Study in New Zealand

New Zealand offers internationally recognised qualifications, high academic standards, practical teaching and a safe, multicultural learning environment. Students can also benefit from personalised academic support, opportunities to work during eligible studies and post- study work options for qualifying graduates.

Available study options include:

• Primary and secondary education
• English-language programmes
• Foundation and university pathways
• Certificates and diplomas
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Graduate certificates and diplomas
• Postgraduate diplomas
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral and research programmes

Students can study at:

• Universities
• Institutes of technology and polytechnics
• Private training establishments
• English-language schools
• Primary and secondary schools
• Foundation and pathway providers

The right provider depends on the student’s academic background, intended qualification, budget and career plans.

New Zealand has eight universities:

• University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology
• University of Waikato
• Massey University
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• University of Otago

Each university offers different subject strengths, locations, admission standards and scholarship opportunities.

The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework—NZQCF organises recognised qualifications by level:

Levels 1–4 Certificates Levels 5–6 Diplomas

• Level: Typical qualification
• Level 7: Bachelor’s degrees and graduate diplomas
• Level 8: Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas
• Level 9: Master’s degrees

Level 10 Doctoral degrees

Qualification level can affect admission progression, partner eligibility and post-study work options.

Requirements vary by provider and programme, but students commonly need:

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• English-language test results
• Personal statement or study plan
• CV or résumé for postgraduate applications
• Letters of recommendation
• Evidence of professional experience where required
• Portfolio for creative programmes
• Research proposal for selected postgraduate degrees
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources

Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Depending on the provider and course, accepted tests may include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English examinations
• Other recognised assessments

Required scores depend on the qualification level. Nursing, teaching and other regulated professions may require higher English results.

Possibly. Some providers accept another approved English test, evidence of previous education in English or successful completion of an approved English-language pathway.

English-test evidence is not automatically mandatory for every student visa application, but it can help demonstrate that the applicant is academically prepared and genuinely intends to study.

Yes. Foundation programmes help students whose school qualification does not provide direct entry to a New Zealand bachelor’s degree.

They may include:

• Academic subjects
• English-language development
• Research and writing skills
• Study and presentation skills
• Preparation for a selected university degree

Progression normally depends on achieving the required grades and English level.

The principal university intakes are usually:

• February
• July

Some programmes offer additional starting dates. English-language and vocational providers may have several intakes throughout the year.

Students should ideally begin preparing 9 to 12 months before their intended start date.

The following figures are general planning estimates:

• Programme: Indicative tuition
• English-language course: NZD 350–550 per week
• Certificate or diploma: NZD 18,000–32,000 per year
• Bachelor’s degree: NZD 25,000–45,000 per year
• Master’s degree: NZD 28,000–50,000 per year
• Doctoral degree: Varies by university and subject

Medicine, veterinary science, aviation and other specialised programmes may cost considerably more. Students should confirm fees directly with the education provider.

International PhD students studying and living in New Zealand may qualify for domestic doctoral tuition rates at participating universities.

Conditions differ between institutions, and students must confirm the applicable fees, residency requirements and scholarship arrangements with the university.

Immigration New Zealand normally requires tertiary, English-language and other non- compulsory students to demonstrate:

• NZD 20,000 for each year, or
• NZD 1,667 for each month when studying for less than one year

This is separate from tuition and outward travel costs. Actual expenses vary by city, accommodation and lifestyle. Official student-fund requirements.

Students should budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food and household expenses
• Transport
• Medical and travel insurance
• Books and equipment
• Telephone and internet
• Clothing
• Flights and personal expenses

Official guidance indicates that some institutions recommend annual living budgets of approximately NZD 20,000–27,000. Study with New Zealand cost guidance.

Yes. Possible funding includes:

• University entrance scholarships
• International merit awards
• Faculty-specific scholarships
• Research master’s and doctoral funding
• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
• Country-specific awards
• Provider tuition discounts
• External grants and bursaries

Scholarships are competitive and may cover part or all of tuition and, in selected cases, living expenses. Search official New Zealand scholarships.

The most common visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa. It allows eligible international students to study full-time with an approved provider for up to four years, depending on the course and tuition-payment period.

Other options include Pathway, exchange and government-scholarship student visas.

The Fee Paying Student Visa currently costs from NZD 850. Additional charges may apply depending on the applicant’s location and submission arrangements.

Visa fees and processing times can change, so applicants should check the official Fee Paying Student Visa page before applying.

An Offer of Place is issued by an approved education provider after assessing the student’s application. It usually confirms:

• Programme name
• Study level
• Course duration
• Start and end dates
• Tuition fees
• Admission conditions
• Whether the programme is full-time
• Provider details

Students normally need a valid Offer of Place before applying for a student visa.

The usual process is:

1. 1Select an approved provider and programme.
2. 2Submit an admission application.
3. 3Receive an Offer of Place.
4. 4Accept the offer and arrange tuition payment.
5. 5Prepare financial and supporting documents.
6. 6Arrange acceptable medical and travel insurance.
7. 7Apply for the student visa online.
8. 8Complete medical examinations or provide police certificates if required.
9. 9Receive the visa decision.
10. 10Finalise accommodation and travel arrangements.

Immigration New Zealand recommends applying approximately three months before the intended travel date where possible.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Offer of Place
• Tuition-payment evidence
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• English-language results
• Proof of living expenses
• Evidence of outward travel or funds to purchase a ticket
• Medical and travel insurance declaration
• Study plan or genuine-intentions evidence
• Medical examination or chest X-ray
• Police certificates
• Sponsorship or financial-undertaking documents

Documents not written in English may require certified translations.

Evidence may include:

• Bank statements
• Fixed-term deposit evidence
• Education-loan documents
• Scholarship confirmation
• Tuition and accommodation receipts
• Sponsor documentation
• Financial Undertaking for a Student
• Evidence of family income and employment

Funds must be genuinely available to the student. Applicants studying for more than one year should also present a credible plan for financing the remaining years.

Applicants must demonstrate that they genuinely intend to study, comply with visa conditions and leave New Zealand if they do not obtain another lawful visa.

Immigration New Zealand may consider:

• Reasons for choosing New Zealand
• Reasons for selecting the provider and course
• Relevance to previous education or employment
• Understanding of tuition and living costs
• Academic and immigration history
• Source of funds
• Family, employment and economic circumstances
• Future career plans

Statements should be personal, consistent and supported by documents.

International students must normally maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance during their stay.

The policy should meet the education provider’s requirements and cover the required period. Students should examine exclusions, excess payments, existing-condition provisions and travel coverage before purchasing insurance.

Eligible students may be granted permission to work:

• Up to 25 hours per week during the academic term
• Full-time during qualifying scheduled holidays

The increased 25-hour allowance applies to eligible new student visas granted from 3 November 2025. Some students holding older visas may still have a 20-hour condition and must check their individual visa. Official work-rights update.

No. Work rights depend on the student’s age, programme, course duration and visa conditions.

Student visas can only include work rights for students aged 16 or older. Certain school students aged 16 or 17 require permission from their parents and education provider.

Students must not begin employment unless their visa conditions authorise it.

Students should not rely on employment to finance their main study expenses. Employment, hours and income are not guaranteed.

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds independently of expected earnings in New Zealand.

Students may be able to change programmes or institutions, but a change can affect their visa conditions.

They may need to:

• Obtain a new Offer of Place
• Apply for a variation of conditions
• Apply for a new student visa
• Provide evidence of progress and attendance
• Explain the reason for the change

Students should confirm the immigration requirements before withdrawing from their existing programme.

Students must attend the programme specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

When applying for a further student visa, they may need to provide:

• Academic transcripts
• Attendance records
• Progress reports
• A provider’s confirmation letter
• An explanation for unsatisfactory attendance or performance

Failure to meet course and visa conditions can affect future applications.

Partners must apply for their own visas. Depending on the student’s qualification, a partner may be eligible for:

• A Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
• A Partner of a Student Work Visa

A partner’s eligibility for a work visa depends on the level and, for some qualifications, field of the student’s programme. Evidence of a genuine and stable relationship is required.

Dependent children normally need separate visitor or student visas. Eligibility and school-fee treatment can depend on the visa held by the student or their partner.

Families should calculate additional accommodation, insurance, education and living costs before applying.

Education providers enrolling international students must meet standards for their safety, accommodation and wellbeing.

Students younger than 10 are normally granted student visas only when they:

• Live with a parent or legal guardian, or
• Stay in an approved school hostel

A parent or legal guardian may apply for a Guardian Visitor Visa to live with and care for the child.

New Zealand’s Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice establishes standards for learner safety and wellbeing.

Approved signatory providers have responsibilities covering:

• Student information
• Accommodation
• Physical and mental wellbeing
• Academic support
• Complaints
• Safety
• Support for international learners

Read the NZQA Code of Practice guidance.

Eligible graduates may apply for a Post Study Work Visa, which can allow them to work in New Zealand for up to three years.

Eligibility depends on:

• Qualification level
• Type of qualification
• Duration of full-time study in New Zealand
• Application timing
• Whether the qualification appears on an eligible list
• Compliance with health, character and financial requirements

Current qualifying routes generally include:

• A Level 7 bachelor’s degree studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
• A Level 8–10 qualification studied full-time for at least 30 weeks
• An approved non-degree Level 4–7 qualification studied in New Zealand for its required full duration

For non-degree qualifications at Level 7 or below, the graduate’s job must normally be related to the completed programme.

The possible duration depends on the qualification and study length:

• Qualification: Possible duration
• Eligible non-degree qualification: Generally related to study duration
• Bachelor’s or qualifying Level 8 programme: Generally related to study duration
• Master’s or doctorate studied for at least 30 weeks: Up to 3 years

Students should confirm eligibility before enrolling. Official Post Study Work Visa guidance.

Most eligible graduates must apply no later than three months after their student visa expires. Doctoral graduates generally have up to six months. Special timing rules may apply when a student completes consecutive qualifications.

Applicants must normally demonstrate at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses.

From 16 November 2026:

• Post Study Work Visa eligibility expands to certain Level 7 graduate-diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree.
• A new six-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa becomes available to certain Level 5–7 graduates who are not eligible for the standard Post Study Work Visa.

The new Short-term Graduate Work Visa is intended to provide eligible graduates with time to seek work and investigate longer-term employment options. Official 2026 post-study announcement.

No. Admission, a student visa, a Post Study Work Visa, employment and residence are separate processes.

Residence eligibility may depend on:

• Skilled employment or a qualifying job offer
• Occupational registration
• Qualification
• Income
• Work experience
• Points or another residence pathway
• Immigration rules in force at the time

No institution or education consultant can guarantee employment or residence.

New Zealand universities offering medicine may accept applicants through competitive first- year or graduate-entry routes.

Applicants may need:

• Excellent academic results
• Strong performance in required science subjects
• An admissions assessment or test where applicable
• An interview
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Significant financial resources

International places are limited and admission is highly competitive.

Common accommodation options include:

• University halls of residence
• Homestays
• Shared flats
• Private rental properties
• Provider-arranged accommodation

Students should compare rent, deposits, utilities, transport, location, safety and contract conditions before making a commitment.

Popular destinations include:

• Auckland
• Wellington
• Christchurch
• Hamilton
• Dunedin
• Palmerston North
• Tauranga
• Lincoln
• Napier
• Nelson

Auckland offers a wide selection of providers and employment opportunities but can have higher accommodation costs. Smaller cities may offer a quieter environment and potentially lower expenses.

Students should consider:

• Provider approval and quality assurance
• Qualification level
• Academic entry requirements
• Course content
• Tuition and living costs
• Scholarships
• Professional accreditation
• Industry placements
• Location and accommodation
• Student support
• Post Study Work Visa eligibility

Students should not select a programme solely because of its name or an expectation of permanent residence.

IEC Edu Consultancy supports students with:

• Academic and financial assessment
• Institution and programme selection
• Qualification-level and post-study eligibility checks
• University, polytechnic and pathway applications
• Personal statements and supporting documents
• Scholarship guidance
• Student visa document preparation
• Financial-profile guidance
• Accommodation and pre-departure support
• Post-arrival assistance

Contact IEC Edu Consultancy for a personalised assessment and a carefully selected list of suitable New Zealand institutions and programmes.

Admission requirements, fees and immigration rules can change. Students should confirm the latest conditions with their education provider and Immigration New Zealand before applying.