Study in New Zealand, one of the safest and most beautiful countries in the world. A strong research-intensive curriculum is a major advantage for applicants.

Situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, the land of the Long White Cloud for the local Maori people, is an island country. It comprises the North and South Islands, along with many smaller islands and breath-taking landmasses. The New Zealand culture is a diverse and unique blend of Maori and European traditions, with influences from Asia, Polynesia and many other countries.

Education system in New Zealand

The tertiary education system in New Zealand comprises universities, polytechnics and Wananga

1. Universities: There are 600 private universities and 8 state-funded universities in New Zealand. Public universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes to its students.


2. ITPs: These are institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) that offer foundation courses and undergraduate and postgraduate vocational courses for students. Currently, there are 23 polytechnics in New Zealand.


3. Wananga: If you are keen about learning the traditional values of Maori cultures, then Wānanga institutes are right for you. These institutes teach you everything about the culture of the Maori people.

Why study in New Zealand?

Here are some reasons why New Zealand should be considered as a study destination

• New Zealand institutes are recognised internationally and are highly regarded by employers worldwide.
• Teaching standards in the country are excellent. Students will immensely benefit from smaller class sizes that offer more individualised attention.
• The education system in New Zealand rewards students for both practical and academic achievements.
• New Zealand is a young country where resourcefulness and independence are highly regarded. Students can look forward to a very supportive learning environment where they are encouraged to raise questions and perform creatively.

Tourist attractions

Besides academia, there is always a room for activities outside the classroom, given such a fabulous location. New Zealand's North Island is well known for its island sanctuaries and active volcanoes — it has a line of mountain ranges running with farmland on both sides. The South Island houses some of the purest landscapes on earth — don’t miss out on seeing the massive Southern Alps, which is the backbone of the South Island.

You can enjoy picturesque fjords, spectacular glaciers, rugged mountains, rolling hillsides, vast plains, subtropical forest and miles of coastline with beautiful sandy beaches. Even big cities are surrounded by lush greenery and are located not far from the country’s hills and coasts.

Study options

Institutes in New Zealand offer mainly two academic intakes: January and July. Some institutes offer multiple intakes to its students in September and November.

Students can choose between diploma, degree, vocational and polytechnic courses. Some of the popular courses amongst international students studying in New Zealand are Hospitality Management, Accounting, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, MBA and BCom.

Cost of studying in New Zealand

The tuition costs could be quite expensive at times, for some international students. An exception is if an international student is enrolled into a PhD programme in a recognised institution in New Zealand, then he/she pays the domestic tuition fees.

Arts and science courses could cost anywhere between NZD 20,000 and 25,000 per year. An undergraduate programme can cost between NZD 18,000 and 25,000 and a postgraduate programme can cost between NZD 10,000 and 30,000. You should also factor in your living expenses and transport cost. The student health cover is a must and it may cost you more if not taken from a recognised provider.

Scholarships for international students

You can choose the following scholarships:

• New Zealand development scholarships.
• New Zealand ASEAN scholar awards.
• New Zealand excellence awards.

Some of the New Zealand university scholarships are:

• UC international first year scholarships.
• University of Otago international research postgraduate scholarships.
• University of Waikato international scholarships.

Applying for a scholarship can help you manage your finances. Part-time work options can help you pay your expenses, too.

Students are allowed to work part time for 20 hours per week on study visas and full time during the vacations. There are strict rules about employment contract which every student needs to follow, for example a student can’t be self-employed while studying in New Zealand. Research students who are pursuing their doctoral studies at universities in New Zealand are allowed to work full time. Also every student who earns through their part-time or full-time work is liable to pay tax.

Benefits of studying in New Zealand

• Chance to enhance your peer-to-peer learning and interpersonal skills since you will be sharing your ideas with people from all over the globe. New Zealand is home to around 40,000 international students.
• Availability of multiple intakes and part-time work options.
• Opportunities for spouse to migrate with the partner and get a work permit. Children, if any, can study in New Zealand on domestic student tuition fees, if their parents are permanent residents of the country.
• Options to stay back in the country and look for job opportunities, for students involved in research/doctoral programmes.
• Seven out of eight universities are recognised amongst the top 500 worldwide.
• Though Auckland is the most bustling city in New Zealand, cities like Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are equally popular with some of the best colleges in the country.
• The crime rate, as per world standards, is low in New Zealand.