New Zealand
New Zealand
At a glance
New Zealand, by the numbers
#65
University of Auckland — New Zealand’s flagship
QS World University Rankings 2026
#2
University of Otago — among the best in the country
QS World University Rankings 2026
8 public universities
Every one of them is academically ranked and taught in English
Education New Zealand
1:30 student-to-population
One of the world’s highest rates of university access per capita
Education New Zealand
Field notes
- New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote (1893) — and remains a leader in social progress today
- The Lord of the Rings was filmed here — you can study in the same country as Middle-earth's mountains and fjords
Highlights
Why New Zealand
New Zealand packs all the adventure of the South Pacific into one small, friendly, safe country. Eight public universities deliver English-taught degrees with a strong international reputation, while the landscape around them — fjords, volcanoes, and beaches — makes every weekend an adventure. Kiwis are famously welcoming, the cost of living is reasonable compared to Australia, and international students can work part-time and stay on after graduating. If you want world-class education without the crowds, New Zealand punches far above its size.
Eight public universities
All ranked, all taught in English, all internationally recognised.
The world on your doorstep
Fjords, volcanoes, beaches, and ski fields — often same-day reachable.
University of the world's friendliest countries
Kiwis are famously welcoming to international students.
Safe and steady
Low crime, stable politics, and a relaxed pace of life.
Programs
Programs in New Zealand
English Language Courses at Auckland English Academy
ICL Education Group
Improve everyday English or prepare confidently for IELTS and PTE in Auckland.
NZCEL Academic English (Levels 4 and 5) at Bridge International College
ICL Education Group
Develop recognised academic English skills for undergraduate or postgraduate study.
Budget planning
Cost of living in New Zealand
Typical monthly costs for an international student.
*Prices are estimates based on available sources and may vary by location, lifestyle, and availability.
Dive deeper
Detailed breakdowns, housing, and money-saving tips for students.
Visa Information
Visa at a Glance
Visa type
Fee Paying Student Visa
- Processing time
- 80% within 8.5 weeks; apply around 3 months early
- Work rights
- Up to 25 hrs/week and full-time in scheduled holidays when visa conditions grant work rights
- practical course work can be additional when required by the course
- Funds needed
- NZD $20,000/year (≈ US$12,000) or NZD $1,667/month for tertiary, English-language and other non-compulsory study, plus outward travel
- Use current INZ student-fund rules. Bank statements, fixed deposits, scholarships, loans, sponsors or Financial Undertaking evidence may qualify; explain large or recent deposits.
Key requirements
- Application form — Online Fee Paying Student Visa application
- Offer of place — Approved English-language provider offer
- Financial proof — NZD $20,000/year or NZD $1,667/month plus outward travel funds
- Insurance — Acceptable medical and travel insurance
- Passport copy — Valid at least 3 months after planned departure
- Health and character — Evidence if required by INZ
- Application fee — Current fee shown during online submission
Verified 2026-09-02 · Sources: Immigration New Zealand — Fee Paying Student Visa · Immigration New Zealand — Student fund requirements · Immigration New Zealand — Applying online · New Zealand Traveller Declaration · Immigration New Zealand — Working on a student visa · Immigration Online · Immigration New Zealand — Visitor Visa
Guides & Articles
Guides & articles for New Zealand
Complete GuideStudy Abroad in New Zealand
A complete guide to universities, visas, costs, and student life in New Zealand — from Auckland to Otago and everywhere in between.
Read the guide
