Study in New Zealand
New Zealand is an island nation in the South Pacific.
Comparing countries? See our guide to affordable places to study abroad.
The weather in New Zealand varies from warm and subtropical in the north to cool and temperate in the south. The summer season runs from December to February, while the winter months fall between June and August.
Regardless of the season, New Zealand offers something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in Māori culture, explore lush forests, snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes and fjords, and enjoy the country’s numerous sandy beaches.
Student visa, money and work in New Zealand
If you are paying your own tuition fees, you apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa. The application fee is from NZD 850, and you need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
You must show that you can pay your tuition fees and that you have living funds of NZD 20,000 for each year of study, or NZD 1,667 for each month if your course is shorter than a year.
While studying you can usually work up to 25 hours a week, and full-time in the holidays, depending on your visa conditions.
After you graduate, a Post-Study Work Visa can let you stay and work for up to 3 years, depending on what you studied.
Source: Immigration New Zealand, accessed 18 Oct 2026.
New Zealand universities
Just like in the UK, you can study for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate at Kiwi institutions. Start dates and academic calendars vary by institution, so check your course page.
Planning a master’s? Compare the cheapest countries for a master’s.
As well as universities, New Zealand has Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and Private Training Establishments (PTEs), which include English language schools.
Interested in engineering? Read how to study engineering in New Zealand.
Some of New Zealand's universities include:
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The University of Auckland
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University of Otago
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Massey University
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZD 850 (about ₹45,700, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026). It can be granted for up to 4 years, and Immigration New Zealand says 80% of applications are decided within 7 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before you travel. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
For university or other tertiary study, you need NZD 20,000 for each year of study (about ₹10,75,700, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026), or NZD 1,667 a month if your course is shorter than a year. You also need tuition money, a scholarship or an immediate-family sponsor. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
Yes, depending on your visa conditions. The Fee Paying Student Visa can allow part-time work of up to 25 hours a week while you study and full-time work in the holidays. Your visa must be granted with work rights, so ask for them when you apply. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
The Post-Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates stay and work for up to 3 years, depending on what they studied. It costs from NZD 1,670 (about ₹89,800, approx., ECB rate of 16 Oct 2026), and you need at least NZD 5,000 for living costs. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
Immigration New Zealand does not make an English test mandatory for the visa, but results such as IELTS can support your application. Your education provider must confirm that your English is good enough for the course, so check its entry requirements. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
You need an offer of place from an approved education provider, enough money for tuition and living costs, and insurance your provider accepts. You must be in good health and may need a chest X-ray or medical exam. Source: Immigration New Zealand, checked 18 Oct 2026.
