Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

Are you planning to study in New Zealand? If your answer is yes, you are in the right place. New Zealand is an island country located south of Australia and Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean. A comparatively smaller economy, however, it is a developed nation. With the 4th rank in the Global Peace Index 2023, New Zealand is one of the few safest countries to study in. Globally recognized institutions and an interactive education system make the right combination of culture, nature, and opportunities for a student. This blog will explore all you need to know about studying in NZ for Indian students. Read on to know more!

Also Read: 100 Interesting Facts about New Zealand, the land of 600 Islands!

Latest Study in New Zealand Updates 2023

As of 20 April 2023, New Zealand has decided to invest NZ$ 400K towards Student Mobility Initiatives and Internationalisation, indicating the country’s dedication towards providing educational opportunities for students worldwide. You can read all about it here.

Study in New Zealand Statistics 2023

Given below is the data showing the number of international students enrolled in New Zealand in the past 4 years, including the steep decline in admissions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic:

Why Study in New Zealand?

Study in New Zealand offers a perfect blend of education and unspoiled nature, adventure, and serenity. Being an island country and one of the last inhabitant nations, it has a diverse education system that supports a wide range of programs and courses to choose from. With great scope for research and adequate work benefits, here’s why NZ is the hot spot for you to be:

• Cost of living: The education fee for an international student varies depending on the field they pick to study in New Zealand. The average cost of living in New Zealand is INR 61,342 per month.
• Language: New Zealand is mainly an English-speaking nation along with other languages- Maori and New Zealand sign language.
• Career Prospects: As an advanced market economy, New Zealand is a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product per capita of US$ 36,254. The country is home to some of the largest companies like Fonterra, ASB, IBM, Millenium, Spark NZ and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
• Safety: New Zealand is an extremely safe and secure nation for international students. New Zealand provides a safe environment and friendly for students living alone in a new country.
• Immersive Culture: New Zealand’s cultural influences are predominantly Maori and European. You can celebrate diverse festivals like Māori Kai Festivals, Christmas, Chinese Lantern Festival, Lunar New Year and Diwali.
• Generous Scholarships: The New Zealand government and institutions offer several scholarships for international students to study in New Zealand, such as New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships, SEG Scholarships, etc.

Read Honest Study in New Zealand Reviews from Our Students!

Study in New Zealand after 12th 

Post 12th standard, study in New Zealand is one of the most popular choices with over 21,000 international applicants every year from across the globe! Students can opt for a number of programmes from Animation to Zoology and are required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores along with their academic transcripts. Admission is contingent upon marks in English proficiency tests, previous academic performance in school and interviews (course-specific). Students who are just shy of making the cut-off or eligibility criteria can opt for pathway programmes in the country offered by some of the best universities like the University of Auckland, University of Waikato and Massey University. 

Grading System in New Zealand

Grades	University of Auckland	University of Canterbury
A+	90-100%	90 – 100
A	85-89%	85 – 89.99
A	80-84%	80 – 84.99
B+	75-79%	75 – 79.99
B	70-74%	70 – 74.99
B	65-69%	65 – 69.99
C+	60-64%	60 – 64.99
C	55-59%	55 – 59.99
C-	50-54%	50 – 54.99 (50 marks & above is pass)
D+	45-49%
D	40-44%	40 – 49.99
D-	0-39%
E		0 – 39.99

Requirements to Study in New Zealand

To study in New Zealand, the universities have set different requirements and eligibility criteria for different programmes. Depending upon your level of entry, course and academic qualifications you can apply to different universities and their programmes. Here are the general eligibility requirements that all students must fulfil-

• Relevant 12th certificate/undergraduate degree/master’s degree from a recognized university in the relevant field (minimum marks depend upon the university and department opted for)
• Proficiency in the English Language like valid IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo scores
• Entrance like GMAT or GRE Scores 
• Resume/CV (course-specific requirement)
• Statement of Purpose
• Recommendation Letters
• Valid Passport 
• Bank Statements and proof of financial coverage for your entire study abroad timeline 

Courses in New Zealand

Choosing the best course for you to study in New Zealand can be a daunting task but it gets a lot easier when you are aware of the popularity of the course in the respective countries. Here we’ve mentioned the top fields of study and popular courses in New Zealand for Indian students:

Field of Study

1. Animation
2. Engineering
3. Medicine
4. Business Studies
5. Engineering Forestry
6. Hospitality
7. IT and Computer Science
8. Agriculture
9. Art and design
10. Nursing
11. Trades
12. Business management
13. Health care
14. Sports management

Popular Courses

1. Graphic Design
2. International Relations
3. LLM
4. Industrial Product Design
5. Agricultural Science
6. Nursing
7. MBA
8. Veterinary
9. Architecture
10. Creative Writing
11. Economics
12. Finance
13. Education
14. New Media Studies
15. Information Technology

Top Universities in New Zealand 2023

Check out the top universities in New Zealand for international students in 2023:

University	QS World Rankings 2023
University of Auckland	87
University of Otago	217
Victoria University of Wellington	275
University of Canterbury	284
Massey University	292
University of Waikato	331
Lincoln University	368
Auckland University of Technology	486

Must Read: Best Medical Universities in New Zealand

Cheapest Universities in New Zealand

Here are the most affordable universities in New Zealand for international students:

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

5.5 IELTS Bands Universities 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 IELTS

These universities offer admission to international students without submitting IELTS scores.

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

Also Read: Best Engineering Colleges in New Zealand

Did you know? University of Auckland, University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, AUT University, UNITEC Institute of Technology are some of the best employers in the country.

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 Intakes in New Zealand

International students can apply for the two major intakes in New Zealand in January and July Intakes. Most students apply during these sessions and they correspond with the start of university semesters to ensure students can begin/rejoin classes with their peers. 

Semester	Session	Admissions Begin	Admission Intake Deadline*
Odd Semester	February to June	November	January/February
Even Semester	July to November	February	July

Know All About the July Intake in New Zealand!

July Intake in New Zealand Timeline

New Zealand universities receive a large amount of applications in the July Intake, International Students usually prefer July Intake for New Zealand as July Intake allows them to choose from a wide range of courses and universities. If you want to pursue higher studies in July 2024, then you must start preparing in August 2023. To make it easier for you, we have mentioned a timeline below for 2023 July Intake in New Zealand:

Timeline for July 2024 Intake	Events
Aug-Dec 2023	Find and shortlist your course and university
Dec 2023- Feb 2024	Give the required tests including English Language Tests
Feb-March 2024	Compile application documentation and apply to shortlisted universities
March-April 2024	Receive the Offer Letter
April-June 2024	Apply for Student Visa
July 2024	Plan your Travel

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

The cost to study in New Zealand includes both tuition fees for the course along the living expenses for the program duration. Tuition fee varies from course to course and university to university as per the choice one makes. However, the cost of living remains the same for every international student. If one is planning to stay for less than a year then they need to have NZ$1250 (INR 63,888) for each month of study to contribute towards living costs. However, if one is planning to for more than a year then they need to show NZ$15,000 to support themselves initially. Living costs vary depending on the city and the lifestyle one chooses. There is a popular student card that gives students access to several offers and discounts across food, clothes, travel, entertainment, and airfares.

Did you know? New Zealand is the least corrupt country in the World!

Average Tuition Fee

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

Degree Program	Average Tuition Fee (Annually) in NZ$
Diploma and Short Term Courses	12000-18500 (INR 5-9,00,000)
Bachelor’s Degree	22000-32000 (INR 10-15,00,000)
Master’s Degree	26000-37000 (INR 12-18,00,000)
PhD	6500-9000 (INR 3-4 00,000)

Cost of Living in New Zealand

An international student studying in New Zealand will likely spend around 13000 to 16000 NZ$ per year to study there. This cost is likely to remain the same throughout the courses. Given below is the list of areas of expenditure for an international candidate: 

Accommodation	Transport
Entertainment	Phone & Internet
Power	Food

Accommodation

Accommodation is another major expense for international students. New Zealand is a beautiful country with several housing options for students to choose from. Students can opt for hostels, apartments, dormitories, homestays as well as shared apartments. International students can choose whether they wish to live at the campus in dorms and hostels or independently in apartments or get the ultimate immersive experience with homestays with a family based in New Zealand. The average cost of accommodation for a three-four bedroom house is NZ$565 (INR 28,848) per week, or NZ$215 (INR 10,977 a room per week.

Must Read: Universities in New Zealand Accepting Backlogs

Did you know? Every year over 21,000 international students are admitted to study in New Zealand!

Know All About the July Intake in New Zealand!

Scholarships in New Zealand 2023

Scholarships are an essential part of every study abroad student’s life. Getting financial aid can help them to concentrate on their studies and avoid part-time jobs. Scholarships also make them responsible, competitive and smart as only a handful of meritorious candidates actually get their benefits. To maintain the benefits one gets from these grants, it is important to secure a good GPA in the academic year which makes students smarter. International candidates can apply for aid provided by the New Zealand government as well as for scholarships provided by the universities for a specific program. Enlisted below is a mix of both: 

• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
• New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
• Lincoln University Academic Scholarships
• New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship
• International Development (MIntDev) at Massey University
• UC International First-Year Scholarships 
• Climate Change Science and Policy (MCCSP) at Victoria University Wellington
• ADB Scholarships at University of Auckland
• Public Health (MPH) at the University of Auckland
• University of Otago International Research Masters Scholarships
• Victoria Masters Scholarships
• International Rural Development (MRD) at Lincoln University
• University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarships 
• Disaster Risk and Resilience (MDRR) at the University of Canterbury

Did you know? Every year Universities in New Zealand generate over $500+ million through research!

Did you know? The University of Otago is the oldest university in New Zealand and it was founded in the year 1869 by an ordinance of the Otago Provincial Council.

How to Apply for Scholarships in New Zealand?

1. Check for eligibility: It is necessary for applicants to meet the required criteria so that they are eligible for the scholarship.
2. Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously: If an individual is interested and eligible for more than one scholarship then they should look into applying simultaneously for them and complete separate applications for them.
3. Start the application early: Gaining a scholarship is highly competitive, one must start the application work early such that they have ample time to work on them such that they are perfect and increase the chances for the bagging scholarship.
4. Assemble all the required information and documents: One should definitely assemble the information on future plans, aims and recommendation letters among other documents needed such that they have everything in hand as and when required.
5. Proofread the application: Do consult a person or an organization that will help you to give your best ahead. At Leverage Edu, we will help you such that it increases your chances of bagging a scholarship severalfold.

How to Apply to Universities to Study in New Zealand?

With programs being taught in English during study in New Zealand, Indian students can choose from among various courses being taught by renowned universities to study in New Zealand. All universities require students to apply directly to the university through an online application. Or you can simply reach out to us and start the admission process for New Zealand now!

• We will help you select your course through our trusted AI Course Finder. 
• We will then start with your application process at the respective university in New Zealand.
• Documents such as SOPs, Essays, LORs and IELTS, TOEFL etc. are an important part of your university application. So you’ll have to gather and compile all the necessary documents.
• Experts at Leverage Edu will then start with the application process for accommodation, student visas, and scholarships/student loans after submitting your application and the required documents. 
• The offer letter will then take around 4-6 weeks to come.

Documents Required

Here’s a list of the documents required for completing the application process in New Zealand:

• All official academic Transcripts and diplomas if any
• Passport 
• Visa
• Updated CV/Resume
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Letter of Recommendations 
• Statement of Purpose
• Financial Evidence
• Portfolio or writing samples if required

Did you know? There are only 8 universities and 28 colleges across New Zealand!

Student Visa for New Zealand

International students who wish to study in New Zealand have to apply for a student visa. Applying for an NZ Student Visa is a necessary requirement, candidates are advised to start the application process well in advance after receiving the confirmation letter of admittance from their university. Indian students who are planning to study in New Zealand opt for the Fee Paying Student VISA. This VISA allows students to stay, study and work part-time in New Zealand for up to 4 years. Students who wish to travel with their parents/guardians, their guardians can apply for Guardian of a Student Visitor VISA. It is valid till the student visa of the candidate.

Documents Required

The entire application process is online and candidates can update all the information through their id and apply for the visa at home.

• Valid passport which must be valid for at least 6 months or more 
• Student Visa Application Form and Visa Fees
• Proof of funds to cover your expenses, study and cost of accommodation in the country
• Air ticket to New Zealand
• Acceptance Letter from your host institution confirming your eligibility for a particular course
• Duly signed certificates like Medical clearance, Health security, and character certificate are required to prove that you are a fit for travelling and staying abroad
• The minimum IELTS requirement for a New Zealand study visa is an IELTS Band score of 6.

Did you know? New Zealand is one of the youngest countries in the world and the last country to be inhabited by humans!

Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

Students studying in New Zealand can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years with the relevant qualification. The NZ post-study work visa lasts for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the level of your qualification, and the duration of your course undertaken in the country. There are two types of work visas -Post Study Work Visa (open) and Post Study Work Visa (employer-assisted). Candidates with a post-study work visa can work for any employer or for any job. If you have a partner, she/he can also apply for a work visa. You can extend your post-study work visa if you complete another qualification such as a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree for a minimum of 30 weeks and the degree must be higher than the qualification you submitted for your visa earlier.

Career Scope in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. The country’s economy is primarily carried out by sectors of services, mining & manufacturing, forestry, agriculture & dairy. International students have excellent employment prospects including Engineering, Business & Finance, Health & Social Services, and IT & Hospitality.

Full-Time Jobs in New Zealand

International students are allowed to apply for full-time jobs during designated breaks from their university studies only if they meet the following mentioned criteria:

• You are pursuing a full-time course for at least one academic year.
• You are enrolled in a course for 120 credits.
• You are enrolled in a course that will last at least eight months or two semesters.

Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand

Interational students enrolled in a full-time course must meet the following criteria to work 20 hours per week.

• The course should be atleast 2 academic year long.
• The course must have a New Zealand accreditation. This will help you earn points in the Skilled Migrant Category.

Must Read: Best Courses for Permanent Residency in New Zealand

Student life in New Zealand

Student life in New Zealand is vibrant and filled with incredible opportunities to interact with friendly locals and make friends from across the world. From living in homestays to taking part in activities on university campuses, students can join societies, explore the beautiful country and its divine beaches. Living in New Zealand is great to improve your health and lifestyle as the locals are extremely fit and outdoorsy. Many international students travel to Australia during their summer break. Living in New Zealand is also an incredible opportunity to explore its unique Maori culture. 

Did you know? New Zealanders are called Kiwis! It means curious little flightless birds that are native to the country and revered in the Maori culture!

Best Cities to Study in New Zealand

• Auckland
• Wellington
• Hamilton
• Christchurch
• Palmerston North

FAQs

Art Schools in New Zealand	How to get PR in New Zealand?	Pathway Initiatives in New Zealand
Intakes in New Zealand	IELTS & GMAT Scores to Study in New Zealand	Colleges in New Zealand
Canada vs New Zealand	10 Most Commonly Used Phrases in New Zealand	New Zealand vs Australia

As a study destination, New Zealand has started gaining popularity only recently. With limited information and help available, applying to universities can be tricky and it is advisable to seek professional guidance and services for the same. You can give a call at Leverage Edu  1800572000 and book a free consultancy session to map your journey to the university of your choice.