Study in New Zealand
Brief Background: The New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018-2030, released in August 2018, sets a path for the future of New Zealand’s international education sector. The vision is for international education to contribute to a thriving and globally connected New Zealand through world-class education, underpinned by the three pillars of an excellent education and student experience, sustainable growth, and developing global citizens. The strategy builds upon the International Student Wellbeing Strategy, released in June 2017. The International Student Wellbeing Strategy is designed to protect and enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming study destination by ensuring that international students feel welcome, safe and well, enjoy a high quality education and are valued for their contribution to New Zealand.
Over 31,000 international students pursued studies at New Zealand universities in 2018. All eight of New Zealand’s universities were ranked among the top 500 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2020, placing them among the top 2.5 percent of universities worldwide. New Zealand university programs also ranked among the world’s top 50 in several subjects, including law, psychology, civil and structural engineering, dentistry, veterinary sciences, and education.
In addition to its universities, New Zealand is home to 16 polytechnics and institutes of technology, which provide applied learning and qualifications ranging from undergraduate certificates to doctoral degrees. The country is also home to about 600 private training institutions that award undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications.
Many students are drawn to New Zealand because of its emphasis on student safety. The country ranked second out of 163 countries in the 2019 Global Peace Index. Students and other visitors are also attracted to New Zealand for its magnificent outdoor recreation, mountains, coastlines, glaciers, and hiking trails.
Good to Know: Though English is the predominant language in New Zealand, the two official languages of the country are Te Reo Maori (the indigenous language) and New Zealand Sign Language. Higher education is known as tertiary education and majors or programs of study are typically referred to as courses.
New Zealand’s primary and secondary education system is based on the 13-year British model. As such, undergraduate degrees are typically three years in length. A fourth year is an option if students want to pursue an honours degree.
When applying, students choose to study a broad area of interest known as a programme (i.e., Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts). Once at university, students can more narrowly focus on a specific major. Double degrees and double majors are possible.
New Zealand has established a Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students to ensure the fair treatment of international students in New Zealand. All New Zealand educational institutions hosting international students must comply with the code.
NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITIES
Auckland University of Technology
Lincoln University
Massey University
University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington
Academic Calendar: For most tertiary institutions the academic year starts in February (the end of New Zealand’s summer) and finishes in November (late spring). Although the year is usually divided into two semesters with the second semester starting in July, a third term—known as a summer semester—is becoming more common. A summer semester will run from November to February.
ENROLLMENT TIMING
The difference in academic calendars between the US and New Zealand has implications for the timing of a US student’s transition to a New Zealand university. US students who want to begin in February for semester one, which is when most students enroll, might consider a gap experience after completing high school in May or June. Others may opt for a quick transition after graduation and begin during semester two, with orientation programs typically offered in mid-July.
Search: Students can explore specific programs and courses, including professional degrees, at the Study in New Zealand website, the official government site for advice on studying abroad in New Zealand.
Apply: Students apply directly to universities. Application forms are available online but some documents, including certified copies of academic transcripts and a résumé, may need to be delivered by mail or international courier service. It is best to confirm individual requirements with preferred institutions.
Students who wish to begin in the second semester in July may be admitted conditionally, pending the submission of their high school diploma.
Deadlines: Deadlines vary considerably, so students should carefully check institutional websites for details. As a general rule of thumb for most programs, students should submit their applications approximately three months before the start of their intended first semester. Thus, students should apply by early December to enroll for semester one (late February start) and by early May to begin studies in semester two (July start).
Application Fees: Students are not usually charged an application fee to apply to a New Zealand institution.
Admission Requirements: All institutions require a high school diploma from a regionally-accredited high school confirming above-average grades. Test scores are also required, generally 1160 or higher on the SAT (out of 1600) and 24 or higher on the ACT. In some cases, alternative entry criteria are accepted. Students with a GED and sufficient SAT or ACT scores may be considered for admission, as may students who have successfully studied at the undergraduate level at a recognized institution. Other admission criteria may be required for certain programs. All institutions list their admission criteria and application process on their websites; students are advised to check with their preferred institutions for more details.
Upon Acceptance: Accepted students will receive an offer of place that confirms course and program details as well as start dates. An invoice for tuition fees covering tuition for the full academic year will also be included. Before receiving a visa to enter New Zealand, students must provide evidence that they have paid their tuition fees in full for their first year of study or that they have a scholarship. Payments are made directly to the institution.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition and fees vary across universities and programs. Information is available on respective university websites and the Universities New Zealand website. Generally, the cost of undergraduate tuition and fees for an international student is 23,000 to 33,000 New Zealand dollars per year.
Housing: Residential colleges are halls of residence provided by the university where students can lease a single-occupancy room for their academic year of study, somewhat similar to US dormitories. Residential colleges offer meal plans and other support services, such as academic tutorials for key first-year classes. Most international students live in a campus residential college during their first year but later on move to private or independent accommodations with other students (known in New Zealand as flatting). Some students choose to live in a residential college for two or even three years. Students may need to submit an essay and additional personal information to obtain a place in a residential college. Further information about accommodation options can be acquired from university websites.
Based on various university websites, estimates for housing costs (both flatting and halls of residence) range from NZ$11,000 to NZ$20,000 annually.
Visa and Other Permits: Students will need to apply for a visa to study full-time in New Zealand. Students need to pay the full cost of their courses and enroll with an approved education provider. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for further information on requirements and the application process. With this visa students can:
- Study full-time at the course stated on their visa.
- Work part-time up to 20 hours a week while studying or full-time during the holidays, depending on the visa conditions.
- Live alone, if they meet minimum age requirements.
Things to note:
Students must have enough money to pay tuition fees and living expenses while in New Zealand. The student visa is normally for the same length of time as the program of study the student has paid for. For example, if a student pays for a year of study and demonstrates sufficient funds to cover living costs for a year, they will receive a visa for that year.
Health care for visitors on a student visa is charged on a pay-as-you-go basis; most accidents are covered by New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation, which helps to provide emergency treatment and services to anyone injured in New Zealand. International students must be able to show they have comprehensive international travel and health insurance. This is a legal requirement (per the Code of Practice), and the university’s international admission office will confirm that students have current and appropriate coverage.
Per a new policy in 2018, students engaged in degree studies at the undergraduate level or higher will received a three-year open work visa. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for more information on post-study work visas.
Advice from the Field: Counselors can contact New Zealand institutions directly to ask about entrance requirements, visa requirements, and more. Counselors are invited to direct general questions about studying in New Zealand to northamerica@enz.govt.nz.
US students applying to New Zealand universities typically need to do thorough independent research about particular institutions and programs. Prospective students and applicants may not experience the same level of engagement and communication from a New Zealand institution as they would from a US college.
New Zealand is generally an easy and safe place to live—an attractive feature for many, as is its stunning natural beauty. New Zealand is also a diverse country. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world, for example, and you will have people from all over the world in your classes.
Classes at New Zealand universities are often lecturestyle and relatively large. This might be an important consideration if a student is looking for a more intimate academic experience.
There are a number of alumni networking opportunities available for New Zealand alumni. Additionally, Kiwi Expats Abroad (KEA) is an international organization which aims to connect Kiwi expats and alumni with one another to find global opportunities. Alumni are also encouraged to get in touch with a local honorary consul, consulate-general, or embassy, to stay in the loop for New Zealand events. Students and counselors are also encouraged to explore NauMai NZ, the official government site for international students studying or about to study in New Zealand. Nau mai in Te Reo is an invitation and a welcome, and this platform is designed to welcome each individual student to prepare them for their time in New Zealand. NauMai NZ is underpinned by the values of manaakitanga—to welcome, host, and care for visitors with respect and generosity.
The platform addresses international students’ needs for accurate, relevant and easily available information on topics including visa conditions, work rights, how to ‘live like a local’, suggestions to improve wellbeing and help with understanding Kiwi slang and Te Reo. The content was designed with input from students on the information they most wanted and needed.
Go to our Study Abroad University Database for more information and find the perfect university for your future!