Study Abroad
Study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers quality education, a high quality of life, and clear post-study work options in a safe, English-speaking environment.
Popular fields of study in New Zealand
Leading universities in New Zealand
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
Indicative, well-known institutions — the right shortlist depends on your grades, budget, and field. Rankings and entry requirements change; verify before applying.
Student visa
Fee Paying Student Visa: an offer of place from an approved education provider, tuition paid or covered by a scholarship, living-cost funds of NZD 20,000 per year (or an acceptable sponsor), insurance, and good health and character. Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least 3 months before you travel.
Working while you study
Up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays, depending on your visa conditions (Immigration New Zealand, checked October 2026).
After graduation
The Post-Study Work Visa gives eligible graduates up to 3 years, depending on what they studied: a level 7 degree or higher studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks qualifies. It can lead to a resident visa.
Current official figures
| Visa fee | From NZD 850 |
|---|---|
| Living-cost funds, study of 1 year or more | NZD 20,000 per year |
| Living-cost funds, study under 1 year | NZD 1,667 per month |
| Work while studying | Up to 25 hours a week, full-time in scheduled holidays |
| INZ processing | 80% within 7 weeks |
Funds are for living costs on top of tuition, which must be paid or covered by a scholarship. Work rights depend on your visa conditions. INZ advises applying at least 3 months before you travel; October to March is its busiest period.
Source: Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa. Checked 20 October 2026.
| Length | Up to 3 years, depending on what you studied |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | From NZD 1,670 |
| INZ processing | 80% within 4 weeks |
| Degree route | Level 7 degree or higher, studied full-time in NZ for at least 30 weeks |
A non-degree qualification at level 7 or lower must be on INZ's list of eligible qualifications. Apply no later than 3, 6 or 12 months after your student visa expires, depending on your situation. The visa can lead to a resident visa.
Source: Immigration New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa. Checked 20 October 2026.
You may also need a chest X-ray or medical examination; Immigration New Zealand explains who needs one.
Programs in New Zealand in our directory
- Master of Applied Computing — Lincoln University
- Master of Computer and Information Sciences — Auckland University of Technology
- Master of Information Sciences — Massey University
- Master of Information Technology — University of Waikato
- Master of Software Development — Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Business — Auckland University of Technology
- Master of Business and Management — University of Waikato
- Master of Global Business — Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) — Lincoln University
- Master of Management — Massey University
Entry requirements, intakes and indicative tuition are on each program page. Check your eligibility
Free assessment on WhatsApp
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Studying in New Zealand — FAQs
What do I need to study in New Zealand?
Fee Paying Student Visa: an offer of place from an approved education provider, tuition paid or covered by a scholarship, living-cost funds of NZD 20,000 per year (or an acceptable sponsor), insurance, and good health and character. Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least 3 months before you travel. Requirements and amounts change, so confirm the current rules with the official immigration authority before applying.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays, depending on your visa conditions (Immigration New Zealand, checked October 2026).
Can I stay and work after graduating in New Zealand?
The Post-Study Work Visa gives eligible graduates up to 3 years, depending on what they studied: a level 7 degree or higher studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks qualifies. It can lead to a resident visa.
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?
On top of tuition, self-funded students must show NZD 20,000 per year for living costs, and the student visa fee starts at NZD 850 (Immigration New Zealand, checked October 2026). ImmiPace helps you shortlist affordable, reputable options that fit your budget and goals.
Which are the top universities and student cities in New Zealand?
Popular student cities include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, and well-known institutions include University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury. The best fit depends on your grades, budget, and target field — ImmiPace shortlists options matched to your profile.
Can ImmiPace help with my SOP, scholarships, and application for New Zealand?
Yes. We help shape your statement of purpose, shortlist scholarships and affordable programs, prepare a clean financial and document file, and map the student-visa steps so your application is credible from the start.