Study in New Zealand for Indian Students: Top Universities, Courses, Scholarships, Course Fees, and Job Opportunities

Study in New Zealand - Highlights

According to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit,approximately 90,000international students choose New Zealand as their destination for further education each year. Notably, recent data highlights a remarkable 28% surge in the enrollment of Indian students in New Zealand. Indian students, in particular, have experienced tremendous success in New Zealand, with an impressive 72% transition rate to the workforce. In the year 2023, a total of 120,000 international students pursued their studies in New Zealand, spanning eight universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and Private Training Establishments (PTEs). Remarkably, among this diverse student body, only 2,664 were of Indian origin.

Core Facts About New Zealand

Education in New Zealand

Universities and Colleges 50+

Indian Students in New Zealand (2023) 35%.

Post-Study Work Permit 20 Hrs per week

Permanent Residence Yes

University / College Stats

Students Placed 811+

Primary Language English

Popular Course:Business and Management-Engineering-Information Technology

Scholarships NZD 3000

Why Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world. From excellent academic standards to a multicultural community, the country offers endless opportunities for Indian students. To study in New Zealand, a student must be well-prepared to expect the following,

High-Quality Education: New Zealand boasts a world-class education system, with universities consistently ranking among the top globally. Students can expect rigorous academic programs and access to cutting-edge research opportunities.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: New Zealand is renowned for its safety and welcoming atmosphere. The country's diverse and multicultural society ensures that international students feel comfortable and included.
Work Opportunities: Post-study work visas make it easier for international students to gain valuable work experience in New Zealand after graduation. This can lead to potential pathways for permanent residency.
Stunning Natural Beauty: New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to beaches, provide a unique backdrop to your education. It's a place where adventure and exploration thrive alongside academics.
Global Recognition: Qualifications earned in New Zealand are internationally recognized and respected, enhancing your career prospects locally and abroad. Studying in New Zealand can open doors to a global network of opportunities.

Universities and Courses

Top Universities in New Zealand

S.No	Universities	City	World Rankings 2024	New Zealand Rankings 2024
1	The University of Auckland	Auckland	103	1
2	University of Otago	Dunedin	201-250	2-3
3	Victoria University of Wellington	Wellington	251-300	4-5
4	University of Canterbury	Christchurch	301-350	6-7
5	Massey University	Palmerston North	401-500	8-9
6	University of Waikato	Hamilton	501-600	10-11
7	Lincoln University	Lincoln	601-800	12-14
8	Auckland University of Technology	Auckland	801-1000	15-16

Top Courses for Indian Students to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a diverse range of undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and Ph.D. degree programs, all taught in English, catering to the global student community. These programs are designed to deliver a world-class education, ensuring students receive exceptional academic experiences.

How to Apply to Universities and Colleges?

Thorough Research is Key: Before finalising a university and program, students must conduct comprehensive research by visiting the official university websites, comparing options, and understanding available courses.
Complete University Applications: Students should diligently complete university applications, draft a precise Statement of Purpose (SOP), secure Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and patiently await responses.
Students must also understand the difference between universities and colleges. A university demands additional documents, such as LOR and supplementary exams, whereas LOR is not mandatory for colleges. Students are also cautioned to choose programs and universities based on their history of arrears (HOA).
Choose Acceptance Wisely: Use practical decision-making skills to select between unconditional or conditional offers that align with your academic requirements.
Pursue Scholarships: Non-EU Indian students should actively seek financial aid opportunities to cover tuition fees and accommodation expenses during their academic journey.
Initiate Visa Application: For Indian students, securing visa approval is a critical step in the final stages of preparation for studying abroad.
Arrange Accommodation: As a final step, ensure a comfortable living arrangement by planning for student housing while studying in the host country.

Application Requirements to Study in New Zealand

The following criteria are necessary to begin the university application process and give students an advantage over other applicants. Let's begin.

A valid passport with a minimum of 3 months of validity beyond the student’s intended stay in New Zealand.
An acceptance letter from a New Zealand university indicating the course duration and total tuition fees.
Evidence of suitable accommodation arrangements in New Zealand.
Tuition fee receipt displaying the amount paid to date.
Academic documents such as transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
Completed the current student visa application form.
Passport-size photographs.
Proof of adequate financial resources to cover living and study expenses during stay in New Zealand.
A commitment to depart New Zealand upon completing your studies.
A comprehensive medical examination.
A police verification certificate, if you are 17 years or older, is required for study durations exceeding 24 months.

New Zealand Intakes

Fall Intake:

Start Date: January

Application Deadline: Varies by institution but often around late November to mid-January (approximately 2-3 months before the semester starts). This is the primary intake for most programs and attracts many international students.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

Tuition Fees - Bachelor's	Private University - NZD 18,000 to NZD 50,000
	Public University (Out of State) - NZD 28,000 to NZD 53,000
	Public University (In-State) - NZD 24,000 to NZD 60,000
Tuition Fees - Master's and Doctorate	NZD 26,000 to NZD 90,000
Living Expenses	NZD 24,000 to NZD 60,000

Scholarships for Indian Students in New Zealand

Name of the Scholarship	Scholarship Type	Scholarship Details
New Zealand Excellence Awards	Jointly-Funded	For international students from Business, Fashion, and STEM courses. Stipend up to NZD 10,000
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)	Government and Fully-Funded	For Ph.D. Students. Stipend up to 25,000 NZD
Victoria Master’s Scholarship	University Scholarship	For International students. Tax-free stipend up to NZD 15,000
Lincoln University Academic Scholarships	University Scholarship	For International students. Stipend up to NZD 10,000
The Eamon Molloy Memorial Scholarship	University of Canterbury Scholarship	For Asian students with a stipend of NZD 15,000
University of Waikato Excellence Scholarship for Asia	University Scholarship	International students for UG and PG. Stipend up to NZD 10,000

Student Visa in New Zealand

Cost of Visa Application	NZD 495
When to apply?	Apply for your visa well in advance to allow sufficient processing time. -Processing Time: Most visa applications are usually processed within 20working days (approximately four weeks)
Visa Processing Time	20 Weekdays

Study in New Zealand: Permanent Residency for Indian Students

Obtaining permanent residency (PR) in New Zealand is a goal for many international students, including those from India. While studying in New Zealand can be a pathway to PR, it's essential to understand the processes and requirements involved; they are,

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Indian students who complete their studies in New Zealand and secure skilled employment may be eligible to apply for PR under the Skilled Migrant Category. This point-based category assesses factors like age, work experience, qualifications, and job offers.
Work-to-Residence Visa: Graduates may be eligible for a work-to-residencevisa after completing a relevant course of study in New Zealand. This visa allows graduates to work in New Zealand and transition to PR if they meet the criteria.
Post-Study Employer-Assisted Work Visa: Graduates who secure a job offer relevant to their qualifications may apply for this visa, which allows them to work and gain work experience in New Zealand. This can be a stepping stone to PR.
Long-Term Skill Shortage List: This is for In-demand occupations in New Zealand, and students who graduate in these fields may find it easier to secure employment.
Investor Category: For students with financial means, the Investor Category offers options for obtaining PR through investment in New Zealand.
Family Category: Some Indian students may be eligible for PR through family connections if they have immediate family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents.

Required Entrance Exams

IELTS(International English Language Testing System): The IELTS is a language proficiency examination required for admission to New Zealand universities. The comprehensive test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Scores are graded on a scale of 1 to 9, with most programs requiring a score of 6.5 to 7.5. A desirable score demonstrates the ability to communicate efficiently in English academically.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The TOEFL is an English language assessment test that evaluates proficiency in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It can be taken in iBT or paper formats; scores range from 0 to 120. Typically, New Zealand universities request a score of 80-100 for acceptance into courses taught in English.

Work Opportunities in New Zealand

Job Roles	Annual Salary
Software Developer	NZD 60,000 to NZD 120,000
Registered Nurse	NZD 50,000 to NZD 80,000
Mechanical Engineer	NZD 60,000 to NZD 110,000
Business Analyst	NZD 60,000 to NZD 100,000
Data Analyst	NZD 50,000 to NZD 90,000
Accountant	NZD 50,000 to NZD 80,000
Marketing Manager	NZD 70,000 to NZD 120,000
Civil Engineer	NZD 60,000 to NZD 110,000
Healthcare Administrator	NZD 50,000 to NZD 90,000
Electrician	NZD 45,000 to NZD 80,000

Frequently asked questions about studying in New Zealand:

1. Is New Zealand good for Indian students?

Yes! Many Indian students prefer New Zealand for its high-quality education and friendly, multicultural environment. The cost of living is affordable compared to the USA, UK, or Australia. The duration of the post-study work visa for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD's is three years.

2. What are the top universities in New Zealand?

From the perspective of Indian students, choosing the right university in New Zealand often depends on the preferred courses, affordability, community support, and rankings. Below are the top 10 universities in New Zealand

University of Auckland: Ideal for IT, Engineering, and Business.
AUT (Auckland University of Technology): Popular for Technology, Business, and Design.
Victoria University of Wellington: Renowned for Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
University of Otago: Top choice for Health Sciences, Medicine, and Dentistry.
University of Canterbury: Preferred for Engineering, Science, and Technology.
Massey University: Excellent in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and Management.
University of Waikato: Known for Management, Data Science, and Education.
Lincoln University: Specialized in Agriculture, Forestry, and Environmental Studies.

3. What is the cost of studying in New Zealand for Indian students?

For Indian students, annual tuition fees usually range between INR 11–16 lakh (NZD 22,000–32,000) for undergraduate degrees and INR 13–18 lakh (NZD 26,000–37,000) for postgraduate programs. Monthly living expenses are typically around INR 70,000–90,000 (NZD 1,400–1,800), depending on the city

4. What scholarships can Indian students apply for in New Zealand?

Indian students can find several scholarships to study in New Zealand, including government-funded options and university scholarships.

5. Can Indian students work while studying in New Zealand?

Yes, Indian students can now work up to 25 hours per week during semesters (from November 2025), enabling them to earn approximately NZD 18–25 per hour, which helps them manage living expenses effectively. During semester breaks, students can work full-time.

6. How can Indian students apply for a student visa for New Zealand?

Indian students should apply online through the Immigration New Zealand portal, providing essential documents such as the university offer letter, proof of funds (tuition fees plus NZD 20,000 per year), a valid passport, health insurance, and IELTS or TOEFL scores.

7. Is healthcare easily accessible for Indian students in New Zealand?

Yes, healthcare facilities in New Zealand are top-notch. All Indian students are required to hold valid medical and travel insurance. This ensures affordable access to medical treatments, doctors, hospitals, and mental health services across New Zealand.

8. What are the admission requirements for New Zealand universities from India?

For Indian students, requirements include a minimum of 60% aggregate in Class 12 or graduation, IELTS (minimum score of 6.0–6.5), Statement of Purpose (SOP), recommendation letters, and proof of financial resources. As of June 2025, there's no need for Indian degrees to undergo International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

9. What is the post-study work visa policy in New Zealand for Indian students?

Indian students graduating from a degree-level or higher course are eligible for a post-study work visa lasting up to 3 years, allowing them ample time to find suitable employment and explore ways to permanent residency.

10. Can Indian students stay permanently in New Zealand after completing their studies?

Yes, many Indian students choose to stay in New Zealand post-graduation due to favorable immigration policies, especially if employed in sectors like IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Agriculture, or Skilled Trades, significantly increasing their chances of gaining permanent residency.

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