Studying in New Zealand: Top FAQs Every Student Should Know

New Zealand has stunning nature, vibrant cities, a rich culture, and world-class universities. All these things together make New Zealand a top choice for international students. The Kiwi government has taken several steps to make studying in New Zealand easier for international students. This includes a straightforward visa process, part-time job on a student visa, and a generous post study work visa.

International students coming here have many questions about education, work opportunities, and culture in New Zealand. Let’s start with the most obvious one.

Why Study in New Zealand?

For starters, all eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked highly as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. The University of Auckland leads the charge with the impressive 65th position worldwide. Other universities are also not far behind. The University of Otago, University of Waikato, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington are in the top 250.

New Zealand education is recognised globally through three important international qualification recognition treaties: the Lisbon Recognition Convention, the Tokyo Recognition Convention, and the European Convention on Equivalence of Diplomas. The Lisbon Recognition Convention includes countries in Europe as well as the US, Canada, and Australia. The Tokyo Recognition Convention includes several Asia-Pacific countries like China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, and Fiji.

To learn more about these treaties, please visit the official website of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

What truly sets studying in New Zealand apart is their unique approach to learning. Students don’t sit through endless lectures and rote memorisation is avoided like the plague. Here, you’ll get practical, hands-on education that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. Lecturers aren’t distant figures but mentors who’ll know you by name. The country is committed to research and innovation and it shows in every aspect of New Zealand education.

What are the Top Courses in New Zealand?

The University of Auckland is the country’s highest-ranked institution. It is famous for its engineering, medical sciences, and business programmes. The University of Otago has its main campus in Dunedin and it’s renowned for its health sciences and humanities programmes. The University of Waikato, located in Hamilton, is known for research and innovation as well as humanities and social sciences programmes. Their management school and school of education are also quite famous.

Massey University is famous for veterinary science, development studies, agriculture and forestry, communication and media studies, and art and design. Victoria University of Wellington is popular for subjects like linguistics, library and information management, politics and international studies, law, business administration, English language and literature, performing arts, theology/divinity and religious studies, development studies, and geography.

The University of Canterbury, located in Christchurch, is famous for subjects like ecology, marketing & tourism, political science, public health, agriculture, linguistics, chemistry, engineering, and literary arts.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Studying in New Zealand?

The first step towards education in New Zealand starts with understanding the eligibility requirements. New Zealand’s eligibility requirements are straightforward, though they do vary depending on your chosen level of study.

For undergraduate programmes, you’ll need an overseas secondary qualification (like a high school diploma or a school certificate) with certain minimum marks or grades. Different universities have slightly different requirements, so it’s worth checking directly with your chosen institution. There are additional requirements for some programmes such as a portfolio (Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Music, etc.), an interview (Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Dance Studies, etc.), and police & safety checks (Bachelor of Education).

For postgraduate study (masters, postgraduate certificates & diplomas, and bachelor honours), you’ll need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. There are additional requirements for some programmes, such as portfolio, audition, work experience, professional registration in New Zealand, etc. The doctoral entry requirement includes a postgraduate bachelor’s (honours) degree or a master’s degree in the same or relevant area with certain minimum grades.

As mentioned above, different universities may have slightly different requirements and you should check directly with your chosen education provider.

English proficiency is another important requirement, as courses are taught in English. Universities usually accept test scores from exams like IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, or IELTS (Academic) equivalent English proficiency tests like PTE, Cambridge English proficiency, etc. English-speaking countries like Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the UK, and the US are usually exempted from proving English proficiency. Also, if you’ve completed earlier studies in the English medium, you may be exempted from proving English proficiency.

As these English proficiency requirements vary from university to university, we recommend that you check your chosen university’s website for details. Here are the English language requirements for the undergraduate programmes in the University of Auckland. Universities generally set the English language test scores slightly higher for postgraduate programmes compared to undergraduate programmes.

How Much Does It Cost to Study in New Zealand?

For tuition fees, international students typically pay between NZ$30,000 and NZ$50,000 annually for undergraduate programmes. Postgraduate courses generally range from NZ$40,000 to NZ$50,000 per year. Specialised degrees like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or MBA have higher tuition fees.

International PhD students pay the same domestic fees as Kiwi students, making doctoral studies surprisingly affordable. Remember, there are other fees apart from the tuition fees like services and administration fees.

Your living expenses will vary significantly depending on location. The cost of living in Auckland and Wellington is much higher than in smaller cities like Christchurch or Dunedin. The living expenses include accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities (electricity, water, internet, and heating).

As an international student, you must have full medical and travel insurance for the entirety of your stay. You can ask your university to arrange for your insurance. If you’re a PhD student, you don’t need to have this insurance.

There are many scholarships available to international students in New Zealand. We highly recommend that you start researching them well before you come to New Zealand.

How Can International Students Find Accommodation in New Zealand?

Finding your perfect Kiwi home doesn’t have to be stressful if you know your options.  The main accommodation types include University Halls of Residence, University Flats, Private Shared Flatting, and Homestays. The university halls of residence are on-campus accommodations that offer fully furnished rooms, provide meals, and include utilities like water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and laundry. They typically range from NZ$380-$500 weekly.

The university flats include properties like shared flats, studios, and single rooms. You usually share a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge with a few others but have your own bedroom. You have to cook your own food. Some universities include electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi in the accommodation fees and others charge an additional cost for them. You generally pay around NZ $200-$370 weekly for these flats.

In private shared flatting, you’ll rent a room in a house or flat with other students or professionals. You share a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge with a few others. It’s usually the most budget-friendly option at NZ $180-$280 weekly. You’ll make your own food and share utility bills with your flatmates.

In homestays, you’ll live with a Kiwi family (your host). You’ll get your private bedroom, home-cooked meals, family interactions, and valuable insights into New Zealand culture. This option costs approximately NZ $200-$450 weekly and includes meals, electricity, and internet.

Can International Students Work While Studying in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s student visa policies are incredibly work-friendly, allowing you to earn while you learn. As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and go full-time during scheduled holidays (as per your visa conditions). This generous allowance helps you balance study commitments while gaining valuable work experience and easing financial pressure.

Anyone earning an income by working in New Zealand needs an IRD number (New Zealand’s tax identification). You can get detailed information on the IRD number from the official website of the Inland Revenue Department.

The minimum wage in New Zealand is quite competitive (NZ$23.50 per hour from 1 April 2025). This makes part-time work quite beneficial. Popular student jobs include café and restaurant work, retail positions, campus jobs (like library assistants or research helpers), and tutoring. The tourism and hospitality sectors also offer flexible hours that fit well around study schedules.

Beyond the obvious financial benefits, working part-time offers incredible advantages for your future. You’ll develop local work references, practical skills, and that all-important Kiwi workplace etiquette. Many employers value students who understand both international perspectives and local customs.

What are the Post-Study Work Opportunities in New Zealand?

New Zealand post-study work options are quite generous. This is a major reason why international students choose New Zealand for studies. After completing your qualification, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. This visa allows students to stay and work for up to 3 years in New Zealand depending on their level of study and how long they studied in New Zealand. To learn more about the Post Study Work Visa, please visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand.

If you find a job related to your studies, you’re already on a promising path toward permanent residency through the popular Skilled Migrant Category Pathway. In the event your qualification matches the Green List roles (high-demand jobs in New Zealand), your journey from an international student on a student visa to a permanent resident becomes even easier.

The skilled migrant category (resident visa) offers a points-based system where your New Zealand qualification and local work experience give you significant advantages. Some industries on the Green List that have high-demand jobs include health & social services, IT, electronics & telecommunication, engineering, agriculture, financial services (auditors), construction, and trades.

What Is Student Life Like in New Zealand?

Campus life in New Zealand universities is truly rewarding. Most institutions offer broad orientation programmes that are quite beneficial for international students. You’ll find well-equipped facilities like modern libraries, tech labs, fitness centres, and student lounges where you can relax between lectures.

There are numerous clubs to choose from.  Whether you’re into sports, cultural activities, academic societies, theology/spirituality, or environmental causes, there’s something for everyone. Joining clubs isn’t just fun. It’s the fastest way to make friends and develop that sense of belonging.

Student support services deserve special mention. From academic advisors to mental health counsellors, New Zealand universities take student wellbeing seriously. Many have dedicated international student offices that help with everything from visa questions to cultural adjustment.

Weekends and holidays offer endless opportunities to admire New Zealand’s stunning nature. There are 13 national parks, countless beaches, and riveting scenery just hours (sometimes minutes!) from campus. Students frequently organise road trips to explore natural wonders like Milford Sound, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or the gorgeous Bay of Islands.

Safety is another major plus. New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, giving both students and parents valuable peace of mind.

What Are the New Zealand Student Visa Requirements?

Getting a student visa is an important step in your New Zealand education journey and it’s less complicated than you might expect. There are different types of student visas like the fee paying student visa, the pathway student visa, the MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa, the exchange student visa, working holiday visas, and many more.

Most international students come to New Zealand through a Fee Paying Student Visa.  You can apply for this visa online through the Immigration New Zealand’s website. The application process is straightforward, but don’t leave it to the last minute. Apply at least 8-10 weeks before your course starts. The processing time is usually 5 weeks for most visa applications.

Some important documents you’ll need include:

• A confirmed offer of place from an approved New Zealand educational Institution.
• Evidence you’ve paid your tuition fees (or received a scholarship).
• Proof you have enough money to support yourself (NZ$20,000 per year of study).
• A return ticket to your home country or proof you can purchase one.
• Proof of good health. You may get asked for medical and X-ray certificates (requirements vary by nationality and length of stay).
• Police certificates confirming good character (for 17 years and older who will stay in NZ for more than 24 months).
• Medical and travel insurance coverage for your entire stay.

This is only a simplified overview of important documents required for the fee paying student visa. These above documents have several conditions within them.  There are also additional documents required for this visa. To get a detailed list of all the documents necessary to get a fee paying student visa and the conditions attached to it, please visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand.

There are several conditions attached to a student visa and they must be followed once you get your visa. The website of Immigration New Zealand clearly mentions these conditions. We highly recommend that you read them carefully.

Are you ready to start your Kiwi education adventure? From world-class universities to breathtaking nature, New Zealand offers a beautiful mix of academic excellence and unforgettable experiences. We hope the information about the FAQs will help you to understand different aspects of studying in New Zealand.

Reach out to university admissions offices, start researching scholarship opportunities, or connect with current international students to learn more about New Zealand education.

Good luck with your New Zealand adventure!