Intakes in New Zealand

If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, finding the right course and university is only the first step towards getting your admission ticket. Whether you aim to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s in New Zealand, particular admission intakes which have been devised by varied universities are divided into different periods of time in a whole academic year and are open for somewhere around 2-3 months. Even as the intake periods entail different academic seasons, a student must be acquainted with these admission deadlines while gearing up to apply for their dream university. In this blog, we have detailed the major admission intakes in New Zealand as well as the general application process and document the essentials you need to apply for your chosen study program in the land of Kiwis.

Intakes in New Zealand Universities

Though the actual admission dates mainly vary as per the university as well as the program, there are certain common intakes that aspiring applicants must be familiar with while exploring the courses and top universities to study abroad in New Zealand. There are two major intakes in New Zealand corresponding to the two semesters for which universities are open for admission. These are:

January/February Intake

January intake into different universities in New Zealand is for the sessions which begin at the very outset of the year. Additionally, the deadlines for applications are well before, at least, three months prior to the beginning. So, if you’re planning to apply for the January intake in New Zealand, it is better to start sending your application by November. Above all, you should have already gathered the whole array of documents you’re required to submit, like your scores on language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. It also includes your previous education credentials, Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from a professional, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your interest in the course as well as your resume and related certificates.

Timeline for January 2022 Intakes in New Zealand

If you are planning to study in New Zealand this January 2022, then here is a tabulated timeline that explains what needs to be done when for a smooth and chaos-free procedure. Having said that, applicants are always encouraged to begin planning for the January intake in March or April of the preceding year. Have a look at the timeline given below for more clarity:

Timeline	Activities for the July 2022 intake in New Zealand
April 2021 to May 2021	Make a list of universities and courses that you want to attend. Confirm important information such as the eligibility criteria, important dates, and admission procedure.
June 2021 to November 2021	Appear for Exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
August 2021 to September 2021	While prepping for and giving the above-mentioned exams, simultaneously apply to the Universities of your choice and upload the required documents as asked by the universities
October 2021 to November 2021	Accept the Offer Letter to confirm your enrollment/intake in New Zealand  university(ies)
November 2021 to December 2021	Apply for a student visa as well as education loans or financial aid.
December 2021 to January 2022	Buy your tickets, gather your documentation, and prepare for your departure.

July Intake

Considered the popular intakes in New Zealand among the major two, a majority of international applicants choose July intake to enter their dream university during the spring semester. From undergraduate to postgraduate as well as short-term programs, this intake of the July semester for which you must send your application by April to May.

Timeline for July 2022 Intakes in New Zealand

Applying to New Zealand universities is a time-consuming procedure. The application procedure takes around 8 to 10 months to complete. Applicants are encouraged to begin planning for the July intake in August of the preceding year. A step-by-step guide is provided below for students to have an idea of how to proceed.

Timeline	Activities for the July 2022 intake in New Zealand
August 2021 to November 2021	Make a list of universities and courses that you want to attend. Confirm important information such as the eligibility criteria, important dates, and admission procedure.
November 2021 to February 2022	Appear for Exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
February 2022 to March 2022	Apply to the Universities of your choice and upload the required documents as asked by the universities
March 2022 to April 2022	Accept the Offer Letter to confirm your enrollment/intake in New Zealand university(ies)
April 2022 to July 2022	Apply for a student visa as well as education loans or financial aid.
June 2022 to July 2022	Buy your tickets, gather your documentation, and arrange your trip.

Other Intakes

While both February and July intakes are open for courses at all levels, there are also March, April and May intakes for vocational and short-term courses at universities in New Zealand. These are mainly summer semesters and welcome international students aiming to pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree and you can apply for November intake for short-term courses as well.

Which Intake to Choose?

One thing that puzzles the students always is to figure out which intake to choose or opt for the intended course. This may get a little tricky if you’re not well-versed with the whole intake process. To make a better decision we will have a look at the different factors you must consider to make the right decision regarding when to send the application.  

• Universities in New Zealand do not necessarily provide the same program over multiple intakes. But, the university may proffer the option of a second intake for the course or program. The early availability of your intended course must be prioritized in any case. 
• Additionally, as the intakes provided by the different institutions can differ, a student has to hurry up with all the essential filling of application and other documents months before the deadline approaches. If you are not able to pick up with the pace or haven’t yet received your academic qualifications, you can apply during the different intake periods.
• It must be noted that many universities have varied intake capacities during different periods. Your chances to secure admission are brighter when institutions announce to take in more students compared to times when only a smaller batch is granted admission. 

Document Checklist for Intakes in New Zealand

Now that you are familiar with the major intakes in New Zealand, here is the complete document checklist you will need to ensure while applying for admission to a university in the country:

• Certificate of English proficiency test scores IELTS, TOEFL, PTE scores as proof of your competence in the English language. 
• At least 2-3 reference letters or letters of recommendation signed by your professors or professional references.
• Carefully draft your statement of purpose which should be well structured.
• Begin the process of applying for the New Zealand student visa once you get the acceptance letter.
• Proof of sufficient funds as well as scholarship-related documents if you have applied for any. 
• GMAT/GRE scores if you are applying for postgraduate degree programs.
• Resume/CV

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FAQs

We now hope that this blog has provided you with key details that you must remember while you apply in different intakes in New Zealand. Confused about the admission process of your chosen course and university, our Leverage Edu experts are here to help you throughout the application process from drafting impressive SOP and LORs to guiding you in finding the right scholarship! Sign up for a free session with us today!