Study in New Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, comprising the North and South Islands, along with over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island country by area, located east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. The country’s diverse landscape, featuring the Southern Alps, is shaped by tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. Wellington is the capital, while Auckland is the largest city.
Major Cities and Their Populations
| City Name | Population |
|---|---|
|
Auckland |
1.7 million |
|
Wellington |
542,000 |
|
Christchurch |
389,300 |
|
Hamilton |
179,900 |
|
Tauranga |
158,300 |
|
Napier and Hastings |
148,000 |
|
Dunedin
|
130,400 |
|
Whangarei |
100,500 |
Why Study in New Zealand?
Quality Education
New Zealand’s universities offer high-quality education, excellent teaching, and globally recognized degrees, similar to those from the US, UK, and Australia.
Affordable Costs
Tuition and living expenses are lower compared to the US and UK. Scholarships based on academic performance make studying in New Zealand even more affordable.
Work While Studying
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, helping to cover living expenses.
Post-Study Opportunities
After graduation, students can stay in New Zealand for up to three years to work.
Education System in New Zealand
New Zealand’s education system consists of three main levels
| Education Level | Age Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Childhood Education (ECE) |
Birth to 5 years |
Education and care provided before school entry, including kindergartens and home-based care. |
|
Primary Education |
5 to 13 years |
Covers Years 1–8; foundational education focusing on basic skills and knowledge. |
|
Secondary Education |
13 to 18 years |
Covers Years 9–13; students work toward the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). |
|
Tertiary Education |
18 years and above |
Higher and vocational education; includes universities, polytechnics, and institutes of technology. |
Scholarships to study in New Zealand
| Scholarship Program | Description | Tentative Opening Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Development Scholarships |
Managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, funded by the New Zealand Aid Program. Open to international students for postgraduate study. |
February - March |
|
University-Specific Scholarships |
Offered by New Zealand universities to attract students with academic excellence, leadership skills, or sports achievements. Covers tuition, housing, and living costs. |
Varies by University (typically October - December) |
|
Foundation Scholarships |
Provided by private foundations or charitable organizations. Targeted at students meeting criteria such as academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement. |
March - May |
Intakes for international students
| Intake | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
Semester 1 (February/March) |
August to November |
|
Semester 2 (July) |
February to May |
|
Summer Intake (November/December) |
July to August |
Popular Courses for international students
- Business Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Engineering
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Early Childhood Education
- Trades
- Cookery and Culinary Arts
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
Test scores and GPA requirements
| Education Level | IELTS Requirement | TOEFL | GPA Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
6.0 (5.5 each band) |
80 |
Minimum 2.5 - 3.0
(varies by university)
|
|
Postgraduate |
6.5 (6.0 each band) |
90
|
Minimum 3.0 - 3.5
(varies by university)
|
Procedure for New Zealand
Here is including details on income sources, bank loans, and balance requirements
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
|
Visit Magna Education and Submit Required Documents |
SEE Marks Sheet and Certificate
+2 Transcript and Character Certificate
Passport
Passport-sized Photo
|
|
College Selection & Get Offer Letter |
Consult with expert counselors to find an affordable and suitable college.
Confirm your seat and obtain an offer letter. |
|
Gather the Required Documents |
Completed Student Visa Application Form Offer Letter from an approved institution Evidence of Sufficient Funds: Bank Statements showing sufficient balance to cover tuition and living expenses. Scholarship Offers, if applicable. Income Source Documentation (salary slips, business income, or agricultural income). Bank Loan Approval from a recognized bank. Evidence of English Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL scores) Valid Passport for the duration of your stay in New Zealand Police Certificate, if required Medical Certificate if staying more than six months Additional Documents as required by individual circumstances |
|
Apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC) |
Fill out the online form, submit required documents, and pay the fee to the Nepal Government. |
|
Pay Visa Fee |
Visa Fee for Applicants Applying from Outside India Current student visa fee is USD $225. Payment via bank draft in US dollars, drawn on any bank in the USA, payable to "Immigration New Zealand." |
|
Apply for Visa to New Zealand Immigration |
Submit your visa application after depositing the tuition and visa fees. |
|
Attend Visa Interview |
Attend an interview with a visa officer if required to ensure application completeness and compliance with student visa requirements. |
|
Wait for Visa Processing |
Processing time varies by region and time of year. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for details. |
|
Get Visa and Confirm Air Ticket
|
Receive your visa in your passport or by email once approved. Collect your visa, book your ticket, and plan your travel to New Zealand. |
Tips
- Bank Statements: Ensure that the account balance covers at least one year of tuition and living expenses.
- Loan Sanction Letter: Should clearly state the amount sanctioned for educational purposes.
- Income Proof: Provide clear documentation of income sources, including any supporting documents for additional financial backing.
Best universities and colleges
As per their rankings, establishment year, state location, and whether they are public or private institutions
| University/College | NZ Rank | World Rank | Est. Year | State/Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The University of Auckland |
1 |
68 |
1883 |
Auckland |
|
University of Otago |
2 |
206 |
1869 |
Dunedin |
|
Massey University |
3 |
239 |
1927 |
Palmerston North |
|
Victoria University of Wellington |
4 |
241 |
1897 |
Wellington |
|
University of Waikato |
5 |
250 |
1964 |
Hamilton |
|
University of Canterbury |
6 |
256 |
1873 |
Christchurch |
|
Lincoln University |
7 |
362 |
1878 |
Lincoln, Canterbury |
|
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) |
N/A |
N/A |
2000 |
Auckland |
Polytechnic institutes in New Zealand
| Institution | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
|
Ara Institute of Canterbury |
Christchurch |
|
|
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Auckland |
|
|
Unitec Institute of Technology |
Auckland
|
|
|
Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) |
Wellington |
|
|
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) |
Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Auckland
|
|
|
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) |
Invercargill |
|
|
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) |
Hamilton
|
|
|
Otago Polytechnic
|
Dunedin |
Fee range for universities and polytechnic institutes
| Degree Level | Annual Tuition Fees (NZD) | |
|---|---|---|
|
Degree Level |
Annual Tuition Fees (NZD) |
|
|
Undergraduate |
$22,000 - $32,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate |
$26,000 - $37,000
|
|
|
PhD
|
$6,500 - $10,000 (domestic rates) |
|
|
Polytechnic Fees |
Annual Tuition Fees (NZD) |
|
|
Certificate/Diploma |
$18,000 - $25,000 |
|
|
Undergraduate |
$19,000 - $28,000 |
|
|
Postgraduate
|
$20,000 - $30,000 |
|
Additional Considerations
- Scholarships: Many universities and polytechnics offer scholarships to international students based on academic performance, which can significantly reduce costs.
- Annual Living Expenses: $15,000 – $20,000 NZD per year for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Program Variation: Specialized programs such as medicine, veterinary science, or engineering might have higher tuition fees compared to arts or humanities programs.
How to apply Visa?
| Step | Description | Details | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Prepare Required Documents
|
Gather all necessary documents.
|
Academic Documents: - SEE Mark Sheet and Certificate - +2 Transcript and Character Certificate Identification Documents: - Valid Passport (at least three months beyond departure date) - Passport-sized photos Offer of Place: - Offer letter from an approved New Zealand institution Financial Evidence: - Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters) - Income sources or bank loan approvals English Language Proficiency: - IELTS or TOEFL scores Health and Character: - Medical certificate (if staying over six months) - Police clearance certificate |
Immigration New Zealand
|
|
2. Apply for No Objection Certificate (NOC)
|
Obtain NOC from the Ministry of Education, Nepal.
|
Submit required documents and pay the fee to obtain the NOC |
Ministry of Education, Nepal |
|
3. Submit Visa Application
|
Apply online for the student visa.
|
Complete the online visa application form and upload documents. Pay the visa application fee of USD $225 by bank draft. |
Immigration New Zealand
|
|
4. Attend Visa Interview
|
Participate in an interview if required.
|
Be prepared to discuss your study plans, financial status, and intention to return to Nepal after studies. |
Visa Interview Preparation |
|
5. Wait for Visa Processing
|
Track application status online. |
Processing times vary; check the status on the Immigration New Zealand website.
|
Track Your Application |
|
6. Receive Visa and Plan Travel
|
Obtain your visa and prepare for departure. |
Once approved, receive your visa in your passport or via email. Book your flight and finalize travel arrangements. |
Prepare to Travel |
Important Tips
- Apply Early: Begin the visa application process as soon as you receive your offer of place.
- Check Requirements: Ensure all documents meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
- Consult Experts: Consider seeking advice from an educational consultancy experienced in New Zealand student visas.
Useful links
For students considering studying in New Zealand, along with the corresponding websites
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
|
Immigration New Zealand - Student Visa Information |
Provides detailed information on student visa requirements and application processes.
|
|
|
Study in New Zealand - Official Government Site |
Offers information on studying in New Zealand, including choosing courses, universities, and scholarships. |
|
|
Education New Zealand |
Provides information on New Zealand's education system, study levels, and institutions. |
|
|
Ministry of Education, Nepal
|
Offers guidelines and resources for Nepali students planning to study abroad, including information on obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC). |
|
|
University Rankings and Reviews
|
Find rankings, reviews, and comparisons of New Zealand universities and courses. |
|
|
Student Life in New Zealand |
Provides insights into living and studying in New Zealand, including cultural aspects and student experiences. |
|
|
Career Services for Students |
Offers resources for job searching, internships, and career planning for students in New Zealand. |
These resources offer comprehensive information and support for international students planning to study in New Zealand.