Explore all aspects of studying in New Zealand with our comprehensive, end-to-end expert support at your service.
New Zealand shines bright in the education game. Their globally-renowned universities set the stage, delivering programmes that ride the wave of practical learning and critical thinking. Offering a safe and inclusive environment, New Zealand is all about providing you a holistic educational experience. Their commitment to innovation and research opportunities makes them the go-to destination. Come explore with us!
New Zealand is the first country officially implement a student well-being policy.
The holistic education experience in New Zealand prepares students for a better future.
Education, food, accommodation, activities - get the best of everything in New Zealand.
From film, music to design and technology, New Zealand is the ultimate creative hub.
New Zealand fosters an environment that encourages and celebrates future-forward ideas.
New Zealand ranks within the top 3% of universities globally, according to QS World University Rankings (2018-2020). The QS World University Rankings is a widely recognised source for evaluating university performance globally. The country maintains rigorous academic standards and regularly undergoes quality checks.
New Zealand made significant strides in 2017 when they prioritised the well-being of international students. They became the first country to implement a dedicated wellbeing strategy tailored to student’s needs. The strategy covers various facets of student life, including mental health support, community engagement, and assistance with integration into the local culture.
The Global Peace Index, a widely respected measure, places New Zealand as the second most peaceful place to live among 162 nations. Factors contributing to this high ranking include low crime rates, political stability, effective governance, and a general sense of social harmony. The country is the first to implement pastoral care requirements, marking a pivotal step in safeguarding especially international students.
Source: Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, 2002.
According to the Global Perspectives on International Student Employability (2019), Kiwi land is your ultimate launchpad for a global career journey. New Zealand secures the top spot for international work rights, leaving countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, United States, Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, and United Kingdom in dust.
New Zealand wears the crown as the unrivaled leader in preparing students for the future as per The Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (2017-2019). Your academic journey in New Zealand is more than just a degree – it nutures you for a future where you’re the leader.
Embracing diversity, friendship, and mutual respect is the Kiwi way of life. The country’s inclusive and multicultural society warmly welcomes you into a community that celebrates differences and values the unique perspective each student brings.
New Zealand’s high standard of living is a culmination of its economic prosperity, excellent healthcare systems, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a culture that prioritises the happiness of international students. The country’s balanced lifestyle will provide you a fulfilling education experience.
New Zealand is a creative prowess that includes a rich cultural tapestry and a supportive environment for innovation. From film, music to design and technology, the country’s creative sectors continue to make waves on the international stage.
New Zealand stands tall in recognition of its cutting-edge contributions to various industries, including technology, sustainability, and research. They foster an environment where they encourage and celebrate forward-thinking initiatives.
New Zealand boasts a delightful temperate climate, featuring mild summers and cool winters, creating the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor sports and activities. Many young individuals actively participate in sports clubs and proudly represent various sports teams, creating a lively and inclusive community.
New Zealand ranks within the top 3% of universities globally but why is the New Zealand education system on effective? Well, it’s got a rock-solid qualifications framework. In the realm of New Zealand education, excellence is the name of the game and they have a thorough system of checks to prove it.
The New Zealand government keeps a watchful eye on the quality of what students are learning and how education providers are fulfilling their duties. Their key player, NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) ensures everything is up to mark. They refer to this process as ‘quality assurance.’ It is through this process that they ensure students not only receive top-quality education but also the right kind of support from their education providers. (Source: NZQA website)
Agencies responsible for quality assurance:
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, referred to as the Code, is implemented to ensure the well-being of international students across all levels.
This Code functions as a comprehensive document outlining the specific legal obligations that educational institutions must adhere to when enrolling international students.
The primary objective of the Code aligns with the Government’s strategic goals for international education, requiring educational providers to take reasonable measures in protecting the interests of international students. Moreover, it aims to determine, to the extent possible, that international students in New Zealand experience a positive environment conducive to their educational achievements.
Consequently, the Code of Pastoral Care for international students plays a pivotal role in defining the regulatory framework and expectations, contributing to the preservation of the welfare and educational pursuits of international students in New Zealand. (Source: Official NZQA Website)
Employability skills or work readiness are incredibly important to employers. The New Zealand education system recognises that and is dedicated to developing these in their students. These skills cover a wide range, from specialised technical skills to being ready for work, and even those essential ‘soft’ skills for dealing and managing workplace relationships. (Source: Youth Guarantee – Employability Skills Framework).
When it comes to valuable skills, graduates score big with abilities that can be used in pretty much any situation. Think flexibility, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, organisational skills, and a self-motivated ‘can-do’ attitude. In New Zealand, students don’t just leave with a degree; they also level up their English language skills to succeed in the workplace. Plus, they become pros at navigating multicultural and Western work envrionments.
Having a New Zealand qualification is like holding a golden ticket for your career on the global stage.
New Zealand is a part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and Tokyo Recognition Convention squads. This means that our certificates, diplomas, and degrees get the nod of approval in over 50 countries worldwide. Big names in the mix include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, China, Japan, and Australia. And we’ve got special deals with places like Malaysia, Hong Kong, the EU, and the UAE, just to name a few. Employers love New Zealand bachelor’s degrees, and they’re also your ticket to postgraduate programs.
Read more about taking New Zealand qualifications overseas.
Even the big player is New Zealand secondary schools, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), is immensely popular worldwide. Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, Germany, India, and Thailand recognise NCEA.
Learn more about international recognition of our qualifications on the NZQA website
New Zealand offers a safe, high-quality education system in a diverse and inclusive environment, making it an ideal place for students to pursue their academic and personal growth.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) is a system for acknowledging the level and quality of qualifications offered by New Zealand education providers.
The New Zealand Qualifications Framework has 10 levels:
The NZQF study level indicates how advanced a qualification is. It is also relevant for post-study work visas for international students in New Zealand.
Our school system allows learners to design an education that best meets their goals and personality.
You can choose the type of school and its location, as well as the ideal study programme.
New Zealand has eight state-funded universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) which have been unified into the Te Pūkenga- New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST), and about 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools.
Think about what your overall budget will be for each year you study, including your weekly or monthly living costs. Working part-time or getting a scholarship can help you cover your costs.
These links will help you plan your budget and finances:
Living costs will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in. It may be cheaper to live in a small town than a big city for example, because of lower housing and transport costs.
As an example of how much to budget for, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland estimate living costs to be around $20,000-$27,000 each year, and the University of Otago (based in Dunedin) estimates $18,000-$21,000.
When applying for a student visa, you’ll be required to provide evidence that have at least NZ$20,000 (or NZ$17,000 for school years 1-13) to cover your living expenses for your first year of study. The funds required will be lower for shorter lengths of study.
If you live in a private house or flat, rent in New Zealand is typically paid weekly or fortnightly. If you live in a hall of residence run by your education provider, accommodation costs may be paid up front for the full year.
Here are some indicative rent costs:
The University of Auckland suggests budgeting $55 a week for entertainment (this might cover dinner out and a movie). You can explore New Zealand’s stunning beaches, mountains, forests and lakes for free. Education providers and towns/cities often host free or cheap events, and many entertainment venues offer student discounts.
You should budget at least $80-$120 per week to cover basic grocery costs. Prices vary depending on where you choose to shop. If you choose to live in a catered hall of residence or a homestay, this cost will be included in your accommodation fee.
If you’re living in a private house, electricity costs will be around $200-$300 per month. If you’re in a shared flat this cost would be shared. Electricity costs will be lower in summer and higher in winter (because of heating). If you choose to live in a catered hall of residence or a homestay, electricity costs will be included in your accommodation fee.
All New Zealand cities and most towns have reliable public transport such as buses (some with cheaper bus fares for students). Auckland and Wellington also have train services to outer suburbs.
Transport costs are minimized if you live closer to campus. If living further away, transport costs can be up to $37 per week. Private cars are also an option for transport, however most students prefer walking or using public transport.
Choose from monthly account plans or pre-paid plans for mobile phones. A pre-paid plan that includes calling, texting and data starts at about $19 per month.
The average price for unlimited wifi for a shared flat is $90 a month (shared between flatmates). Wifi costs are typically included in homestays and halls of residence. Universities and education providers also provide free access to wifi on campus. Public libraries may also provide access to free wifi.
Use the checklist below to help you understand what you will need to complete a study application. Each education provider has their own systems and requirements – this is intended as a general guide only.
If you are using an education agency, they can submit an application on your behalf.
(This is a general guide only – requirements vary)
Application form
A copy of your passport
Academic transcripts, or school reports and exam results
IELTs results, or evidence that you meet English language requirements (for higher education study)
English language assessment (for schools or English language courses)
Interview (if required)
Portfolio (may be required for creative programmes)
Student Visa – If you want to study a full-time course in New Zealand that’s longer than three months, you’ll need a student visa.
Visitor Visa – If you want to take a short course of study in New Zealand, a visitor visa may be the best choice of visa for you. A visitor visa allows you to take one or more short courses lasting up to 3 months in total, or a term at school.
Working Holiday visa – You can study one or more short courses lasting up to 6 months in total on a working holiday visa, but your main reason for travel must be to holiday.
Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries.
Pathway visa – The pathway student visa allows you to study up to 3 consecutive study programmes or courses for up to 5 years. For example, you could take an English language course, followed by foundation studies, then a degree programme.
Your study plan (including all programmes/courses) must be pre-approved for this visa and you must be studying at an approved pathway education provider.
Post-study work visas – If you want to stay in New Zealand to get some practical work experience after you’ve completed your qualification, you may be able to apply for a post-study work visa.
A post-study work visa could allow you to work for up to 3 years in New Zealand after you graduate, depending on the level of your study qualification and what you study.
Visas to bring your family to New Zealand with you – There are a range of visa options that could allow your family to join you while you study in New Zealand.
Now that you have accepted your offer of place and your visa is sorted, it’s time to get ready to go!
If you haven’t already, join the NauMai NZ community. NauMai NZ is the official government website for international students.
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NZEA, a New Zealand registered company with offices in Auckland and Mumbai, provides advice on studying in New Zealand. We are defined by ethical practice and ensuring our students make the right choice to pursuing education goals. NZEA is with you all the way… guiding you throughout your academic journey.
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