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Study in New Zealand

Study in New Zealand: 8 universities, post-study work up to 3 years

New Zealand has 8 universities as well as regional polytechnics.

Get free New Zealand counsellingBrowse New Zealand universities
New Zealand1834 programmes · 65 universities
40Universities listed
$1,400Avg. monthly living cost
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programmeEnglish requirement
WellingtonCapital city1,834English-taught programmes

Overview

Why study in New Zealand?

Explore all programmes

New Zealand has 8 universities as well as regional polytechnics. The national qualifications framework is the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), which has ten levels: a bachelor degree is level 7, a master degree level 9 and a doctorate level 10. Study is counted in credits: 120 credits equal one full-time year, and 1 credit is 10 hours of learning. A bachelor degree needs at least 360 credits (three full-time years); a master degree needs at least 120 credits at level 8 and above, with at least 40 at level 9.

English is the language of daily life and of teaching. Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages.

The polytechnic sector is being reorganised. Te Pūkenga, renamed NZIST, is being disestablished, and from 1 January 2026 most of its programmes and staff moved to regional polytechnics.

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so January is midsummer and July is midwinter. The climate is mild and wet. Auckland averages 17.4 to 22.9 °C in January and 10.3 to 14.8 °C in July; Dunedin averages 4.1 to 10.0 °C in July.

English is the language of daily life and of teaching. Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages.

The polytechnic sector is being reorganised. Te Pūkenga, renamed NZIST, is being disestablished, and from 1 January 2026 most of its programmes and staff moved to regional polytechnics.

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so January is midsummer and July is midwinter. The climate is mild and wet. Auckland averages 17.4 to 22.9 °C in January and 10.3 to 14.8 °C in July; Dunedin averages 4.1 to 10.0 °C in July.

Quick facts

Everything you need to know at a glance.

Language of instruction
English (daily life and teaching); te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are official
Tuition fees
NZD 22,000 – 81,700 / year
Avg monthly cost
$1,400 / month (approx.)
English test
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programme
Top student cities
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
Currency
NZD
Wellington · Wikimedia

Where students go

Top student cities

From the capital to quieter university towns — where our New Zealand students actually enrol.

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  • Auckland8 universities · 558 programmes
  • Wellington1 university · 25 programmes
  • Christchurch2 universities · 435 programmes
  • Dunedin2 universities · 270 programmes

City photographs from Wikimedia Commons · Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin

Before you travel

Student visa

Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.

Students apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, valid for up to 4 years; the visa fee is from NZD 850. You must enrol with an approved education provider and show funds of NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary study (NZD 1,667 a month if under a year), in addition to tuition fees; pre-paid accommodation can be subtracted.

Read the full guidance

You also need travel and health insurance from course start to visa expiry. If you apply from outside New Zealand, you can hold back tuition fees until Immigration New Zealand approves the application in principle. A partner and children cannot be included in your application; they apply separately. For Indian applicants: the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) is open to you.

  1. 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
  2. 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
  3. 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
  4. 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand

Documents we prepare with you

  • Valid passport
  • Admission letter
  • Proof of funds
  • Academic certificates
  • Passport photos

While you study

Work while studying

Earn, gain experience and build your future.

  • Since 3 November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week in term and full time in scheduled holidays.
  • This covers level 4+ tertiary programmes of at least 2 years, or qualifying shorter ones; PhD and research master's students have no hours limit.
More on working here
  • The Post-Study Work Visa allows up to 3 years, depending on qualification level and study length.
  • From 16 November 2026, level 7 graduate diplomas (with a bachelor's) will qualify for up to 1 year, and a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will give 6 months of open work to level 5–7 graduates who miss out on the Post-Study Work Visa.

Work today, build tomorrow

Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.

Programmes

Top programmes in New Zealand

Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge

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  • FinanceFinanceVerified

    Bachelor of Business (BBus) - Accounting

    Auckland Institute of Studies logo

    Auckland Institute of Studies

    • Bachelor
    • 3 years
    • NZD 22,000/year
    • IELTS 6.0
    View course
  • BusinessBusinessVerified

    Bachelor of Business (BBus) - Facilities Management

    Auckland Institute of Studies logo

    Auckland Institute of Studies

    • Bachelor
    • 3 years
    • NZD 22,000/year
    • IELTS 6.0
    View course
  • MarketingMarketingVerified

    Bachelor of Business (BBus) - Marketing

    Auckland Institute of Studies logo

    Auckland Institute of Studies

    • Bachelor
    • 3 years
    • NZD 22,000/year
    • IELTS 6.0
    View course
  • LogisticsLogisticsVerified

    Bachelor of Business (BBus) - Procurement and Supply Chain Management

    Auckland Institute of Studies logo

    Auckland Institute of Studies

    • Bachelor
    • 3 years
    • NZD 22,000/year
    • IELTS 6.0
    View course

Institutions

Top universities in New Zealand

Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.

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Compare New Zealand with other countries

Tuition, living costs and work rights, side by side.

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Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about studying in New Zealand.

What are the tuition fees in New Zealand?
Programmes on our catalogue for New Zealand range from NZD 22,000 – 81,700 per year. Fees are set by each university and programme.
What are the living costs in New Zealand?
Budget around $1,400 a month for accommodation, food and transport. Costs vary by city.
Is IELTS required for New Zealand?
IELTS 4.0–7.0 overall, depending on programme. English-test requirement derived from 985 of our 1040 verified New Zealand programmes. Individual programmes set their own; your counsellor confirms the exact score.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Since 3 November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week in term and full time in scheduled holidays. This covers level 4+ tertiary programmes of at least 2 years, or qualifying shorter ones; PhD and research master's students have no hours limit. The Post-Study Work Visa allows up to 3 years, depending on qualification level and study length. From 16 November 2026, level 7 graduate diplomas (with a bachelor's) will qualify for up to 1 year, and a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will give 6 months of open work to level 5–7 graduates who miss out on the Post-Study Work Visa.
Which cities do international students choose?
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton
How does the student visa work for New Zealand?
Students apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa, valid for up to 4 years; the visa fee is from NZD 850. You must enrol with an approved education provider and show funds of NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary study (NZD 1,667 a month if under a year), in addition to tuition fees; pre-paid accommodation can be subtracted. You also need travel and health insurance from course start to visa expiry. If you apply from outside New Zealand, you can hold back tuition fees until Immigration New Zealand approves the application in principle. A partner and children cannot be included in your application; they apply separately. For Indian applicants: the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) is open to you.