Safety first
Among the lowest crime rates and most peaceful environments globally.
Study in New Zealand
Practical degrees and safe campuses across New Zealand.
New Zealand pairs internationally ranked universities with relaxed lifestyles, strong safety records, and post-study work visas of up to three years.
Why New Zealand suits balanced student lives.
With eight government-funded universities, New Zealand keeps class sizes personal and teaching practical. Graduates in IT, agriculture, construction, and hospitality find steady demand across both islands.
We guide you through Fee-Paid student visa requirements, insurance, funds evidence, and program choices that align with post-study work eligibility.
NZ Dollar (NZ$)Currency
English & MaoriLanguage
NZ$22,000 - NZ$40,000Annual tuition
Feb, JulMain intakes
Up to 3 yearsPost-study work
Fee-paid student visaStudent visa
Why study here
Reasons students choose New Zealand.
Practical learning
Small classes with applied projects rather than lecture-hall anonymity.
Three-year work visa
Degree-level graduates can remain and work for up to three years.
Work-life balance
Beaches, hiking, and outdoor life complement focused academics.
Top universities
Institutions our students frequently target.
University of Auckland
New Zealand's top-ranked university in the country's largest city.
University of Otago
Dunedin campus famous for health sciences and student culture.
Victoria University of Wellington
Law, public policy, and creative writing strengths in the capital.
University of Waikato
Hamilton campus with management school triple-crown accreditation.
Massey University
Leader in agriculture, veterinary science, and food technology.
Auckland University of Technology
Modern applied programs in computing and design.
Tuition fees
What programs cost per year.
| Program level | Indicative annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | NZ$26,000 - NZ$40,000 per year |
| Master's degree | NZ$28,000 - NZ$45,000 per year |
| Polytechnic diplomas | NZ$20,000 - NZ$28,000 per year |
| PhD (domestic rate policy) | NZ$7,000 - NZ$9,000 per year |
Living expenses
Monthly cost of living.
Visa rules require evidence of NZ$20,000 per year for living expenses. Student halls and homestays simplify first-arrival budgeting.
| Expense | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | NZ$250 - NZ$500 per week |
| Food and groceries | NZ$120 - NZ$180 per week |
| Transport | NZ$40 - NZ$70 per week |
| Insurance and misc. | NZ$30 - NZ$60 per week |
Scholarships
Funding options worth pursuing.
New Zealand Excellence Awards
Prestigious awards up to NZ$10,000 for Indian students across eight universities.
University international scholarships
Automatic and application-based awards from individual institutions.
Research masters stipends
Selected research programs include tax-free stipends similar to doctoral candidates.
Regional development grants
Support tied to study outside Auckland in growing provincial centres.
Eligibility
Academic requirements at a glance.
For bachelor's programs
Completion of 10+2 with 65% average typically; some science programs require specific subject marks.
For master's programs
A relevant bachelor's degree with 60-65%+. Professional master's programs may expect two years of work experience.
English requirements
Accepted tests and scores.
The NZCEL academic English certificate offers an onshore route into degrees without conventional test scores.
| Test | Typical score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall typical |
| PTE Academic | 50 - 58 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 - 90 |
| NZCEL pathway | Level 4/5 academic English alternative |
Intakes
When can you start?
February intake
Primary intake aligning with the southern-hemisphere academic year.
July intake
Full second intake across most universities and polytechnics.
Rolling admissions
Some polytechnic certificates start monthly for flexibility.
Student visa process
Your New Zealand visa, step by step.
Ratnas Overseas prepares every document in sequence so your New Zealand visa file stays complete from first submission to final decision.
Secure an approved offer
Choose providers approved for international enrolment and post-study eligibility.
Pay tuition deposit
First-year fees or first-half payment confirms enrolment for the visa file.
Show funds evidence
Evidence NZ$20,000 per year for living plus paid tuition receipts.
Complete health and character checks
Chest X-ray, medical certificate, and police clearance accompany applications.
Lodge the Fee-Paid student visa
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand with documents uploaded.
Arrive and activate conditions
Attend orientation and confirm enrolment to keep visa conditions valid.
PR opportunities
Settlement pathways after graduation.
Graduates use the Post-Study Work Visa to accumulate skilled employment, then progress through the Green List and Skilled Migrant Category toward residence.
- Post-study work visas extend up to three years for degree completions
- Green List occupations offer straight-to-residence pathways
- Skilled Migrant Category uses a transparent six-point system
- Partner work visas and children's domestic schooling support families
Job market
Where graduates find work.
New Zealand faces shortages in IT, construction trades, healthcare, and agri-tech. Auckland concentrates corporate roles while Wellington leads government and creative technology employment.
Salary after graduation
Typical starting salaries by field (per year).
| Field | Average starting salary |
|---|---|
| Software Development | NZ$65,000 - NZ$90,000 |
| Civil Engineering | NZ$60,000 - NZ$85,000 |
| Registered Nursing | NZ$60,000 - NZ$78,000 |
| Agribusiness Management | NZ$55,000 - NZ$75,000 |
| Hospitality Management | NZ$50,000 - NZ$68,000 |
Student testimonials
Hear it from students like you.
Shresta R.
University of Auckland aspirant
★★★★★
“Ratnas Overseas explained the Green List strategy during my very first counselling session. That changed which master's I chose entirely.”
Taskeen M.
Victoria University of Wellington
★★★★★
“My July intake timeline was tight, but their document sequencing got everything lodged three weeks early.”
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about studying in New Zealand.
How long is the post-study work visa in New Zealand?
Degree-level graduates qualify for up to three years depending on qualification level; non-degree programs generally do not carry post-study rights anymore.
Is New Zealand expensive for Indian students?
Tuition runs NZ$22,000 - NZ$45,000 yearly with living near NZ$18,000 - NZ$24,000, broadly comparable to Australia at slightly calmer pace.
Can I apply for PR while studying?
Not usually; residence comes after skilled employment. Green List roles can fast-track straight-to-residence once you hold qualifying jobs.
Are PhD fees really low?
Yes. International PhD candidates pay the domestic fee rate of roughly NZ$7,000 - NZ$9,000 per year at New Zealand universities.
What is the six-point system?
The Skilled Migrant Category awards points for qualifications, income, and occupational registration, with New Zealand work experience completing the six points needed.
Can my spouse work there?
Partners of students in master's level nine programs and above typically qualify for open work visas.
Free counselling
Get free New Zealand counselling.
Talk to an experienced counsellor about universities, budgets, scholarships, and visa timelines for New Zealand. No charges, no obligation.