Colleges in New Zealand

The beauty of New Zealand is universally known, but there’s a lot more than its attractive landscape. New Zealand is an island country, situated in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean which geographically segregates it into two landmasses- North Island and South Island. Apart from this, New Zealand is emerging as one of the most popular destinations for international students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. There is an excellent education system followed by the colleges in New Zealand that focuses on providing research facilities along with the unmatched quality of life. Let’s get an insight into what colleges in New Zealand have for international students!

Why Study in New Zealand?

A desire to pursue higher education and earn a degree doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or something to trudge through especially if you vault over one of the top universities or colleges in New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to develop a new perspective from the top of the Southern Alps, the peacefulness of sandy beaches, the lively energy of cosmopolitan urban centres or the salty breeze of the coast, New Zealand has everything in store for you. We have listed down the best reasons why to kick-start your career at one of the top universities and colleges in New Zealand:

• Globally Recognized Universities – New Zealand offers education programmes and qualifications that are internationally recognized and accredited by the British education system. Most all the universities in New Zealand have earned a place in QS World Rankings 2021. 
• Less Tuition Fee and Cost of Living – The average cost of pursuing higher education in New Zealand is much cheaper than that in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. Moreover, living expenses, fresh food, accommodation, and transport facilities are easily available at affordable prices in the country. Low study and living costs equipped with high-quality education can be an important factor in choosing colleges in New Zealand for pursuing higher studies. 
• Source of Quality Learning – Higher education in New Zealand is well-known for its quality teaching along with advanced facilities for practical learning within the university campus. The government of New Zealand actively participates in closely monitoring the education system to ensure quality learning for international students.
• Opportunities to Study and Work – Universities and colleges in New Zealand have minimal eligibility criteria for international students which results in easier access to educational programmes in New Zealand. Students are allowed to work in various sectors like Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Finance, etc. while they are studying in universities and colleges in New Zealand with the help of their student visa. 
• Peaceful and Safe – New Zealand is among the top 5 peaceful countries of the world according to the Global Peace Index 2019 with political stability and low crime rate. The people in New Zealand acknowledge and respect different cultures and make it comfortable and safe for international students to settle in the country.
• Land of Beauty – New Zealand is a mysteriously beautiful country with landscapes, lakes, mountains and biodiversity making it filled with rich natural heritage. For students enthusiastic about adventure and sport, New Zealand offers a wide range of activities like mountain biking, skiing, white water rafting, etc.

Top Universities/Colleges in New Zealand

Here is a detailed table for you to understand the above-listed universities in New Zealand, some of the courses they offer, the number of students enrolled and their global position according to QS Global Word Ranking and THE World University Ranking.

University	QS World Rankings 2023
University of Auckland	=87
University of Otago	=217
Victoria University of Wellington	=236
University of Canterbury	=284
Massey University	292
Lincoln University	368
University of Waikato	=331
Auckland University of Technology	=486

Top Universities in New Zealand for Masters

Tabulated below is a list of some of the most esteemed universities offering Master’s for a variety of courses in New Zealand.

University	QS World Rankings 2023
University of Auckland	=85
University of Otago	=194
Victoria University of Wellington	=236
University of Canterbury	=258
Massey University	284
Lincoln University	372
University of Waikato	=373
Auckland University of Technology	=451

Note: Interact one-on-one with renowned university representatives, submit an application in a single click, and receive offers and scholarships immediately with Uniconnect by Leverage Edu.

Cheapest Universities & Colleges in New Zealand

• University of Otago
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Waikato
• Massey University
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• Auckland University of Technology

Learn More About the Cheapest Universities and Courses in New Zealand

Colleges in New Zealand without IELTS

• University of Canterbury
• University of Auckland
• Lincoln University
• University of Otago
• Unitec Institute of Technology

Also Read: Best Engineering Colleges in New Zealand

Colleges Accepting 5.5 IELTS Band in New Zealand

Listed below are some universities in New Zealand that accept 5.5 IELTS band score: 

• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University       
• University of Auckland
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington

Study in New Zealand without GMAT and Work Experience

Here are some universities where you can study MBA without GMAT or work experience

• University of Canterbury
• Massey University
• University of Waikato 

Popular Universities & Colleges in New Zealand for MBA

Here are the top business schools and colleges for MBA in New Zealand:

1. AUT University
2. University of Otago
3. Massey University
4. University of Waikato
5. University of Canterbury
6. Auckland Institute of Studies
7. UUNZ Institute of Business

Popular Universities & Colleges in New Zealand for Masters in Computer Science

Here are the top universities for MS in Computer Science in New Zealand:

University	QS Ranking 2022
University of Auckland	106
Victoria University of Wellington	201-250
University of Canterbury	301-350
University of Otago	301-350
University of Waikato	301-350
Auckland University of Technology	401-450
Massey University	451-500

Popular Universities & Colleges in New Zealand for Masters in Data Science

Here are the top universities for Masters in Data Science in New Zealand:

University	Ranking
University of Auckland	59
University of Otago	251-300
University of Canterbury	301-500

Popular Programs to Study in Top Universities in New Zealand

Name of the University	Popular PG Programs	Popular UG Programs
University of Waikato	Master of Information Technology, Master of Management, Engineering	Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science, Engineering
The University of Auckland	Masters in Computer Science, Management, Masters in Data Science	Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Engineering
Lincoln University	Master of Tourism Management, Master of Science, Master of Arts	Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Agriculture
Auckland University of Technology	Master of Construction Management, Master of Creative Technologies, Engineering	Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Arts, Construction Project Management
University of Canterbury	Masters in Business Information Systems, Masters in Business Management, Engineering Studies	Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Science
Victoria University of Wellington	Masters in Professional Accounting and Professional Business Analytics, Masters in Computer Science	Bachelor in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce
Massey University	Masters in Public Health, Masters in Education, Master of analytics	Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Aviation, Bachelor of Business

Intakes to Study in New Zealand

Universities in New Zealand mostly have two intakes, one in January and the second in July. Few selected universities offer multiple intakes from September to November. If you are planning to study in New Zealand then you should start your admission process 6 months earlier than the application deadline. Universities in general have 3 deadlines in one intake. Now it is up to your convenience of you to target the deadline. Also, you must be ready with your language and aptitude tests 3 months before the deadline. Take the whole 3 months time to fill out your application form without making any mistakes.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

The following table shows the average tuition fee for the courses available at Universities in New Zealand: 

Degree Program	Average Tuition Fee (Annually) in NZ$
Diploma and Short Term Courses	12000-18500
Bachelor’s Degree	22000-32000
Master’s Degree	26000-37000
PhD	6500-9000

Cost of Living in New Zealand

An international student studying in New Zealand is likely to spend around 13000 to 16000 NZ$ (INR 6-7,00,000) per year to study in the country. This cost is likely to remain the same throughout the courses. Given below is the list of areas of expenditure for an international candidate: 

• Entertainment
• Power
• Transportation
• Phone & Internet
• Food

Accommodation is a major expense for international students. There are several housing options for students to choose from. There are hostels, apartments, dormitories, homestays as well as shared apartments. The average cost of accommodation for a three-four bedroom house is NZ$565 (INR 27k) per week, or NZ$215 (INR 10k) a room per week.

Eligibility Requirements

All international students need to have the following proof of identity documents as well as submit them when required

• Once the student gets admission to the desired college/ university then he/she must begin the procedure of obtaining a visa for New Zealand.
• Candidates need to appear for language proficiency test such as IELTS/TOEFL and submit their scores in order to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate degree.
• For admission in MBA, students are required to submit their GMAT scores.
• Certificates giving proof of completion of education from a recognised institution is required. Students need to submit copies of their mark sheets. 

Also Read: Study in New Zealand (Complete Guide for Indian Students)

Application Process

The application process takes place over a period of time and begins months before the commencement of classes. The universities have two main intakes known as the fall intake and winter intake for international students to kickstart their journey. You can call our Leverage Edu experts on 1800 572 000 to find out how the application process can be fast-tracked and streamlined to New Zealand! Here’s an easy 5-step process to complete your application process:

1. Call our experts on 1800 572 000 to shortlist your favourite universities and courses. Start your application to multiple universities through our one dashboard platform
2. Compile all your documents like SOPs, essays, certificates and LORs and exam scores like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc
3. Meet all the applications deadlines and start the application process for accommodation, students visa, and scholarships/student loans
4. Accept the offer letter and meet your teachers, college mates and roommates virtually
5. Get your visa approved and fly to your dream university!

Documents Required 

• Official academic transcripts
• Scanned copy of passport
• CV/ Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• English language proficiency test scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Reference Letters

Scholarships at Top Universities in New Zealand 

Government-funded

• Fulbright New Zealand US Graduate Awards.
• New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Scholarships
• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships

University-specific

• Auckland University of Technology (AUT) 
• Lincoln University 
• Massey University Doctoral Scholarship
• Southern Institute of Technology
• University of Auckland International Student Scholarships
• University of Canterbury  
• University of Otago 
• University of Waikato 
• Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Latin American Academic Achievement Scholarship

Others

• AusIMM New Zealand Branch Education Endowment Trust Scholarships 
• Barbara Wood Memorial Foundation 
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan 
• Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarship
• Reserve Bank of New Zealand University Scholarships 
• R. H. T. Bates Postgraduate Scholarship
• Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship 

FAQs

We hope that this comprehensive blog on the universities and colleges in New Zealand provided you with all the major details about pursuing an education in New Zealand. If you are searching for the right program to study in New Zealand, Leverage Edu experts can assist you in ascertaining an ideal course at the best university in New Zealand to kick-start your career in the right direction.