Eight universities
All of New Zealand's universities are public institutions with established international programmes.
Study in New Zealand
Study in New Zealand: University Admissions & Student Visa Guidance
New Zealand has a compact higher-education system made up of eight universities plus technical institutes and private providers. Classes are often smaller, and many programmes include practical, hands-on learning.
VedaPath helps you choose between universities and other providers, apply, and prepare a complete student visa application for Immigration New Zealand.
Why this country
Why study in New Zealand?
Practical learning
Many programmes emphasise applied projects, field work and industry placements.
Smaller classes
Smaller cohorts can mean more contact with lecturers and supervisors.
Post-study work
Eligible graduates may apply for a Post Study Work Visa. Conditions are set by Immigration New Zealand, so check the current rules.
Programmes
Popular courses in New Zealand
- Master of Information Technology & Computer Science
- Master of Engineering & Engineering Management
- Master of Business & MBA
- Master of Applied Data Science
- Agriculture, Environmental & Food Science
- Healthcare and Nursing programmes
Entry tests
- English proficiency: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or others accepted by the provider
Timelines
Intakes and timelines
Semester 1 · February – March
The main intake.
Semester 2 · July
Available for many programmes.
Typical patterns — individual programmes and deadlines vary.
University options
Universities in New Zealand our students apply to
Examples of universities we help students shortlist and apply to. Your list is built around your course, profile and budget.
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- University of Waikato
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology
- Unitec Institute of Technology
- Otago Polytechnic
- Wellington Institute of Technology
- Manukau Institute of Technology
- Eastern Institute of Technology
- Ara Institute of Canterbury
- Waikato Institute of Technology
- Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
- Southern Institute of Technology
- Whitireia Community Polytechnic
- Pacific International Hotel Management School
- New Zealand School of Education
- ICL Graduate Business School
- New Zealand Management Academies
- Aspire2 International
- Crown Institute of Studies
Step by step
Application process for New Zealand
- 1
Provider and course choice
We compare universities, technical institutes and course content for your goals.
- 2
Applications
Applications with transcripts, SOP and English results.
- 3
Offer of place
Accepting your offer and paying tuition as required.
- 4
Student visa
Online application to Immigration New Zealand with proof of funds, medical and police certificates if required.
- 5
Pre-departure
Accommodation, insurance and travel planning.
Checklist
Documents you will need
- Academic transcripts, degree and mark sheets
- English test results
- Statement of purpose and CV
- Valid passport
- Offer of place from a New Zealand provider
- Evidence of tuition payment and funds for living costs
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates, and police certificate, if required
Funding
Scholarships for studying in New Zealand
University scholarships
New Zealand universities offer international merit scholarships and fee reductions; criteria and amounts vary.
Research scholarships
Doctoral and research master's students may be eligible for university-funded scholarships.
Visa guidance
New Zealand student visa
- Applied for online with Immigration New Zealand after you receive an offer of place.
- You need evidence of tuition payment and enough funds for living costs as set by Immigration New Zealand.
- Medical, chest X-ray and police certificates may be required depending on your circumstances.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible qualifications may apply for a Post Study Work Visa. Eligibility and duration are set by Immigration New Zealand and can change — check the official site for current details.
Official sources
FAQ
Studying in New Zealand: common questions
How many universities are there in New Zealand?
There are eight universities, alongside technical institutes and private training providers.
Which intake should I choose?
February is the main intake, but July is available for many programmes. We help you choose based on your timeline.
Do I need a medical certificate for a New Zealand student visa?
Depending on your length of stay and circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may ask for medical and chest X-ray certificates.
When should I start applying?
Around 8–10 months before your intake, to allow time for offers and the visa.
Get In Touch
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Planning to study in New Zealand?
Talk to a VedaPath counsellor about courses, universities, scholarships and the New Zealand student visa.