Destination guide
New Zealand
Eight world-ranked public universities and a relaxed post-study work pathway.
All eight New Zealand universities sit inside the QS top 500. Programmes are practical and research-aligned, and the Post-Study Work Visa gives 1–3 years of open work rights depending on qualification level.
Top universities
- • AucklandApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • OtagoApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • Victoria WellingtonApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • CanterburyApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • MasseyApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • WaikatoApply Now via Partner Counselor
Popular programmes
- • Master of Professional EngineeringApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • Master of BusinessApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • MSc Computer ScienceApply Now via Partner Counselor
- • Bachelor of NursingApply Now via Partner Counselor
Fee-Paying Student Visa
Application timeline
- 1Apply to one of the 8 public universities or an approved institute
- 2Pay deposit and receive Offer of Place
- 3Show funds (~NZD 20,000) and medical/travel insurance
- 4Apply for Student Visa via Immigration NZ portal
- 5Provide chest x-ray + police certificate if course > 12 months
- 6Activate IRD number on arrival to start working
Insider tips
- Choose a Level 7+ qualification to qualify for the 3-year post-study visa.
- Auckland and Wellington have the highest living costs — Dunedin and Hamilton are cheaper.
- NZ accepts a wider band of IELTS (6.0 overall) than AU for most masters.
- Apply for scholarships like the NZ Excellence Awards for South Asian students.
Tests accepted
Official resources
Cost of studying in New Zealand
Tuition, monthly living costs, visa fees and a rupee funding-gap calculator.
Fee-Paying Student Visa document checklist
Every document you need, as a tickable list you can save.
Studying in New Zealand — FAQs
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?＋
Tuition typically runs NZD 26,000 – 45,000 / year, and living costs come to roughly NZ$1,690 per month in a mid-range city — about ₹27.7 lakh for a typical first year including living costs. Use the New Zealand cost calculator to model your own numbers.
What visa do I need to study in New Zealand?＋
You need the Fee-Paying Student Visa. The application fee is NZD 750 (online) and processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Apply about 3 months before your course starts.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?＋
Up to 20 hrs/week term, full-time during scheduled breaks After graduating: Post-Study Work Visa — 1 to 3 years
Which tests do universities in New Zealand accept?＋
Commonly accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic. Requirements vary by university and programme, so always confirm on the programme page.
When are the intakes for New Zealand?＋
February (semester 1) · July (semester 2) Applications generally open 9-12 months before the intake starts.
How much money do I need to show for a New Zealand student visa?＋
About NZ$20,000 per year of living costs plus tuition.