Begin Your Study Abroad Journey in New Zealand

New Zealand is quickly becoming a favorite among international students, and for good reason. With excellent universities, a welcoming lifestyle, and growing opportunities in tech and innovation, it’s a place where learning and adventure go hand in hand. Discover all you need to know about studying in New Zealand and how to get started.

1500+

Student Placed

500+

Universities

98%

Success Rate

hero image
Trusted by leading universities
Brnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad LogoBrnad Logo

Why Choose New Zealand?

feature-icon

Flexible Learning

Courses tailored to student goals

feature-icon

Cultural Diversity

Over 1M international students hosted

feature-icon

Education Diversity

4,000+ institutions for every student

feature-icon

Research Excellence

Leading in global innovation and R&D

feature-icon

Career Growth

Programs aligned with industry needs

feature-icon

Global Leadership

Top 10 Global Universities Hub

Your One-Stop Solution, Applications to Accommodations

From application to arrival, we’ve got you covered. Instantly redeem language test vouchers, explore tailored financial services, and secure your future with flexible student loans. Everything you need, all in one place.

Explore the New Zealand Top Study Programs

Explore with a Counselor

New Zealand: things to know

🏙️ Cost of Living in the New Zealand
  • New Zealand provides international students with a high-quality yet affordable lifestyle, though living costs vary depending on the city and personal habits. Expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, and leisure can be managed with careful planning, allowing students to enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences without breaking the budget.

Category Cost (NZD) Notes
On-Campus Accommodation (Residence Halls) NZD 215 – NZD 555 per week Varies based on location and facilities
Off-Campus Accommodation (Shared Flats) NZD 120 – NZD 600 per week Depends on city and type of accommodation
General Living Expenses NZD 15,000 – NZD 25,000 per year Smaller cities: NZD 15,000 – NZD 20,000; Larger cities like Auckland: NZD 18,000 – NZD 25,000
Utilities NZD 100 per month Shared housing
Food and Groceries NZD 80 – NZD 120 per week Based on grocery habits
Healthcare and Insurance NZD 350 per semester Health and travel insurance
Miscellaneous Phone: NZD 20/month, Internet: NZD 70/month, Public Transport: NZD 2.50 – NZD 37/week Depends on usage and city
💸 Cost of Studying in the New Zealand
  • The cost of studying in New Zealand in 2024 covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other essentials such as accommodation and insurance. Here’s a detailed overview:

Program Average Annual Tuition (NZD) Notes
Undergraduate Programs NZD 25,000 – NZD 45,000 Specialized fields like medicine and veterinary science may be more expensive
Postgraduate Programs NZD 20,000 – NZD 37,000 Some subjects may have higher fees
PhD Programs NZD 6,500 – NZD 9,000 Fees same for international and domestic students
MBA Programs NZD 31,000 – NZD 50,000 Typically higher than other postgraduate programs
📜 Scholarships to study in the New Zealand
  • Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to as an Indian student:

Scholarship Name Description
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) Funded by the NZ government for PhD studies, covering tuition, student levies, living stipend (up to NZ$25,000 tax-free), and health insurance (up to NZ$600 per year) for three years. Amounts may vary by institution.
Source
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships For Indian students pursuing Master’s or PhD under the CSFP. Covers tuition, living allowance (NZ$491/week), establishment allowance (NZ$3,000), travel and health insurance, and research costs.
Source 1, Source 2
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) Funded by Education NZ and NZ universities. Offers PG scholarships (28 awards, NZ$5,000 each) and UG scholarships (3 awards, NZ$10,000 each).
Source
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship Covers tuition fees up to NZ$10,000/year, annual stipend NZ$28,000, medical insurance up to NZ$700, visa costs up to NZ$1,000, airfare up to NZ$6,000, and research allowance NZ$1,500 for 3 years.
Source
SEG Scholarship Funded by Soshi Educational Group for geophysics/geosciences studies. Scholarship A: NZ$7,000/year, Scholarship B: NZ$5,000/year, Scholarship C: NZ$3,000/year. Award duration: 1 year.
Source 1, Source 2
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council for career-based/vocational, UG, or PG courses. Provides NZ$1,000 towards the first year's tuition.
Source
🚀 Student Visa Requirements for the New Zealand
  • If you are over 18 and intend to study in New Zealand for longer than six months, the following types of student visas are available to you:

S.No. Type of Student Visa Description
1 Fee Paying Student Visa Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time
2 Exchange Student Visa Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program
3 Foreign Government Supported Student Visa Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship
4 Pathway Student Visa Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time

Did You Know?

International students graduating from Irish universities have strong employment prospects.

According to Ireland’s Graduate Outcomes Survey for the class of 2018, 80% of international graduates were employed or about to start a job, and 66% of them secured work in Ireland. This employment rate matches or exceeds that of many other popular study destinations.

counselor image

Job prospects in New Zealand

Technology and engineering sectors in New Zealand are rapidly growing, especially in areas like IT, cybersecurity, and renewable energy engineering. With the country’s emphasis on sustainability, there is increasing demand for “green jobs” in energy and environmental industries. IT-related roles, such as software development and data analysis, are also in high demand as businesses continue to pursue digital transformation initiatives.

Meanwhile, the education sector faces a shortage of qualified teachers, leading the government to invest in training programs to address gaps in primary and secondary schools. This shortage presents significant opportunities for educators, particularly in regional areas where the demand is highest.

Why study in New Zealand?

Academic Excellence: New Zealand’s universities are globally recognized for their high-quality education. All eight universities rank within the top 3% worldwide, offering degrees that are respected and recognized internationally.

Research and Practical Learning: Known for its hands-on approach, New Zealand provides excellent research opportunities, especially in areas such as agriculture, environmental science, and engineering. Students gain practical experience and exposure to cutting-edge innovations, giving them a competitive advantage in their fields.

counselor image

Study in New Zealand and Fulfill Your Dreams

Ready to start your study abroad journey? It may seem daunting, but you’re not alone! Join over 1.3M students and let First Counselor’s experts guide you every step of the way.

Find Your Perfect Program →
student

More Study Destinations to Explore

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the burning questions in your mind.

1. Which exams are required for New Zealand?

To study in New Zealand, students may need to take the following exams:
- Language proficiency: IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Subject-specific tests:GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)

2. What IELTS score is needed for New Zealand?

For a student visa, a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 is required. For university admission, most institutions expect an overall band score of 6, with no section below 5.5.

3. What are pathway programs in New Zealand?

Pathway programs, also called foundation courses, are offered by New Zealand universities to help international students meet entry requirements, select the right program, or bridge gaps in their prior education. These programs are particularly useful for students who don’t yet meet certain course criteria or are exploring their study options.