier entry into the job market; opportunities for 10th or 12th pass individuals |
Ans. New Zealand offers exceptional safety, a high-quality education system, and a favourable work-life balance, making it an enticing destination for international students.
Ans. New Zealand has 8 universities, providing primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Ans. Popular courses include Business Administration, Information Technology, Medical Sciences, Arts & Design, Engineering, and Nursing.
Ans. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE tests, with specific score requirements for different programs.
Ans. New Zealand primarily offers admissions twice a year, in February (Semester I) and September (Semester II), with some programs having rolling admissions.
Ans. Tuition fees range from NZD 22,000 to NZD 32,000 for undergraduate programs and NZD 26,000 to NZD 37,000 for postgraduate programs.
Ans. International students can apply for scholarships, part-time jobs, or student loans to finance their studies in New Zealand.
Ans. Required documents include university offers, proof of funds, passport copies, academic transcripts, health and character certificates, and proof of English proficiency.
Ans. Yes, international students can apply for a post study work permit in New Zealand for 1-3 years, allowing them to work there after completing their studies.
Ans. International students can apply for scholarships based on merit or specific eligibility criteria, usually through the university's scholarship portal or government scholarship programs.
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