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Study in New Zealand

Study Abroad

Published By: SakarPublished On: Jun 25, 2025

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand, renowned for its stunning landscapes and progressive society, offers international students a unique blend of high-quality education and vibrant cultural experiences. With globally recognized qualifications, a safe and welcoming environment, and abundant opportunities for adventure, New Zealand stands out as a premier destination for students worldwide.

Why study in New Zealand?

New Zealand's education system is based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), ensuring that qualifications are internationally respected and transferable. This framework encompasses all levels of education, from certificates to doctoral degrees, providing clear pathways for academic and career progression. 

At every study level, New Zealand can give you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals. The New Zealand government has strong quality assurance systems to ensure high-quality education at all levels of the education system, both public and private.

Top 5 reasons to study in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world’s best places to live and study. New Zealand can be one of the great choices for your studies because of the following reasons:

1. High-quality education

All eight of our universities are in the top 2% in the world. A New Zealand education provides you with personalised learning and academic excellence. You'll learn to ask questions and think critically. (QS World University Rankings).

2. Unbeatable lifestyle

New Zealand is known around the world for its incredible work-life balance. Enjoy a new adventure every day.

3. Learn English

New Zealand is ranked as the #1 English-speaking country in the world in preparing students for the future. A New Zealand education will improve your English skills to set you up for success in the workplace.

4. Work-ready

A New Zealand education gives you skills that prepare you for the future of work. While you're here, you may be able to support your studies with paid part-time work. A part-time job gives you valuable experience of the New Zealand workplace.

5. Gain life skills

Studying in New Zealand is an opportunity for personal growth and development. You'll learn to make meaningful connections, think independently, and work collaboratively. You'll have the skills you need for a thriving, global career and a successful future.

Benefits of studying in New Zealand

New Zealand has a unique teaching style that helps you grow as a person. Students in New Zealand are supported to solve problems, process information, work with others, and create and innovate. Some of the benefits of studying in New Zealand are:

  • The study involves a balance of learning practical skills and gaining real-world experience.

  • Among English-speaking countries, New Zealand is 1ˢᵗ in the world for preparing students for the future.

  • Students are encouraged to think creatively, independently & analytically.

  • New Zealand's lecture halls and classrooms are culturally diverse, which builds cultural awareness.

  • New Zealand's students are ranked the 5th most creative thinkers in the world.

  • New Zealand ranks 7th for highest performing graduates – ahead of the US, Canada, and England. 

  • New Zealand is ranked the 1ˢᵗ in the world for work-life balance, according to the Global Life-Work Balance Index (2023), Remote.

  • New Zealand is ranked the 4ᵗʰ most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2024. 

Top courses to study in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wide range of courses and programs for international students. Here are some of the top courses:

  • Business and Management

  • Information Technology

  • Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Software)

  • Health Sciences (Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry)

  • Environmental Science

  • Tourism and Hospitality

  • Creative Arts and Design (Graphic Design, Animation, Film, Fashion)

  • Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

  • Education

  • Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, International Relations)

Top University to study in New Zealand

A New Zealand education teaches you how to put knowledge to work in the world. Graduates from New Zealand universities are valued by employers around the world for their ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. Whether you choose a New Zealand university to pursue a research passion, explore new opportunities, or have a life experience like no other, every choice will lead you somewhere exceptional.

All of New Zealand’s universities are ranked in the top 2% in the world by QS World University Rankings. The list of world-class universities in New Zealand is given below:

  1. University of Auckland

  2. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

  3. University of Otago

  4. University of Canterbury

  5. Victoria University of Wellington

  6. Massey University

  7. University of Waikato

  8. Lincoln University

How to apply for a visa to study in New Zealand

If you’re interested in studying in New Zealand, you’ll need to apply for a student visa from Immigration New Zealand and have this approved before you’re able to start your studies.

What type of visa do you need to study in New Zealand?

1. Student Visa: If you want to study a full-time course in New Zealand that’s longer than 3 months in total duration, you’ll need a Student Visa, unless you have a working holiday visa.

2. Visitor Visa ( visa required country): If you want to take a short course of study in New Zealand, a visitor visa may be the best choice of visa for you.  A visitor visa allows you to take one or more short courses lasting up to 3 months in total, or a term at school. If you are not from a visa-waiver country, you must be granted a visa before you travel to New Zealand.

3. Working holiday Visa: You can study one or more short courses lasting up to 6 months in total on a working holiday visa, but your main reason for travel must be to holiday.

4. Pathway Visa: The pathway student visa allows you to study up to 3 consecutive study programmes or courses for up to 5 years. For example, you could take an English language course, followed by foundation studies, then a degree programme. Your study plan (including all programmes/courses) must be pre-approved for this visa, and you must be studying at an approved pathway education provider.

Scholarships to study in New Zealand for Nepalese students

Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to as a Nepalese student:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Coverage

Application Details

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Students from developing countries, including Nepal, pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Full tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.

Applications are typically open annually. For detailed information and application procedures, visit the official website.

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in New Zealand.

NZD 5,000 for postgraduate and NZD 10,000 for undergraduate courses.

Offered across all eight New Zealand universities. For more details, refer to the official page.

NZ-GRADS – Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship

Science students from developing countries undertaking PhD studies related to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Tuition fees up to NZD 10,000 per year, annual stipend of NZD 28,000, medical insurance, visa costs, airfare, and research allowance.

For application details and deadlines, visit the Global Research Alliance website.

SEG Scholarship

Students pursuing studies in geophysics and related geosciences.

Scholarship amounts vary based on merit and financial need.

For eligibility criteria and application process, check the SEG Scholarships page.

Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship

International students choosing to study in Palmerston North.

NZD 1,000 towards the first year's tuition fees.

Sponsored by the City Council of Palmerston North. For more information, visit the IPU New Zealand scholarships page.

Job prospects in New Zealand for Nepalese students

New Zealand offers favourable job prospects for Nepalese students. Graduates can apply for post-study work visas, and the country periodically highlights skill shortages, making it easier to find employment in those areas. Quality education, work experience opportunities, and networking can enhance job prospects. Proficiency in English is crucial, and familiarity with the New Zealand work culture is essential. Explore diverse job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and more, and consider long-term residency options if desired.

Living in New Zealand

New Zealand is an unbeatable place to live and study. New Zealand is world-famous for its friendly people, spectacular landscape and relaxed lifestyle.

Accommodations in New Zealand

New students always feel at home here. You’ll need somewhere to live while you study, and there are plenty of options available.

1. Halls of Residence or hostels

Usually just a walk away from campus, halls of residence offer fully furnished single or twin-share rooms with a shared dining hall, lounge, and laundry. Meals are often included, and you’ll find a lively programme of social activities.

A number of the larger institutions also provide private hostels that run in a similar way, and some have self-contained apartments (which we call ‘flats’).

2. Homestay or private board

With a homestay, you live with a New Zealand family in their home, usually in a fully furnished room of your own. They’ll provide you with meals and help you to settle into day-to-day life in New Zealand.

A homestay is a great way to get to know some friendly New Zealanders, develop your English skills, and get a close-up look at New Zealand’s way of life and culture.

3. Flatting or independent accommodation

Flats range from one-bedroom apartments to four or five-bedroom homes, and can be found just about anywhere close to cities and campuses or further out in the surrounding suburbs, where you’re more likely to find gardens and car-parking space.

Most flats include basic equipment such as an oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and clothes dryer. You and your flatmates will share the cost of rent and usually the phone and energy bills.

Post-study work visas

If you want to stay in New Zealand to get some practical work experience after you’ve completed your qualification, you may be able to apply for a post-study work visa.

A post-study work visa could allow you to work for up to 3 years in New Zealand after you graduate, depending on the level of your study qualification and what you study.

Student visa requirements

You’ll usually need to provide the following with your student visa application (documents should be translated into English):

  • An offer of a place from an approved education provider.

  • Evidence that you have paid your tuition fees.

  • A copy of the identity pages in your passport.

  • Proof of funds to cover your living expenses (NZ$20,000 per year, or NZ$17,000 for school years 1-13) and proof of where this money has come from.

  • A copy of your air ticket home, or proof that you have enough money to buy one.

  • Your visa application fee.

  • You may need to provide a medical certificate or chest x-ray, or police certificate.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living in New Zealand

New Zealand’s flexible education system has study options to suit every budget. The cost of living is similar to other OECD countries, and is combined with an excellent work/life balance and a high quality of life.

Tuition Fees

From short-term English language courses to postgraduate degrees, there’s a qualification to suit you. Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the type of course, where you study, and how long you study for. The fees listed below are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

1. School fees

Annual fees for state schools start at about $11,000 for primary schools and $14,000 for secondary schools. Annual fees for private primary and secondary schools start at about $25,000.

2. Diplomas/Certificates

Study for a one-term New Zealand Certificate in Engineering for $23,376 or a one-year Diploma in Computing for $46,752. 

3. Bachelor’s degree

Fees range from about $35,000 to $55,000* per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. Many bachelor’s degrees can be completed in three years. Important to note: Fees can vary, so it's best to contact education providers for exact course costs.

4. Postgraduate degree

Fees range from about $20,000 to $45,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. 

5. PhDs

International PhD students pay the same as New Zealand PhD students, which is about $6,500 to $7,500* per year for most subjects. Fees do vary depending on the education provider, so it’s best to contact them for exact costs per course. Important to note: Fees can vary, so it's best to contact education providers for exact course costs. *Cost updated March 2025.

Living Costs

Living costs will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in. It may be cheaper to live in a small town than a big city for example, because of lower housing and transport costs. You may be able to offset some of your costs by working. Most student visas enable you to work up to 20 hours per week, or full-time in the holidays.

As an example of how much to budget for, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland estimate living costs to be around $20,000-$27,000 each year, and the University of Otago (based in Dunedin) estimates $18,000-$21,000.

Cost of living in New Zealand for Nepalese students

The cost of living in New Zealand can vary depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Generally, New Zealand is considered to have a moderately high cost of living. Here are some key expenses to consider when estimating the cost of living in New Zealand:

Expense category

Estimated monthly cost (NZD)

Accommodation

1,200 - 2,500+

Food (Groceries)

300 - 500

Dining Out

150 - 300

Transportation (Public)

150 - 250

Transportation (Car Ownership)

150 - 250 + additional expenses

Healthcare (Basic Public Coverage)

Covered by taxation

Private Health Insurance

50 - 200+

Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating)

150 - 250

Internet

70 - 100

Education (Tuition and Educational Expenses for International Students)

Varies by institution

Entertainment and Leisure

100 - 300+

Insurance (Rental, Car, etc.)

Varies based on coverage

Miscellaneous

100 - 200+

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I study in New Zealand without IELTS?

Answer: Yes, you can study in New Zealand without IELTS by providing alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or other English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. Universities like the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and Lincoln University accept these alternatives.

2. Can I get PR if I study in New Zealand?

Answer: Yes, studying in New Zealand can lead to permanent residency (PR), but it's not automatic. After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV), which allows you to work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on your qualification. Gaining relevant work experience in a skilled occupation during this period can make you eligible to apply for PR under pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category or the Green List occupations.

3. How to study in New Zealand for free?

Answer: You can study in New Zealand for free or at a significantly reduced cost by securing fully funded scholarships or enrolling in institutions offering tuition-free programs.

4. Where to study physiotherapy in New Zealand?

Answer: In New Zealand, you can study physiotherapy at four accredited institutions: University of Otago, the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the University of Auckland, Waikato Institute of Technology. The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand ensures these universities meet the standards required for professional practice.

5. How much gap is accepted for study in New Zealand?

Answer: A student can apply to a university in New Zealand even with a 10-year gap in their education. However, in such cases, the student may need to demonstrate their credentials and qualifications thoroughly.

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