Study and find schools in New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is an English-speaking country in the South Pacific, made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, and many smaller ones. English is the main language of teaching, and te reo Māori is an official language that appears throughout university life, in the Māori names that institutions use alongside their English ones.

The tertiary sector is compact. According to Universities New Zealand, the country has eight universities, 16 publicly funded polytechnics and institutes of technology, three wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) and more than 240 government-funded private training establishments. All eight universities are autonomous, publicly funded institutions, so the choice is less about public versus private than about subject, city and type of programme.

The education system in New Zealand

All recognised secondary and tertiary qualifications are listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), maintained by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). University qualifications are approved by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand. The framework has 10 levels:

• Levels 1-6: certificates and diplomas, including vocational qualifications from polytechnics and private training establishments
• Level 7: bachelor's degrees, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas
• Level 8: bachelor's degrees with honours, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas
• Level 9: master's degrees
• Level 10: doctoral degrees

Universities measure study in points rather than ECTS credits; at the University of Auckland, for example, a full-time year is 120 points. Seven of the eight universities are comprehensive, teaching arts, sciences, commerce, engineering and health sciences; Lincoln University is a specialist land-based university. The academic year follows the southern-hemisphere calendar, and Universities New Zealand publishes common semester dates for all universities each year.

Admission and recognition

There is no national entrance exam for international students. You apply directly to each institution, which sets its own entry requirements based on your previous study (secondary school diploma for undergraduate study, a bachelor's degree for postgraduate study), with extra requirements for some programmes. You must also meet English language requirements, usually through an approved English test or previous study in English.

The institution's offer of place is the basis for the visa application. For a visa, the offer must come from an approved education provider that has signed the Code of Practice for the pastoral care of international learners, and the provider must confirm that you have the English and academic ability to pass the course.

Student visa

Students who are not New Zealand or Australian citizens or residents need a student visa for full-time study. The main visa for international students is the Fee Paying Student Visa. According to Immigration New Zealand (checked October 2026):

• You need an offer of place from an approved education provider
• You must show that you have paid the tuition fees for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter
• For tertiary or English language study of one year or more you need NZD 20,000 for each year for living costs (NZD 1,667 a month for shorter study), or an acceptable sponsor
• You need full medical and travel insurance for your stay
• The visa costs from NZD 850 and can be issued for up to 4 years

Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least three months before you travel; processing is busiest between October and March. Check the current conditions on immigration.govt.nz before applying.

Tuition fees and living costs

International students pay international fees, which each institution sets by programme. As an example, the University of Auckland estimates 2027 fees for a full-time year at NZ$42,236.40 for a Bachelor of Arts, NZ$51,020.40 for a Bachelor of Commerce and NZ$60,909.60 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Fees at polytechnics and private training establishments differ by programme; check each provider's own fee list.

For living costs, the official reference is the immigration requirement of NZD 20,000 a year. Actual costs depend on the city and the type of accommodation, so check the housing pages of your institution.

Where to study in New Zealand

The schools on SpainExchange are spread over both islands:

• Auckland: the largest city, home to the University of Auckland, founded in 1883 and the country's largest university with over 40,000 students, as well as Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design and the New Zealand Institute of Studies
• Wellington: the capital, home to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
• Hamilton: home to the University of Waikato
• Palmerston North: the Manawatū campus of Massey University, which also has campuses in Auckland and Wellington
• Christchurch: the largest city of the South Island, home to the University of Canterbury
• Dunedin: a student city in the south, home to Otago Polytechnic

Health insurance, work and daily life

Medical and travel insurance is a visa requirement, and your education provider must accept the policy. With a Fee Paying Student Visa you can normally work part-time up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in holidays, depending on your visa conditions. After graduating with an approved qualification, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years (from NZD 1,670).

Daily life is shaped by the outdoors: coasts, mountains and national parks are close to every city. The seasons are reversed compared with Europe and North America, so check each university's semester dates when planning your arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?

Fees depend on the institution and programme. At the University of Auckland, estimated 2027 fees for international students range from NZ$42,236.40 a year for a Bachelor of Arts to NZ$60,909.60 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). For the visa you also need NZD 20,000 a year for living costs.

Can international students work in New Zealand?

Yes. A Fee Paying Student Visa normally allows part-time work of up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time work in holidays, depending on the visa conditions.

How many universities are there in New Zealand?

There are eight universities, all publicly funded. Alongside them there are 16 publicly funded polytechnics and institutes of technology, three wānanga and more than 240 government-funded private training establishments.

Can I stay in New Zealand after my studies?

Graduates of approved qualifications may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows a stay of up to three years depending on the qualification.