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Study in New Zealand – Complete Guide for Indian Students

Quick Facts

Global Rank

Growing popular destination among Indian students

Number of Institutions

8 public universities, 20+ ITPs (Institutes of Tech & Poly)

Tuition Fees (avg.)

NZD 20,000 – 40,000/year

Living Costs (avg.)

NZD 12,000 – 18,000/year

Visa Type

Fee-Paying Student Visa

Work Rights

20 hrs/week during term, full-time during breaks

Tuition Fees (avg.)

AUD 20,000 – 45,000/year

Living Costs (avg.)

AUD 21,000 – 25,000/year

Work Hours

20 hrs/week during term, full-time during breaks

Post-Study Work Options

1 to 3 years (depending on course & location)

Scholarships

NZ Excellence Awards, Manaaki NZ, University Grants

Major Intakes

February (main), July (mid-year), November (limited)

WHY STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND?

Globally Ranked Universities

All 8 public universities ranked in top global lists.

Safe & Peaceful

One of the safest and most liveable countries in the world.

Research & Practical Learning

Industry-aligned, hands-on education.

Work While Studying

Generous part-time work rights.

Pathway to PR

Post-study work visa leads to permanent residency for skilled roles.

TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS

Institution Type Description
Public Universities
8 top-tier institutions offering academic & research degrees
ITPs (Polytechnics)
Focused on vocational training, diplomas, and applied degrees
Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
Offer niche and industry-specific programs

POPULAR COURSES FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

  • Information Technology & Software Engineering
  • Data Science & Cybersecurity
  • Business & Management (including MBA)
  • Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
  • Hospitality & Tourism Management
  • Healthcare & Nursing
  • Agriculture, Dairy Science & Environmental Studies
  • Animation, VFX & Creative Arts

VISA & WORK RIGHTS

Fee-Paying Student Visa:

  • Required for full-time study (level 4+ qualification)
  • Proof of tuition fee payment, financial support, and insurance
  • Medical & police certificates may be required

Work During Study:

  • 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during breaks
  • Research Master's and PhD students can work full-time any time

TUITION & LIVING COSTS

Item Estimated Annual Cost (NZD)
UG Tuition
NZD 22,000 – 32,000
PG Tuition
NZD 26,000 – 40,000
MBA / Medicine
NZD 40,000+
Living Expenses
NZD 12,000 – 18,000
Health Insurance
NZD 600 – 1,200
Visa Application Fee
NZD 375 (approx.)

Looking to earn while you study? Here’s a quick guide to popular part-time jobs and their average pay rates (in AUD per hour):

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

Planning to stay and work in Australia after graduation? The Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa under Subclass 485 lets international students gain valuable work experience once they complete their studies. Here’s how long you could stay, based on your qualification:

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

UG & PG level scholarships for Indian students

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Fully funded for selected PG programs

University-Specific Grants

Available at AUT, University of Auckland, Otago, Victoria, etc.

Commonwealth Scholarships

For postgraduates from Commonwealth countries

In-country discounts

Many institutions offer early-bird or merit-based discounts

POST-STUDY WORK OPTIONS

Qualification Level Post-Study Work Duration
Bachelor’s or higher (Level 7+)
Up to 3 years
Non-degree (Level 4–6)
Not eligible unless linked to skilled job list

Note: Work visa duration depends on location and qualification:

  • Courses in Auckland: Up to 2 years
  • Outside Auckland: Up to 3 years

BEST CITIES FOR STUDENTS

Melbourne

Best student city, arts & culture hub

Sydney

Business & tech capital, higher costs

Brisbane

Affordable, vibrant, close to beaches

Adelaide

Regional benefits, calm lifestyle

Perth

Less crowded, strong in mining/STEM

Canberra

Research-intensive, home to ANU Export to Sheets

INTAKES & APPLICATION TIMELINE

Intake Application Window
February
August – November (prior year)
July
January – March
November
May – July (limited programs)

Apply at least 6–8 months in advance for visa processing and accommodation arrangements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • UG Courses: 60–70% in Class 12, IELTS 6.0+
  • PG Courses: Bachelor's with 55–65%, IELTS 6.5+
  • Accepted English Tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo (some colleges)
  • State Nomination programs for selected graduates
Supporting Documents:
  • Academic transcripts
  • SOP & Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation (PG)
  • Proof of funds
  • Passport copy

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

  • Valid Passport & Student Visa
  • Offer Letter & Fee Receipt
  • Accommodation & Flight Bookings
  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Forex Card & NZD Cash
  • University Orientation Schedule
  • Weather-appropriate Clothing

PERMANENT RESIDENCY PATHWAY

  • Post-Study Work Visa – Stay back 1–3 years
  • Skilled Migrant Category – Based on points system
  • Employer-Supported Work Visa – Pathway to PR
  • Residence from Work Visa – After 2+ years of skilled work

Note: Sectors like IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, and agriculture are on the NZ Skill Shortage List — boosting PR chances.

TIPS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

  • Choose institutions recognized by NZQA
  • Aim for skill-shortage-aligned programs
  • Opt for regional campuses (outside Auckland) for extended work rights
  • Apply early and seek university-funded scholarships
  • Join Indian associations and stay informed about visa changes Analysis