Study in New Zealand

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 among the world's top quality-of-life nations. For instance, it ranks 15th in the world, according to Numbeo's Quality of Life Index (mid-year 2026).

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 runs from June to August.

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 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 destinations include:

• Auckland
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Hamilton
• Wellington.

Auckland offers the widest range of institutions and employment opportunities, while Dunedin is known for its student community and lower living costs.

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).

New Zealand has eight state-funded universities offering degree-level education. It also has around 25 independent-based training organisations, institutes of technology, and polytechnics. Read more about these career-focused providers at the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST).

In addition, there are more than 380 registered 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 2026:

• The University of Auckland (67th)
• University of Otago (198th)
• Massey University (215th)
• Victoria University of Wellington (241st)
• University of Canterbury (257th)
• University of Waikato (293rd)
• Lincoln University (419th)
• Auckland University of Technology (431st).

Featured institutions

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 - Find a course - Bachelors degree.

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. A range of online courses is available at training.co.nz.

Masters degrees

Postgraduate qualifications are equivalent to their UK counterparts, with programmes offering both full-time and part-time study options.

Qualifications include postgraduate certificates and diplomas and taught and research Masters degrees.

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.

International graduates may be able to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing an eligible qualification through the Post Study Work Visa scheme.

Find a Masters degree to suit you at Study with New Zealand - Study a Masters degree.

PhDs

Doctoral degrees in New Zealand are comparable 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 significantly reduces the cost of Doctoral fees.

Explore suitable PhD programmes at Study with New Zealand - PhD study.

Student exchanges

Exchanges and placements offer a short-term way to experience studying in New Zealand before committing to a full degree.

The following UK institutions provide exchange opportunities to New Zealand:

• University of Dundee
• University of Nottingham
• 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 by course and 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 (£8,525) to NZD40,000 (£17,050) for a Bachelors degree, and NZD20,000 (£8,525) to NZD45,000 (£19,181) for a Masters course, with higher fees for subjects such as:

• engineering
• medicine
• veterinary science.

Foreign students wishing to undertake a PhD in New Zealand should expect to pay between NZD6,500 (£2,771) and NZD9,000 (£3,836) 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
• entertainment
• food
• phone and Wi-Fi
• travel 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 where you live and your lifestyle, Immigration New Zealand estimates that you may need NZD20,000 (£8,525) per year to cover living expenses. If you're studying for less than a year, you'll generally need to budget around NZD1,667 (£711) per month.

Funding to study in New Zealand

Scholarships are available to international students studying for either a Masters or PhD. Universities may offer opportunities themselves, or you may be eligible for 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 allow eligible students to work for up to 25 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 research to find the one that best fits your needs.

The type of visa required largely depends on 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, such as the Fee Paying 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
• a processing fee starting from NZD850 (£362)
• 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 - Study visas.

How to apply

Universities set their own entry requirements, so they vary depending on the programme you choose and the institution.

New Zealand doesn't have a centralised university application service, so you'll need to apply directly to the university, either by post or via an online application form.

To complete your enrolment, you're also required to provide supporting documents, including:

• a recent CV
• certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
• proof of English language proficiency.

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 to a programme.

English language courses you can study in New Zealand include:

• English for academic purposes
• English for specific purposes
• General English
• IELTS
• TOEFL.

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 ensure 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 the country at Study with New Zealand.