Study in New Zealand
Boasting a high-quality education system, relaxed lifestyle and stunning landscape, it's no wonder that around 34,000 international students choose to study in New Zealand every year
Imagine a country with the vast landscapes of the UK, but with a population of only five million. That's New Zealand, a small, uncrowded island nation that consistently ranks at the top of world quality of life studies. For instance, it's rated as 'very high' on Numbeo's Quality of Life Index (June 2024).
The weather varies from warm and subtropical in the north to cool and temperate in the south. Summer runs from December to February and winter falls between June and August.
No matter the season, the county has something for everyone. You can experience Māori culture, explore forests, snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes and fjords as well as the country's many sandy beaches.
The more adventurous types can go bungee jumping, skydiving, surfing, cycling or hiking, while there are plenty of theatres, art galleries, cinemas, cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy too.
If you'd like to sightsee, you can explore the locations of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia films, spread across the North and South Islands. Other popular places to visit include the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua, the captivating Hamilton Gardens, and the scenic treks across Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Globally renowned for the quality of its higher education, popular student cities in New Zealand include the country's largest, Auckland, and the capital city of Wellington on the North Island. Other study destinations include Christchurch and Dunedin on the South Island.
New Zealand universities
Just like in the UK, you can study for a Bachelors, Masters or a Doctorate at Kiwi institutions.
The academic year begins in late February or early March and finishes in November (spring).
The country has eight state-funded universities offering degree-level education. It also has 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) - now brought together under the Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology) umbrella - as well as more than 400 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools.
You can explore the range of institutions at Study with New Zealand - New Zealand Universities.
All eight of New Zealand's universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2024:
- The University of Auckland (68th)
- University of Otago (206th)
- Massey University (239th)
- Victoria University of Wellington (241st)
- University of Waikato (250th)
- University of Canterbury (256th)
- Lincoln University (362nd)
- Auckland University of Technology (407th)
As New Zealand's first university, the University of Otago has an international reputation for excellence in research and teaching.
The official free application support service for students wanting to enrol at universities in New Zealand. They can answer any questions about entry requirements, course details, costs, student visas and student accommodation.
Degree courses in New Zealand
All qualifications in the country are listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
Undergraduate courses, otherwise known as Bachelors degrees, typically take three years to complete and can be studied in a variety of subjects.
Popular courses in New Zealand include:
- agriculture
- business and management
- engineering
- environmental sciences
- fashion design
- food and hospitality
- mathematics
- medicine
- nursing
- technology.
To gain a place on an undergraduate programme you'll require recognised secondary qualifications - for example, A-levels if you're from the UK. You may also need to prove your proficiency in English.
To search for Bachelors degrees in New Zealand, see Study with New Zealand - Courses and programmes.
It's also possible to study for certificates and diplomas as well as short-term foundation or pre-university studies to prepare you for university-level education.
Masters degrees
Postgraduate qualifications in the country are equivalent to their UK counterparts, with programmes offering both full-time and part-time study options.
Qualifications on offer include postgraduate certificates and diplomas and Masters degrees. You can study either a taught or research Masters and after you graduate, you'll be eligible to work for up to three years in New Zealand on a Post Study Work Visa.
Traditionally, Masters courses take two years to complete, although many programmes can now be completed in a year or 18 months.
Like the UK, the minimum entry requirement for a Masters programme is a Bachelors qualification.
Find a Masters degree to suit you at Study with New Zealand - Study a Masters degree.
PhDs
Doctoral degrees in New Zealand are similar to programmes in other countries. You'll carry out your own in-depth, independent research and present your findings in a thesis. Your work will be marked by external examiners, and you may be required to complete an oral examination.
PhDs usually take three to four years to complete when studied full time. Applicants require a Masters qualification in a related subject.
Thanks to New Zealand government policy, all international PhD students are eligible to pay the same fees as domestic students. Fortunately, this cuts the cost of Doctoral fees significantly.
Explore suitable PhD programmes at Study with New Zealand - PhD study.
Student exchanges
Exchanges and placements are a great short-term option for those wishing to get a taste of what it's like to study in a foreign country.
The following UK institutions provide exchange opportunities to New Zealand:
- University of Dundee
- The University of Edinburgh
- University of Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Southampton
- University of Sussex
Ask your university's international study office about exchange agreements with Kiwi institutions. You will continue to pay domestic (UK) tuition fees for the duration of your overseas study.
Course fees
Universities set their own fees and tuition costs, which vary depending on the course and the institution. You'll need to check with your individual university to find out more.
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) is the official currency of the country.
International students should expect to pay NZD20,000 (£9,671) to NZD40,000 (£19,342) for a Bachelors degree, and NZD20,000 (£9,671) to NZD45,000 (£21,759) for a Masters course, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine, engineering and veterinary science.
Foreign students wishing to undertake PhD study in New Zealand should expect to pay between NZD6,500 (£3,143) and NZD9,000 (£4,352) per year.
As well as tuition fees, you'll also have to factor in living costs, which depend on your location and lifestyle. You'll need to take into consideration accommodation, food, travel, entertainment and phone and internet costs.
If you intend to study in New Zealand for more than a year, you'll need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during the first year. Depending on which city you plan to live in, Immigration New Zealand has estimated that you may need more than NZD17,000 (£8,220) per year to live on, working out at NZD1,417 (£685) per month.
Funding to study in New Zealand
Scholarships are available to international students studying for either a Masters or PhD. Universities may provide opportunities themselves, or you could be entitled to a government scholarship. Check institution websites for the latest information on what options are available and the schemes you're eligible to apply for.
To search for opportunities based on level of study, subject and nationality, see Study with New Zealand - Scholarships.
Most student visas enable you to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during scheduled holidays. This may help to offset some of your living and study expenses.
Student visas
Students from the UK need a visa to study in New Zealand. There are different visa options available, and you'll need to do your own research to discover which one best fits your needs.
The type of visa required largely depends upon the duration of your course. If you plan to study for less than three months, you can enter New Zealand on a visitor visa. If your programme of study lasts for more than three months, you'll need to apply for a student visa.
On this visa, you can stay in the country for up to four years. To be eligible, you must be enrolled with an NZQA-approved education provider and be able to pay the full amount of your course.
To apply for this visa online, you'll need to send:
- the 'offer of place' from your educational institution
- proof that you have enough money for living costs for the duration of your stay
- passport style photos
- a return airline ticket to your home country or proof that you have the funds to buy one.
You must have appropriate and current travel insurance while you're studying, and you may also need to provide a medical certificate.
Student visas can take up to ten weeks to process, but the typical wait time is four weeks (20 working days).
A full guide to applying for a visa, including what evidence you need to provide with your application, is provided by Immigration New Zealand.
How to apply
Universities set their own entry requirements, so these vary depending on the programme you choose and the institution itself.
New Zealand doesn't have a centralised university application service, so you'll need to apply directly to your chosen university, either by post or via an online application form.
To complete your enrolment, you're also required to provide supporting documents, including:
- certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- proof of English language proficiency
- a recent CV.
Once you've been accepted, your university will send you an 'offer of place' that confirms course details and start dates. After paying your fees, you'll then receive a 'confirmed offer of place' letter, which you'll need when applying for your student visa.
Language requirements
All courses are taught in English, so if it's not your native language, you'll need to prove your proficiency before being admitted onto a programme.
English language courses you can study in New Zealand include:
Comparison to UK qualifications
Typically, degree-level qualifications gained in New Zealand are internationally recognised. However, check with your university or higher education institution to make sure your qualifications will be recognised in your home country or to see if they have an equivalent in the UK.
Find out more
- Discover what it's like to work in New Zealand.
- Explore what it's like living in New Zealand at Study with New Zealand.