How to study in New Zealand as an international student?

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, New Zealand might be one of the most appealing options. This country offers not only a high quality of life but also breathtaking natural landscapes, clean and well-kept cities, and high levels of safety. On top of that, New Zealand has a world-class education system, with eight public universities ranked among the best globally. Whether you’re planning to pursue a university degree, postgraduate course, technical training or English programme, studying in this Oceanian country can truly expand your professional and career horizons. If you’re tempted by New Zealand’s academic opportunities, this guide to Studying in New Zealand as an International Student is your first must-read step.

What are we talking about today? We’ll walk you through how New Zealand’s education system works and guide you step by step to begin your studies. You’ll also find details about scholarships, student visas, online course options, and everything you need to know about degree validation. Let’s get started!

Understanding the New Zealand Education System

You can’t plan to study in a country without knowing how its education system works. That’s why this practical guide begins with some key facts about how education in New Zealand is structured. The first thing you need to know is that New Zealand follows the British model. This ensures high academic standards and global recognition. In other words, studying in New Zealand means quality—whether it’s a full degree, a specialisation, or an English course. In fact, New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to learn English.

The academic structure doesn’t differ much from other countries. There’s compulsory primary and secondary education, followed by tertiary education, which includes universities, polytechnics, and technical institutes. You’ll also find postgraduate programmes, PhDs and practical courses tailored to specific sectors.

Here’s a table to summarise the characteristics of each education level:

Languages of Instruction

The main language of instruction is English. However, some universities also offer courses in Māori and other indigenous or cultural languages. To apply for a university programme in New Zealand, you’ll likely need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.

How to Study in New Zealand as a Foreigner: Requirements

To study in New Zealand as an international student, you’ll need to meet several requirements. While specific conditions may vary by university or institution, most require the following documents:

• Valid Passport. Check that your passport is valid. If not, renew it as soon as possible. It must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand.
• Letter of Acceptance. You must first be admitted to an educational institution in New Zealand. This is one of the first things you need to do. Once accepted, your school will issue a letter confirming your enrolment in a recognised programme.
• A student visa is required for courses longer than three months. For shorter programmes, some nationalities may enter with a tourist visa. Always check your country’s visa rules for New Zealand.
• Proof of Tuition Payment. Some institutions ask for full or partial tuition payment before issuing a final acceptance letter.
• Proof of Financial Means. In most cases, you’ll need to show that you can support yourself while studying. The minimum required is $20,000 NZ per year (around $11,500 US) or $1,667 NZ per month ($1,020 US). This can be demonstrated via a bank statement, a sponsor, or a scholarship.
• Health Insurance. Medical insurance is mandatory, even for your visa application. It must cover health expenses, emergencies and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.
• Apostilled Academic Certificates. Depending on your study level, you may need to submit your high school diploma or university degree. These documents should be translated, recognised and apostilled.
• English Language Proficiency. If your programme is taught in English, you’ll need to present an IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE certificate. Check the score requirements of your chosen institution.
• Passport-Sized Photos. These are needed for immigration procedures and tasks like opening a bank account.
• Medical Exam and Criminal Record Check. Not always required, but for long-term courses, immigration may ask for a health check and a police clearance certificate confirming you have no criminal record.

As you can see, the list of required documents isn’t short. That’s why we recommend contacting your chosen educational institution to confirm exactly what you need to submit. Start gathering documents at least six months in advance. Once everything is submitted, your application could take 2 to 8 weeks to be processed.

What Are the Steps to Study in New Zealand as an International Student?

Studying abroad takes planning and preparation. You can’t simply wake up and say: “I’ll catch a flight and go study in New Zealand.” You need to research the country’s academic programmes, explore universities and technical institutes, identify the ones offering what you need, apply for a visa (if required), and look for scholarships (if you need financial help). In short, there’s a step-by-step process to follow. It will help you organise everything and enjoy a smooth journey as an international student in New Zealand.

Up next, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to study in New Zealand—from choosing a study programme to settling into life in New Zealand. If you do this, your experience will be a lot more simple and without too many surprises.

1. Evaluate Universities and Courses in New Zealand

Before starting your application, you’ll need to choose the right university or educational institution for your goals. New Zealand offers 8 public universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and around 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs), including English language schools. This means the academic offering is truly broad—from full university degrees to technical training and short courses.

Here’s a brief explication of the educational institutions in New Zealand.

• Public Universities: All ranked in the top 2% globally by the QS World University Rankings. Institutions like the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington stand out. They offer a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes across many fields.
  Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs): The 16 ITPs are part of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. They focus on hands-on training in areas like technology, tourism and business.
  Private Training Establishments (PTEs): These centres offer a variety of programmes, especially in business and design.
• Short and Online Courses: You can also study remotely or take short-term certifications, such as an intensive English programme.

Differences between university studies and short courses

Not sure whether to choose a short course or a long-term degree? This quick comparison can help you decide:

2. Explore Funding Options

Studying in New Zealand guarantees quality, but it’s true that the cost can be a challenge for many students. Fortunately, there are several funding alternatives for international students, especially scholarships. These are offered by the New Zealand government, universities and private organisations to make education more accessible.

You can explore more in our article on the 10 best scholarships for studying in New Zealand, but here’s a quick overview of some key options:

• New Zealand Scholarships for International Students. Government-funded scholarships for students from developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Available for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes.
  University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship. Offered by one of New Zealand’s top universities. For high-achieving international students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
  Victoria University of Wellington International Excellence Scholarship Another top university scholarship, aimed at international students applying for bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees.

Are There Alternatives to Scholarships? If you don’t qualify for a scholarship, consider an education loan from your home country. Similarly, some universities offer Instalment plans, allowing you to pay tuition in multiple parts.

3. Apply for a Study Programme in New Zealand

You’ve chosen your university and your study programme. Great Job! Now comes one of the most important steps: Submitting your application. Take your time and do it carefully—this can significantly improve your chances of being accepted. Remember: New Zealand universities receive a high volume of international applications, and spots can be limited.

To apply to a university or institute in New Zealand, you’ll need to submit the documents we mentioned earlier (online application form, proof of English proficiency, payment of the application fee, and additional supporting documents as required). Some institutions may also ask for a motivation letter explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. Be as creative and honest as possible. Avoid generic phrases and try to clearly express your goals and personal motivations.

Most universities accept applications between October and December, for classes that begin in February or March.

4. Applying for a visa to study in New Zealand

If you plan to take a course longer than three months, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. This includes Language programmes, Technical or vocational training, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s and doctoral programmes, and Exchange programmes. For short courses under three months, you might be able to attend with a tourist visa or even visa-free, depending on your nationality.

Here is a table outlining the two types of visa (student visa and tourist visa).

You can learn more about both types of visas in this article we’ve written at Holafly. We cover everything—from the requirements and benefits to the full application process.

What Is the Post-Study Work Visa?

If you want to stay in New Zealand after graduating, the Post-Study Work Visa is your next step. The Post-Study Work Visa allows you to work full time for any employer in the city that you choose and look for a skilled job in your field. The duration of this visa depends on your course: If you completed a postgraduate programme, you may stay for up to three years. If your qualification is at a lower level, you can stay for the same length of time as your studies.

5. Moving to New Zealand

Once you receive the good news that your visa has been approved, it’s time to start planning your move. Even if you’re staying just a few months, moving to New Zealand brings a big lifestyle change. You’ll need to adapt to local customs, get used to different time zones, and much more. At the same time, you’ll have to handle essential admin tasks, like opening a local bank account.

Selecting where to live in New Zealand is another big step. It often depends on the university you’ve chosen and, of course, your budget. In fact, one of the top concerns for students is the cost of rent. Now, cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are more expensive, whilst Dunedin is more affordable.

We recommend checking property listings on: TradeMe Property, Flatmates NZ, and Realestate.co.nz Many universities also offer student accommodation at lower prices—worth exploring through the university’s housing office.

Another aspect to consider in the weather and climate in New Zealand, which might take getting used to. but winters can be cold, especially in the south. If you prefer warmer weather, consider studying in northern cities like Auckland or Hamilton.

Staying Connected in New Zealand

One essential thing to consider when moving to New Zealand is your internet access. As a student, you’ll need reliable internet to: Download study materials, access online learning platforms, and stay in touch with family and friends. Having a stable connection isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential.

We recommend using Holafly Connect It’s a smart, affordable solution designed for international students, digital nomads, and travellers who need internet on the go. With Holafly, you can stay connected anytime, anywhere—as long as there’s network coverage. The service works in over 170 countries. If you plan to explore nearby destinations, you won’t need to buy a new eSIM.

How Does It Work? Just follow these easy steps: Choose a plan—10 GB, 25 GB or unlimited data. Complete your payment. Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM. With the 25 GB and unlimited data plans, your phone can act as a mobile hotspot, allowing you to share your internet with other devices. Best of all, there are no hidden fees on your bill and no cancellation penalties.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

When and How to Validate Your Qualifications in New Zealand

One important thing to know about studying in New Zealand as a foreigner is that you may need to validate your degree from your home country for it to be officially recognised. This step is often required for: Short courses Bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees Technical and vocational programmes Many institutions request degree validation to ensure your qualifications meet New Zealand’s academic standards.

The process depends on the type of qualification and the authority in charge, but generally follows these steps:

• Submit your degree for evaluation through the appropriate agency.
• Provide all required documents, which usually include: A certified copy of your original diploma, an official English translation, and proof of payment for the validation fee.
• Wait for the outcome—your degree may be approved directly, or you may be asked to meet additional requirements.
• Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate of equivalence, allowing you to continue your studies in New Zealand.

Who Handles Foreign Degree Validation in New Zealand? The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is responsible for assessing and confirming how your degree compares to New Zealand’s education system. The processing time can take between 4-6 weeks and has an average cost of $350.

How to Study in New Zealand as a Foreigner: Cost of Living

If you plan to study in New Zealand, it’s essential to understand the cost of living. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and manage your budget effectively. While the country offers an excellent education system, it also comes with relatively high living costs.

Here’s a breakdown of common expenses for international students:

• Public university tuition $11,500-23,000 US/year.
• English Language courses $170.00-345.00 US/ week
• Accommodation in student residences: $460.00-860.00 US/ month
• Shared apartments $700.00-1,200 US/ month
• Private apartments: $1,000-1,600 US/ month
• Bus/tram ticket $1.5-3.00 US
• Bike rental $115.00 US/ month
• Monthly groceries $170.00-350.00 US
• Meals in a budget restaurant: $9.00-14.00 US
• Mandatory health insurance $300.00 US

To get a deeper understanding of what life in New Zealand might cost you, we recommend checking out our detailed article on the cost of living in New Zealand.

Studying Online in New Zealand as an International Student

While New Zealand is best known for its in-person education, it also offers online learning options. This is a great opportunity for students who either can’t afford to move or prefer to study from home. Although the number of online programmes is more limited, there’s still a solid selection of courses worth exploring. Here are some examples:

• University of Auckland: Online courses in business and health
  Massey University: Bachelor’s and postgraduate programmes offered remotely
  Open Polytechnic of New Zealand: Technical and vocational training online
  Victoria University of Wellington: Programmes in social sciences and business

The admission requirements for online study are generally similar to on-campus programmes. However, one key difference is that you won’t need a visa or have to prove financial means.

How to Study in New Zealand as a Foreigner: Frequently Asked Questions

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Germany

From

$6.90

USD

eSIM India

From

$9.90

USD

Belén Grima

Read full bio

Related reading