Studying in New Zealand as an international student

Undergraduate tuition runs roughly NZD 22,000 to 32,000 a year and a master's NZD 26,000 to 37,000. PhD students pay the same as domestic students — around NZD 6,500 to 9,000 a year. On top of that, budget around NZD 1,300 to 2,200 a month for living costs, depending on the city and your lifestyle.

Yes. The student visa allows up to 25 hours of work per week during your studies (since 3 November 2025, up from 20 hours) and full-time work during scheduled holidays. It helps cover part of your living costs, but it should not be treated as your main source of funding.

You must show NZD 20,000 for one year — the equivalent of NZD 1,667 a month — under the 2026 requirements, plus tuition fees and travel, the NZD 750 visa application fee and approved medical and travel insurance for your whole period of study. The figure is reviewed periodically, so we confirm the amount in force when your file is submitted.

Yes. New Zealand qualifications sit within the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and are widely recognised by universities, employers and ministries of higher education. Even so, we verify recognition of the specific university and programme in your country before applying.

Usually yes. Most universities ask for an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate study and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate, and accept alternatives such as TOEFL and PTE. Some institutions offer preparatory English programmes for applicants below the required score.

Semester 1 starts in February and is the main intake, Semester 2 starts in July, and some programmes run additional intakes during the year. We recommend applying six to eight months ahead to leave time for the offer and the visa.

Study can be the first step: graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher receive a post-study work visa of up to three years (and from 16 November 2026 diploma graduates can get a six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa), then apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category (points system updated in August 2026) once they hold a job offer in a skilled occupation, or through the Green List for in-demand roles. The rules change yearly and the decision rests with Immigration New Zealand.

We handle the whole file: shortlisting universities that suit your grades and budget, translating and attesting documents, submitting and following up applications through to the offer letter, paying the fees via the app, then booking your flight and eSIM plan and guiding you through the visa process.