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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.
Tuition
NZD 26,000 – 45,000 / year
Living cost
NZD 20,000 / year (min. for visa)
Intakes
February (semester 1) · July (semester 2)
Top universities
- • Auckland
- • Otago
- • Victoria Wellington
- • Canterbury
- • Massey
- • Waikato
Popular programmes
- • Master of Professional Engineering
- • Master of Business
- • MSc Computer Science
- • Bachelor of Nursing
Fee-Paying Student Visa
Application fee
NZD 750 (online)
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Work rights
Up to 20 hrs/week term, full-time during scheduled breaks
Post-study
Post-Study Work Visa — 1 to 3 years
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
IELTSTOEFLPTE Academic