Study in New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is a fantastic choice. It offers top-notch education in a stunning natural environment. With excellent universities, a friendly and diverse culture, and lots of job opportunities after graduation, it's a dream destination for international students. Plus, you get to enjoy an amazing quality of life and explore the great outdoors.
In 2022, New Zealand welcomed around 120,000 international students to its universities, ITPs, and PTEs. Surprisingly, only 2,664 of them were from India. But despite this, studying in New Zealand has become super popular among international students. This is thanks in part to the Green List Occupations introduced after the pandemic, which has encouraged more students to study in New Zealand and look for full-time jobs here. It's a win-win!
Why Study in New Zealand?
There are top reasons that encourage international students to pursue higher education in New Zealand, including academic as well as post-study work options. From being lower in terms of studying costs, availability of numerous scholarships to ease of finding a job and working while in New Zealand are some of the major reasons along with the following ones as well:
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- All the New Zealand Universities are ranked in the Top 500 as per the QS world ranking 2023
- New Zealand is the second-most peaceful country worldwide, a rank it has enjoyed since 2014 (Global Peace Index 2022).
- Official languages of New Zealand are English and Māori
- Students can work 20 hours/week part time during classes and 40 hours/week during holidays. The min. Wage rate is NZD 21.20 per hour
- Post-study work visas of up to 36 months
- Popular Programs offered in the fields of – Business, Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Civil and Construction, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain & Logistics, Health Science and Nursing
Study in New Zealand Highlights
| Total Universities | 08 |
| Universities Ranking in Top 100 Globally | 01 (2023) |
| Education Levels | Primary, Secondary & Tertiary |
| Tertiary Education Regulator | New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) |
| ELP Test Scores Required | TOEFL / IELTS / PTE / Duolingo |
| Standardised Test Scores Accepted | UG: SAT / NEET UG / LSAT PG: GRE / GMAT / MCAT |
| Undergraduate Admission Eligibility | 12th scores + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
| Postgraduate (Taught & Research) Admission Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree + Entrance Test scores + ELP scores |
| NZ Qualifications Recognised | Globally |
| New Zealand University Acceptance Rate | Highly selective (90%) |
Education System in New Zealand
Higher education in New Zealand has designated different institutions or levels for education. These institutions vary depending upon their nature of education provision or the kind of courses they teach to students in New Zealand. The table below throws more light on the different types of further education offered in New Zealand to both international and domestic students:
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Technical & Vocational Education: These institutions are for those students who are studying at the Senior Secondary school level, plus also those, who can pursue a course and specialize, in order to earn a living.
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Youth Guarantee: These courses are for students aged between 16-19. Gives them an opportunity to study NCEA Level 1-3 or Certificate Level 1-3 which are tertiary courses provided free of cost.
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Trades Academies: These academies run through schools and other education providers and teach trades and technology-related programmes to students aged between 15-18.
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Institutes of Technology: These are government or industry-funded institutions which offer basic or introductory courses in vocational education.
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Private Training: Such training institutions offer specific vocational courses at both certificate and diploma levels.
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Universities: There are eight state-funded Universities in New Zealand offering a variety of courses across all major subjects.
As per the levels of education in New Zealand designated by NZQF for tertiary education, each level consists of the following level of certificate or diploma or degree awarded to the student upon completion. The following is the level-wise degree/certificate/diploma award in tertiary education:
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Popular Universities in New Zealand
There are just eight universities in New Zealand and only one university in New Zealand ranks in the top 100 globally. The following is a list of ranking positions for all the universities in New Zealand as per QS and THE World Rankings 2023:
| New Zealand Universities | QS World University Rankings 2024 | THE World University Rankings 2023 |
| University of Auckland | #68 | #139 |
| University of Otago | #206 | 301-350 |
| Massey University | #239 | 601-800 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | #241 | 401-500 |
| University of Waikato | #250 | 401-500 |
| University of Canterbury | #256 | 601-800 |
| Lincoln University | #362 | 401-500 |
| Auckland University of Technology | #407 | 251-300 |
Top Courses in New Zealand
Some of the top courses in New Zealand are offered in areas of management & business, engineering, medicine, social sciences and science-related subjects. Popular courses in New Zealand for international students are as follows:
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MBA
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Information Technology
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Supply Chain Management
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MBBS
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Graphic Designing
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Computer Science
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Aeronautical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Nursing
Admission Process to Study in New Zealand
The admission process for universities in New Zealand generally involves the following steps:
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Research and Choose a Program: Start by researching universities and programs in New Zealand. Consider factors like your academic interests, budget, and location preferences.
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Meet Entry Requirements: Check the entry requirements for your chosen program. These typically include academic qualifications, English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), and any specific prerequisites.
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Application Submission: Apply to your selected universities through their online application portals. Make sure to provide all required documents, such as transcripts, certificates, and a statement of purpose (SOP).
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English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you may need to take an English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) and submit your scores.
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Acceptance Offer: If your application is successful, you'll receive an acceptance offer (Offer of Place) from the university. Review the offer and ensure you meet any conditions mentioned.
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Student Visa Application: Apply for a student visa through the New Zealand Immigration website. You'll need to provide proof of acceptance, financial stability, and health insurance.
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Tuition Fee Payment: Pay the tuition fees for your program. New Zealand universities often provide information on payment methods and deadlines.
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Accommodation: Arrange your accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus, depending on your preference and university options.
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Pre-Departure Preparation: Plan your travel, including flights, transportation, and accommodation upon arrival. Don't forget to pack essential documents, such as your passport, visa, and academic transcripts.
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Orientation: Attend the university's orientation program, where you'll receive essential information about campus facilities, academic life, and local services.
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Commence Studies: Start your academic journey in New Zealand and make the most of your educational experience.
It's important to note that specific requirements and procedures can vary among universities and programs, so it's advisable to check with your chosen institution for their exact admission guidelines.
Admission Requirements for Universities in New Zealand
The admission requirements for studying in New Zealand universities vary with each level of study for international students.
A brief is as follows:
- A 2-year Undergraduate Diploma typically requires a 50% to 55% score in the 12th Standard.
- To enroll in a 3-year Bachelor's Degree, a 60% and above score in the 12th Standard is common.
- For a 1-year Graduate Diploma, candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree with at least 50%.
- PG Diploma programs usually require a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 60%.
- Master's Degree programs typically seek candidates with 65% and above in their Bachelor's Degree.
English Proficiency
| Qualification | IELTS Requirement |
| Undergraduate Diploma | Level 6: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Bachelors | Level 7: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Graduate Diplomas | Level 7: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Postgraduate Diplomas | Level 8: 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| Masters | Level 9: 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Note: IELTS requirements may be higher for certain areas of study like Nursing, Teaching and Law
Documents Required for Admission Application
The following documents are required to be submitted irrespective of undergraduate and postgraduate admission application are:
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Transcripts
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Statement of purpose (SOP)
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2-3 letters of recommendation (LORs)
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Resume / CV
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ELP test scores - TOEFL / IELTS / PTE
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Standardised test scores:
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UG: SAT or MCAT or LSAT
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PG - GRE or GMAT
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Application fee
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand comes with different costs based on your chosen program. On average, Indian students typically pay between INR 8 to INR 25 lakhs per year for bachelor's courses. Here's a quick look at course fees for different academic levels in New Zealand.
|
Level of Education in New Zealand |
Costs Per Year |
Costs for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree |
NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
INR 10.38 Lakhs - 16.61 Lakhs |
|
Postgraduate Master’s Degree |
NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
INR 13.50 Lakhs - 19.21 Lakhs |
|
Doctoral Degree |
NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
INR 3.37 Lakhs - 4.67 Lakhs |
Best Cities in New Zealand for Study
The topmost preferred cities by international students to study in New Zealand for study are given below based on their rankings by QS for Best Cities to Study in 2023:
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Auckland: #37
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Christchurch: #87
Other preferred cities to study in New Zealand include - Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North and others.
Study Visa Requirements for Studying in New Zealand
- Good academic record - 60% and above aggregate in Class 10th and 12th and over 50% aggregate
in subsequent tertiary qualification with minimal backlogs, if any - IELTS score or equivalent score of TOEFL or PTE as per NZQA requirement
- Student’s immediate family’s verifiable evidence of funds to meet the Educational and living
expenses in NZ - including paper trail to explain any recent high value deposits in account. - Verifiable evidence of regular source of sufficient income of financial sponsors/guarantors
- Intended course of study relevant to qualifications and/or work experience which shows logical
progression - Meet health and character requirements
Documents for Student Visa
- Completed application forms and supplementary information form.
- Visa application fee (Online- 430 NZD)
- Original passport
- Covering letter & SOP
- Financial documents
- Affidavit of support from sponsor
- Evidence of English language ability - IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score card
- Original police clearance certificate(must be less than 6 months old at the time of visa filing)
- E-Medicals acknowledgement of medical test from empanelled doctor which should not be
more than 3 months old
Scholarships to Study in New Zealand
Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to as an Indian student:
| Scholarship | Scholarship Amount | Scholarship Links | Indian Amount |
| New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships | Full tuition fee and living expenses allowance. | Commonwealth Scholarship Info | N/A |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) | NZD 5,000 towards the first-year tuition fee. | NZEA Scholarship Info | Approx. INR 2,50,000 |
| Wellington International Excellence Scholarship | NZD 20,000 over three years paid towards tuition fees. | Wellington Scholarship Info | Approx. INR 10,00,000 |
| Victoria Tongarewa Scholarship | NZD 5,000 or 10,000 | Victoria Scholarship Info | Approx. INR 2,50,000 or 5,00,000 |
| University of Waikato Tauranga Bursary | NZ$10,000 only applicable for Tauranga campus | Waikato Tauranga Bursary Info | Approx. INR 5,00,000 |
| University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship | Up to NZ$10,000 towards tuition fees. | Waikato Excellence Scholarship Info | Up to Approx. INR 5,00,000 |
Post-Study Work Permit in New Zealand
To be eligible for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, international students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of a Level 7 degree qualification, or
- Completion of a non-degree qualification below Level 7, provided the qualification is listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list.
For those applying through the non-degree Level 7 option, it is essential to secure a job related to their field of study.
International students who applied for their student visa on or before May 11, 2022, can qualify for a post-study work permit in New Zealand, even if their qualifications are not listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list. However, having an acceptable qualification is mandatory when applying for a post-study work permit.
Job Prospects in New Zealand
New Zealand offers promising job prospects with over 20,000 vacancies becoming available each year. This provides international students with ample opportunities to gain employment and reduce the unemployment rate. As of 2022, the unemployment rate, last recorded in the September quarter, was 3.3%. Additionally, wages for those working in New Zealand have increased by an average of 2.5% annually.
Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
There is a diverse range of popular job sectors in New Zealand where international students can seek employment opportunities. These sought-after job sectors in New Zealand include:
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Education
- Engineering
- Construction
- Business & Finance
- Health & Social Services
- Oil & Gas
- Science
- Trade
- ICT & Electronics
- Transport
These industries present various employment opportunities for international students looking to study in New Zealand.
Courses offered with Internships
| Sr. No. | Institution | Course | Internship | Intakes |
| 1 | University of Waikato | Master of Digital Business (Level 9) | 8-13 weeks of internship | February & July |
| 2 | Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin/Auckland | Graduate Diploma In Applied Management (Level 7) | 12 months course includes 200 hours of internship | January, March, June, August & October |
| 3 | PIHMS, New Plymouth | Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management (Level 8) | 40 weeks study + 6 months paid internship | February, April, July & September |
| 4 | Ara Institute of Canterbury (former CPIT), Christchurch | All Graduate Diplomas (Level 7) | 12 months course includes estimated 450 hours of internship | February & July |
| 5 | WITT, New Plymouth | Diploma in Professional Cookery (Level 5) | 18 months course includes 100 hours internship | February, July & October |
Average Salary in New Zealand - By Job
The estimated median salary for an individual working full-time in New Zealand is NZD 55,500. Some of the highest salary-drawing professions in New Zealand are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | Indian Amount (Approx.) |
| C Level Executive | NZD 131,650 | Approx. INR 68,00,000 |
| Dentist | NZD 89,400 | Approx. INR 46,00,000 |
| Data Scientist | NZD 89,000 | Approx. INR 45,800,000 |
| Finance Manager | NZD 74,000 | Approx. INR 38,20,000 |
| Operations Manager | NZD 71,000 | Approx. INR 36,70,000 |
| IT Manager | NZD 69,400 | Approx. INR 35,90,000 |
| Physician | NZD 64,800 | Approx. INR 33,50,000 |
| Chemical Engineer | NZD 60,500 | Approx. INR 31,20,000 |
| Attorney | NZD 58,500 | Approx. INR 30,20,000 |
| Teacher | NZD 40,000 | Approx. INR 20,60,000 |
Studying in New Zealand offers a world-class education, stunning natural landscapes, and abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's a destination where students can experience academic excellence while embarking on exciting adventures.
For those aspiring to study in New Zealand, making the right decisions and navigating the admission process can be a daunting task. This is where bluehawks, the most trusted brand for study abroad aspirants, comes to the rescue. We understand that every student's journey is unique, and we are here to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout the entire process.
Our services include personalized counseling, course selection, assistance with applications and documentation, visa guidance, test preparation, and even scholarship information. We aim to make the path to studying in New Zealand as smooth as possible, ensuring that students can focus on their education and embrace the experience to the fullest.
At bluehawks, we believe in turning dreams into reality, and we're committed to helping students achieve their academic aspirations in New Zealand. With our expertise and dedication, we're not just a consultancy; we're your partners on this incredible educational journey.
So, if you're ready to explore the world of opportunities that New Zealand has to offer, let bluehawks be your trusted companion. Together, we'll open doors to a brighter future and help you shape your academic destiny in the Land of the Long White Cloud."
