Why New Zealand?

Why Study in New Zealand?

International students choose to study in New Zealand due to its high-quality, globally recognized education system, safe and welcoming environment, and favourable post-study work and immigration pathways.

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

• World-Class Education: New Zealand's education system is based on the British model and is known for its research-based and innovative approach. All eight of the country's universities are consistently ranked in top global university rankings, ensuring a high standard of education.
• Globally Accepted Qualifications: Degrees and qualifications from New Zealand institutions are recognized and respected worldwide, enhancing career prospects globally. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures all registered institutions meet qualification standards.
• Broad Study and Research Opportunities: The country offers a wide variety of courses at certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, with ample scope for research, especially for PhD scholars who often pay domestic tuition fees and have full-time work rights.
• Work While Studying: International students are permitted to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, which helps manage living expenses and gain practical experience.
• Post-Study Work Visas: Graduates with certain qualifications (Level 7 or higher) can apply for a post-study work visa, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
• Safety and Peaceful Environment: Consistently ranked as one of the world's safest and most peaceful nations (second on the Global Peace Index 2019/2020), New Zealand offers a secure and low-crime environment for international students.
• Welcoming Multicultural Society: Known for their friendly and inclusive nature, New Zealanders are welcoming toward people from all cultures, making it easy for international students to settle in.
• Stunning Natural Beauty and Lifestyle: The country is famous for its picturesque landscapes, mountains, and beaches, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and water sports, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.
• Relatively Affordable: Compared to other popular study destinations like the US, UK, and Australia, the cost of living and tuition fees in New Zealand can be more affordable.
• Scholarship Availability: Various government and university-specific scholarships are available to help deserving international students with their finances.
• Strong Student Support: Universities and related organizations provide comprehensive support services, including orientation programs, accommodation assistance, and academic help, ensuring student wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

These factors combine to make New Zealand an attractive and enriching destination for international students seeking personal growth, quality education, and strong career opportunities.

Admission & Visa

Admission Requirements to Study in New Zealand

General Academic Requirements

Academic prerequisites depend on the course level:

• Certificate/Diploma: You typically need to have completed high school (equivalent to New Zealand's Year 12) with an acceptable academic record.
• Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Programs: You must have completed 12 years of schooling (equivalent to New Zealand's Year 13). A minimum academic record of 70– 75% or above is often required, but this varies by university and program. Students who have completed only 11 years of schooling may need to complete a preparatory or foundation program first.
• Postgraduate (Master's) Programs: You need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university, typically with a strong GPA (e.g., 5.0 out of 9, or a 'B' average).
• Doctoral (PhD) Programs: A Master's degree in a relevant field with research experience is usually required. In some cases, high-achieving Bachelor's graduates with research capabilities may be considered.

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of proficiency through a standardized test. The minimum scores vary by course and institution:

Test	Undergraduate (approx.)	Postgraduate (approx.)
IELTS	6.0 (no band less than 5.5)	6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT	80	90–100
PTE Academic	50	58–64

Required Documents for Admission

When applying directly to the university, you will generally need to provide the following:

• Completed application form.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated into English and notarized).
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• A valid passport copy.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or application essay.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs), usually 2–3, for postgraduate applications.
• An updated CV/Resume (especially for postgraduate students).
• A portfolio for courses in creative fields like art, design, or architecture.
• Specific test scores like GMAT or GRE for some MBA or management programs.

Student Visa Requirements

Once you have an "Offer of Place" from an approved New Zealand education provider, you can apply for a student visa. Key visa requirements include:

• Offer of Place letter.
• Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses (currently estimated at NZD 20,000 for a full year of study).
• Health and Character: A medical check, a chest X-ray (if staying longer than six months), and a police character certificate.
• Insurance: Valid health and travel insurance for your entire stay in New Zealand.
• Return Ticket: Proof of a return airfare or the funds to purchase one.

The official New Zealand government website provides detailed information and the application portal for student visas at Immigration New Zealand.

Costs & Aid

Tuition Fee and Scholarships in New Zealand

Tuition fees for international students in New Zealand vary by qualification and field of study, but typically range from NZ$35,000 to NZ$55,000 annually for undergraduate degrees and NZ$20,000 to NZ$45,000 per year for most postgraduate programs. International PhD students pay the same subsidised rate as domestic students.

Annual Tuition Fees by Study Level

The costs are set by individual universities and institutions and are influenced by the subject area (e.g., lab-based sciences or engineering are generally more expensive than arts or humanities).

Study Program Level	Average Annual Costs (NZD)
Certificate/Diploma	NZ$12,000 – NZ$35,000
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)	NZ$35,000 – NZ$55,000
Postgraduate (Master's)	NZ$20,000 – NZ$45,000
Doctoral (PhD)	NZ$6,500 – NZ$9,000
English Language Courses	Approx. NZ$350 per week

Factors Affecting Fees

• Field of Study: High-cost fields include medicine, veterinary science, engineering, and some health sciences, which can exceed NZ$80,000 annually.
• University: Fees vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Waikato offers some programs starting at lower price points, while the University of Auckland or Massey University can have higher fees for specialized courses.
• Mandatory Additional Costs: Be sure to budget for compulsory student services and administration fees (around NZ$800 – NZ$1,200 annually) and mandatory health insurance (approx. NZ$600 – NZ$900 per year).
• Part-time Work: Most student visas allow you to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, which can help cover living expenses.
• Living Expenses: Immigration New Zealand requires proof of funds for living costs, currently set at a minimum of NZ$20,000 for each full year of study. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington generally have higher living costs than smaller cities like Hamilton or Dunedin.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of studying in New Zealand. They can be broadly categorised into government-funded and university-specific awards.

Government Scholarships

These are often the most generous, covering full tuition, living expenses, and travel.

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: The primary government scholarship program for students from developing countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is fully funded and covers tuition, a living stipend, establishment allowance, and insurance.
• New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships: Part of the Manaaki program for postgraduate students from Commonwealth countries. Benefits are similar to the Manaaki scholarships and cover all major expenses.
• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEAs): A scholarship program for high-achieving Indian students, offering various award amounts, from partial waivers to significant contributions.

University-Specific Scholarships

Most New Zealand universities offer scholarships based on academic merit to attract international talent.

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship: Awards up to NZD $10,000 towards tuition fees for exceptional new international students.
• Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship: Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students, with values up to NZD $10,000.
• University of Otago International Research Master's Scholarship: Provides an annual stipend combined with a tuition fee waiver (capped at the domestic rate).
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT) International Excellence Scholarships: Offers up to NZD $7,000 towards tuition for high-achieving students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• University of Canterbury (UC) International First Year Scholarship: Offers between NZD $10,000 and $20,000 to outstanding international students in their first year.