Best Universities In New Zealand

Overview

 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. 

Universities in New Zealand: Highlights

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

Why Study in New Zealand?

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.

 

Post-Work Permits in New Zealand

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.

 

Part-Time Options in New Zealand

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.

Top Universities 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

The University of Auckland

65

150

University of Otago

214

301-350

University of Waikato

235

401-500

Massey University

239

501-600

Victoria University of Wellington

244

401-500

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

261

501-600

Lincoln University

371

401-500

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

412

401-500

Best Universities in New Zealand for Arts & Humanities

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

Best Universities in New Zealand for Engineering and Technology

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

Best Universities in New Zealand for Life Sciences & Medicine

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

Best Universities in New Zealand for Natural Sciences

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

Best Universities in New Zealand for Social Sciences & Management

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

Top Cities to Study in New Zealand

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

-

Top Courses to Study in New Zealand

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

Admission Requirements for New Zealand Universities

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:

 

Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities in New Zealand

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

GMAT

1

In addition to the above-mentioned tests, there are other tests that universities in New Zealand might accept, like GRE & UCAT.

 

English Language Requirements by Universities in New Zealand

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.

Entrance Exam

Count of Universities

IELTS

71

TOEFL

49

PTE

41

DET

2

Documents Required in New Zealand

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 

Academic Transcript 

10th and 12th standard academic transcript 

10th and 12th standard academic transcript along with bachelor’s degree certificate

English Proficiency test 

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  

LOR

1 from an academic institution 

2 (1 from an academic institution and 1 from employer)

SOP 

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)

Intakes in New Zealand Universities

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.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

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

Cost of Living in New Zealand

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 

Student Visa Fee in New Zealand

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).

Top Job Sectors & Economy in New Zealand

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

Scholarships to Study in New Zealand

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 

All University are Here
University Courses Scholarships
Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton View Course View Scholarships
University of Auckland, New Zealand View Course View Scholarships
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth View Course View Scholarships
Lincoln University, New Zealand View Scholarships
University of Otago, New Zealand View Scholarships
Whitireia New Zealand (WelTec), New Zealand View Scholarships
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand View Scholarships
University of Waikato, New Zealand View Scholarships
University of Canterbury, New Zealand View Scholarships
Massey University, New Zealand View Scholarships
Eastern Institute of Technology, New Zealand View Course View Scholarships
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand View Scholarships
Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand View Course View Scholarships
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology View Course View Scholarships
Northland Polytechnic, Whangarei View Course View Scholarships
Otago Polytechnic, Auckland View Course View Scholarships
Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland View Course View Scholarships
Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Auckland View Scholarships
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Wellington View Scholarships
Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill View Course View Scholarships
Wellington Institute of Technology, Wellington View Course View Scholarships
Universal College of Learning, Palmerston View Course View Scholarships
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology View Course View Scholarships
Ara Institute of Canterbury View Course View Scholarships

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