New Zealand provides a world-class education, globally recognised qualifications, and talents that last a lifetime. There are 8 top universities in New Zealand that are known worldwide and are highly ranked in the QS World Ranking organisation. The country strongly emphasises innovation and creativity, making it an ideal place for students interested in fields like technology, agriculture, and environmental studies. Every year, more than 34,000 international students from around the world study in New Zealand.
Moreover, the country is known for its diverse and inclusive society, offering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for international students. With a strong economy and a high standard of living, New Zealand provides ample opportunities for students to gain practical experience and build global networks.
But before enrolling, one must know about the top universities in New Zealand. So, here let’s explore about some of the best universities in New Zealand according to various fields.
In New Zealand, you can easily find various options for universities and colleges to pursue your degree. Here are some important highlights about the country’s educational institutes that you must know before applying.
Parameter |
Statistics |
No. of universities and colleges in New Zealand |
71 |
Tuition fees of universities in New Zealand |
Up to INR 10 Lakhs: 61 universities Up to INR 40 Lakhs: 71 universities |
Top Streams in New Zealand |
Business, Science, Health, Aviation, etc. |
English language exams required |
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Entrance exams required |
GMAT |
New Zealand's education system is dynamic and flexible. It blends conventional teaching principles with innovation and technology to produce internationally recognised and regarded diplomas.
International students who have finished their studies in New Zealand may apply for a post-study work visa. This visa allows international students to study and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their degree. The post study work permit in New Zealand costs roughly NZD 700 and is processed 80% of the time within 7 weeks. In order to get a work visa in New Zealand, you must prove that you have a genuine interest in meeting the conditions of your visa.
The New Zealand student visa allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. It is a great opportunity for international students to earn money while studying. Some of the part-time job options in New Zealand include Customer Service Representative, Shop Assistant, Supermarket Assistant, Tutor, Bartender, etc. Part-time work in New Zealand is the most effective option for international students to fund living expenses. Part-time work in New Zealand pays an average of NZ$18.90 per hour. However, you must adhere to all the rules and regulations related to a student visa in New Zealand.
New Zealand is an excellent destination for overseas students, with a world-class educational system. All of its institutions comply with global standards, which are constantly tested and overseen by the government to ensure a consistently high level of education regardless of where you study. Here is a list of universities in New Zealand for international students that are consistently ranked high in various organisations.
University |
New Zealand University Ranking by QS World University Rankings 2025 |
New Zealand University Ranking by THE World Rankings 2024 |
65 |
150 |
|
214 |
301-350 |
|
235 |
401-500 |
|
239 |
501-600 |
|
244 |
401-500 |
|
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |
261 |
501-600 |
371 |
401-500 |
|
412 |
401-500 |
According to the QS Ranking organisation, some of the top universities in New Zealand to pursue Arts & Humanities are listed below.
University Name |
QS Ranking |
The University of Auckland |
70 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
135 |
University of Otago |
228 |
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |
306 |
Massey University |
338 |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) |
401-450 |
University of Waikato |
401-450 |
To explore the top universities in New Zealand for Engineering and Technology, students can check the table below:
University Name |
QS Ranking |
The University of Auckland |
129 |
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |
316 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
401 - 450 |
Here is a list of some of the top colleges in New Zealand that offer life science and medicine courses for international students.
University Name |
QS Ranking |
The University of Auckland |
89 |
University of Otago |
117 |
Massey University |
347 |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) |
501-550 |
You can also find various arts and humanities-related courses in New Zealand universities. Here is the list of some of the best universities in New Zealand for arts and humanities, ranked by the QS Rankings.
University Name |
QS Ranking |
The University of Auckland |
171 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
363 |
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |
365 |
University of Otago |
377 |
Massey University |
451 - 500 |
According to QS ranking, some of the top-ranked Social Sciences and management universities in New Zealand include the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago. Below, we have included the list of the best universities in New Zealand for Social Sciences and management courses.
University Name |
QS Ranking |
The University of Auckland |
69 |
Victoria University of Wellington |
214 |
University of Otago |
255 |
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha |
315 |
Massey University |
346 |
University of Waikato |
351 |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) |
387 |
New Zealand is a great country to live in and enjoy. It offers an amazing standard of living with various places to explore and enjoy student life. Here is a list of some of the best student cities in New Zealand.
Best Student Cities |
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025 |
Auckland |
24 |
Christchurch |
79 |
Wellington |
- |
Hamilton |
- |
Dunedin |
- |
Universities of New Zealand offer various courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here is a list of some of the best programs that international students choose to study in New Zealand, along with the number of universities offering them.
Courses |
Count of Universities |
UG Diploma |
62 |
PG Diploma |
36 |
BE/BTech |
23 |
BBA |
22 |
UG Certificate |
19 |
MIM |
28 |
Indian students applying for courses at various universities in New Zealand must complete both general and course-specific admission standards. International students at New Zealand universities must meet the following general entrance requirements:
Universities in New Zealand accept the Azores for various entrance exams to assess students’ academic capabilities on common ground. Below, we have mentioned some of the entrance exams that are accepted in New Zealand, along with the number of universities accepting them.
Entrance Exam |
Count of Universities |
DET |
2 |
1 |
In addition to the above-mentioned tests, there are other tests that universities in New Zealand might accept, like GRE & UCAT.
Since New Zealand is a native English-speaking country, Indian students whose first language is not English must demonstrate their English language competency. Here are some popular English proficiency tests, along with the number of universities in New Zealand that accept the test.
International students must have certain documents when applying to New Zealand universities. Here are some basic documents that you are required to have when applying.
Criteria |
Undergraduate |
Postgraduate |
10th and 12th standard academic transcript |
10th and 12th standard academic transcript along with bachelor’s degree certificate |
|
A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 bands or equivalent in any other proficiency test |
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 bands or equivalent in any other proficiency test |
|
1 from an academic institution |
2 (1 from an academic institution and 1 from employer) |
|
Required |
Required |
|
Certificates |
Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities are accepted |
Relevant certificates of extra-curricular activities are accepted |
Work Experience |
Not necessary |
Might be required |
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you are required to have other Documents Required to Study in New Zealand.
A valid passport with a validity of at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand
Bank statement to prove financial abilities
A police certificate if you are aged 17 years or over and plan to study for more than 24 months
Certificate of full medical examination
Passport-size photographs (if asked)
Updated Resume
Portfolio (if required)
Universities typically offer two main intakes for international students in New Zealand: January and September.
February Intake in New Zealand - This intake usually starts at the beginning of the year, around late January or early February. It's a good option if you miss the September intake or if your program allows for a mid-academic year start. Students applying for the February intake generally need to submit their applications earlier in the previous year, usually by around October to November.
July Intake in New Zealand - This is the main intake for the academic year and aligns with the start of the new sessions. Many international students prefer this intake because it allows them to start their studies at the beginning of the academic year. Almost all the universities in New Zealand offer all the courses during this intake. Applications for the July intake are typically due earlier in the year, usually around December to January.
September Intake in New Zealand - Not all universities in New Zealand offer a September intake, but very few do. However, this intake totally depends on the number of seats available. Since the number of applications is less during this intake, the chances of getting an offer letter increase.
Estimating the cost of studying in New Zealand is quite important while planning your study abroad journey. Students always consider the universities that fit their budget. So, here are the number of universities and their fee ranges.
First-Year Tuition Fee Range |
Count of Universities |
Max INR 10 lakh |
61 |
Max INR 20 lakh |
69 |
Max INR 30 lakh |
71 |
Max INR 40 lakh |
71 |
40 lakh + |
2 |
New Zealand provides an excellent work-life balance while maintaining a high quality of life. In comparison to other study-abroad destinations, the cost of living in New Zealand is similar. The cost of living in New Zealand for international students will vary according to their lifestyle and the location of their residence.
Type of Expenses |
Cost |
Accommodation (per year) |
NZD 700 – NZD 850 |
Entertainment (per week) |
NZD 55 (INR 2,789) |
Food (per week) |
NZD 80 – NZD 120 (INR 4,058 - 6,087) |
Electricity (per month) |
NZD 200 – NZD 300 |
Transportation (per week) |
NZD 37 |
Phone (per month) |
NZD 19 |
Internet (per month) |
NZD 90 |
International students can apply for a student visa to study at New Zealand universities offline and online. International students applying for a student visa to New Zealand online must pay a base visa fee of NZD 375 (INR 19,206). International students applying from New Delhi as the receiving centre must pay NZD 430 (INR 22,023).
New Zealand has had labour shortages in a variety of industries, includin
Jobs |
Average Salary |
Surgeon |
INR 90 L – 1.1 Cr per year per year |
Dentist |
INR 72 L – 80 L per year |
Legal Practitioner |
INR 70 L – 78 L per year |
Engineering Manager |
INR 68 L – 75 L per year |
Data Scientist |
INR 66 L – 72 L per year |
IT Manager |
INR 65 L – 70 L per year |
Financial Manager |
INR 59 L – 64 L per year |
Software Developer |
INR 48 L – 56 L per year |
Building and Construction Manager |
INR 45 L – 80 L per year |
Marketing Manager |
INR 43 L – 52 L per year |
Civil Engineer |
INR 37 L – 45 L per year |
International students can apply for a variety of scholarships at New Zealand universities. Aside from the scholarships institutions offer, various external funding agencies provide considerable scholarships and financial aid to international students. So, here is a list of some of the best scholarships for Indian students in New Zealand.
Scholarship Name |
Scholarship Amount |
Application Deadline for Scholarship |
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) |
Up to NZ$25,000 tax-free), and health insurance coverage (up to NZ$600 annually) for three years. |
1 July - 31 October every year |
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships |
Full tuition fees + NZ$ 491 per week for living expenses |
1 February - 29 February |
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) |
NZD 10,000 to NZD 20,000 |
Mid October |
SEG Scholarship |
Scholarship A: NZD 7,000 annually Scholarship B: NZD 5,000 annually SEG Scholarship C: NZD 3,000 annually |
1 November to 1 March annually |
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship |
NZD 1,000 towards the first year's tuition |
N/A |
New Zealand Development Scholarships |
Full tuition fees + establishment allowance + travel allowance |
29 February |
New Zealand Pacific Scholarships |
NZD 43,205 |
05 February |
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