Study in New Zealand

Study in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

New Zealand offers internationally respected universities and polytechnics, a safe and friendly lifestyle and a post-study work visa of up to three years. Partners of master’s and PhD students can come with you on a work visa.

25 hrsa week of work during term
3 yearspost-study work after a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD*
8universities, all ranked internationally
Mountains and a lake in New ZealandUp to 3 yearsof post-study workFree counsellingand student visa support
Why New Zealand

A great place to study, work and live.

New Zealand is known for practical, hands-on learning and a welcoming, relaxed way of life.

Quality universitiesAll eight of New Zealand’s universities appear in international rankings.
Work while you studyWork up to 25 hours a week during term and full time in scheduled holidays.
Post-study work visaEligible graduates can get an open post-study work visa of up to three years.
Family-friendlyPartners of master’s and PhD students can get a work visa to join you.
Practical learningPolytechnics and institutes of technology focus on hands-on, job-ready skills.
Safe and beautifulEnjoy a safe, friendly country with stunning nature on your doorstep.
Language

English: what you will need.

New Zealand is an English-speaking country, and the score you need depends on your institution and course.

IELTS requirementMostly necessaryMost institutions ask for an English test score
Language of studyEnglish at all universities, polytechnics and colleges.
Accepted testsInstitutions accept tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.
Official languagesEnglish, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. Everyday life and study are in English. We check the exact language requirement for your course.
Where you could study

From Auckland to Dunedin, a city for every student.

New Zealand’s universities and polytechnics are spread across both islands, from the largest city to friendly student towns.

  • Auckland
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Hamilton
  • Dunedin
  • Palmerston North
  • Tauranga
  • Nelson
  • Invercargill
  • Queenstown
Student visa

The New Zealand student visa, step by step.

Students apply online for a Fee Paying Student Visa. Most applications are processed within about seven weeks, so we help you apply as soon as your offer arrives.

  1. Offer of placeGet an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
  2. Pay tuitionPay your tuition fees, or the amount your provider asks for, and get your receipt.
  3. Show fundsShow the funds required to support yourself during your stay.
  4. Apply onlineSubmit your student visa application online and pay the fee.
  5. Health and characterProvide medical certificates and a police certificate if they are needed.
  6. Decision and travelOnce your visa is approved, you are ready to fly and start your course.
25 hrswork a week during term, and full time in scheduled holidays
3 yearspost-study work visa after an eligible bachelor’s, master’s or PhD
Familypartners of master’s and PhD students can get a work visa
Bringing your family to New ZealandIf you are studying a master’s degree or PhD, or an eligible qualification on the Green List, your partner can apply for a work visa to join you. PhD students can also support their children’s student visas, and a partner with a work visa can support the children too.
  • Partner
  • Partner work visa
  • Children
Costs at a glance

What the visa side costs.

These are the official New Zealand government fees. Tuition depends on the institution and course, and we give you a clear estimate for your options.

From NZ$850Fee Paying Student Visa application fee.Paid to Immigration New Zealand
InsuranceStudents need acceptable medical and travel insurance for their stay.Paid to your insurer
FreeOur counselling, admissions help and student visa support. We do not charge a service fee for student visas.Haven Overseas
Intakes

When you can start.

Main intakeFebruaryThe largest intake, with the widest choice of courses.
Second intakeJulyMost universities and polytechnics offer a July start.
LimitedOther datesSome institutions offer extra intakes during the year.
Universities

Some of New Zealand’s best-known institutions.

We help you find the right university or polytechnic for your profile, budget and career goals.

University of AucklandAucklandFounded 1883New Zealand’s largest university, in its biggest city.Visit website
Massey UniversityPalmerston NorthFounded 1927A multi-campus university known for agriculture, business and design.Visit website
Lincoln UniversityLincoln, CanterburyFounded 1878A specialist university for agriculture, land and environmental studies.Visit website
UnitecAucklandInstitute of technologyPractical, career-focused programmes in the heart of Auckland.Visit website
NMITNelsonInstitute of technologyHands-on programmes in the sunny Nelson Marlborough region.Visit website
Southern Institute of TechnologyInvercargillInstitute of technologyKnown for practical courses in the far south of the South Island.Visit website
Looking beyond the famous names? New Zealand also has polytechnics and private institutions with practical, job-ready courses. We will match you with the right ones.Find my university
FAQ

Studying in New Zealand: your questions answered.

Do I need IELTS to study in New Zealand?

Most institutions ask for an English test such as IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT. The score depends on the course. We check the exact requirement for your course and help you prepare.

Can I work while studying in New Zealand?

Yes. Most students can work up to 25 hours a week during term and full time during scheduled holidays, depending on their visa conditions.

Can I stay in New Zealand after my studies?

Yes. Eligible graduates can get an open post-study work visa. A master’s degree leads to a visa of up to three years, and eligible bachelor’s and PhD graduates can also get up to three years.

Can my partner come with me?

Yes, if you are studying a master’s degree or PhD, or an eligible Green List qualification. Your partner can apply for a work visa to join you.

Can my children come with me?

PhD students can support student visas for their children. If your partner has a work visa, they can support the children too.

How long does the student visa take?

Immigration New Zealand processes most Fee Paying Student Visa applications within about seven weeks.

How much is the student visa fee?

The Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZ$850.

When are the intakes?

The main intakes are in February and July, with extra intakes at some institutions.

University or polytechnic?

Universities offer degrees with a research focus, while polytechnics and institutes of technology offer practical, job-ready programmes. We help you choose based on your goals.

Do you charge for counselling or visa support?

No. Our counselling and support are free, and we do not charge a service fee for student visas. You only pay official costs such as tuition and visa fees.

Ready to study in New Zealand?

Talk to us for free at our Kozhikode or Kochi office, or on phone or WhatsApp. We will find the right course and handle your application and visa with you.

*Post-study work visa length depends on your qualification and where you studied. Visa details are from Immigration New Zealand as of October 2026 and may change. Photo: Lake Wakatipu by Avenue, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.