Study in New Zealand

Eight: the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and the University of Otago. All eight are public universities. Most have one main campus city; Massey teaches in Palmerston North (Manawatū), Auckland and Wellington.

Each university sets its own requirements. For a Bachelor's degree you need a secondary-school qualification the university accepts for direct entry — school-leaving certificates from some education systems need a foundation year first — and English at a level such as IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, higher for some programmes. Master's entry usually requires a relevant Bachelor's degree with good grades and IELTS of around 6.5. We check your documents against the requirements of the programme you choose.

Yes. Foundation programmes prepare you for first-year university study, selected diplomas teach first-year degree courses so you may continue into Year 2, and pre-Master's programmes prepare graduates for a Master's degree. Through our partners we can help with University of Auckland, AUT and Victoria University of Wellington foundation programmes (UP Education), UC International College and University of Waikato College (Navitas), and Massey University College (Kaplan, through our Central Asia offices). Progression depends on achieving the required grades, English level and programme conditions — it is not automatic.

Semester One, starting between mid-February and early March, is the main intake, and Semester Two starts in July. Some universities run a November trimester or summer school, and selected pathway programmes have additional start dates. Not every programme is offered at both intakes and application deadlines fall months earlier, so we recommend planning nine to twelve months ahead.

Yes, but they are competitive and their conditions vary. Examples verified in October 2026: the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship (25% of first-year Master's tuition, Admissions GPE 7.0+, by invitation), Victoria University of Wellington's international scholarships (NZ$15,000 for Bachelor's, NZ$10,000 for Master's or PGDip, assessed automatically), AUT's International Scholarships – Europe (NZ$10,000 Bachelor's / NZ$7,000 Master's, for citizens of European countries) and university doctoral scholarships of around NZ$32,000–35,500 a year plus fees. Top performers in the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies may also receive a NZ$20,000 award. Government schemes such as the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are limited to selected Pacific and Asian countries. Nobody can guarantee a scholarship.

Often, yes — within the conditions of your student visa. Since 3 November 2025, students studying full-time towards a qualification at Level 4 or higher (which includes all university degrees), or on a course of at least two academic years, can work up to 25 hours a week in term, and full-time in scheduled breaks if the course lasts at least one academic year. Research Master's and PhD students have no weekly limit. English language students qualify only on courses that meet Immigration New Zealand's conditions, and work must be as an employee — self-employment is not allowed. Your visa conditions are final, and part-time work should not be relied on to pay for your studies.

Tuition is set by each university and programme. Education New Zealand indicates about NZ$35,000–55,000 a year for a Bachelor's degree and NZ$20,000–45,000 for postgraduate study, with higher fees for medicine and veterinary science; for 2027, the University of Auckland lists NZ$42,236 for a Bachelor of Arts and NZ$60,910 for engineering. International PhD students pay domestic fees. For a student visa, Immigration New Zealand asks for evidence of NZ$20,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition and a ticket home, and you will need insurance. We help you build a realistic budget before you apply.

Yes. We help you choose programmes, check entry requirements and prepare your application — for foundation, diploma and pre-Master's pathways through our partners UP Education, Navitas and Kaplan, and for students applying directly to a New Zealand university. Admission decisions are always made by the institution. Our advisers, based outside New Zealand, can also help with your student visa application — student visas only; for post-study work, partner or residence visas we refer you to Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.