Universities in New Zealand

In New Zealand, "university" is a protected status defined in law. Universities New Zealand explains that under Section 268 of the Education and Training Act 2020 a university is an institution concerned mainly with advanced learning, where research and teaching are closely linked. There are eight universities, and all of them are autonomous, publicly funded institutions. They sit within a wider tertiary sector that, according to Universities New Zealand, also includes 16 publicly funded polytechnics and institutes of technology, three wānanga (Māori tertiary institutions) and more than 240 government-funded private training establishments.

Seven of the eight universities are comprehensive, teaching arts, sciences, commerce, engineering and health sciences. Lincoln University is a specialist land-based university. Teaching is in English, and most universities use a Māori name alongside their English one.

How university study works

All recognised qualifications sit on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), which has 10 levels. University qualifications are approved by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP) at Universities New Zealand.

• Bachelor's degree (level 7): at least 360 credits, normally three years of full-time study
• Bachelor's degree with honours, postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma (level 8)
• Master's degree (level 9)
• Doctoral degree (level 10)

A full-time student usually earns 120 credits a year; universities often call them points. Professional degrees such as engineering, the health sciences and law can take longer: according to NZQA, a four-year degree is normally 480 credits. New Zealand credits are not ECTS credits, so check with your home institution how they convert.

The academic year follows the southern-hemisphere calendar. Universities New Zealand publishes common semester dates for all universities each year, and each university lists its own key dates. External academic audits were run by the Academic Quality Agency until it was wound up in 2024; Universities New Zealand now runs a transitional audit committee while a new quality assurance system is set up.

Admission for international students

You count as an international student if you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident. There is no national entrance exam. You apply to each university, which bases its entry requirements on your previous studies, with extra requirements for some programmes. You also need to meet the English language requirements, usually with an approved English test or previous study in English. The University of Auckland, for example, publishes specific requirements for the qualifications its international students most often hold.

For a Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand (checked October 2026) asks for:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider that has signed the pastoral care Code of Practice
• Proof that you have paid the fees for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter
• Enough money for living costs, or an acceptable sponsor
• Full medical and travel insurance for your stay

The visa costs from NZD 850 and can be issued for up to four years. Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least three months before you travel. The visa normally lets you work up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in the holidays, depending on its conditions.

Costs and funding

International students pay international fees, which each university sets per programme. As an example, the University of Auckland's estimated 2027 fees for a full-time year (120 points) range from NZ$42,236.40 for a Bachelor of Arts to NZ$60,909.60 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours). Fees for medicine and other professional programmes are higher, so check the university's own fee table.

The main government scholarship programme for international students is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, which fund undergraduate and postgraduate study for students from partner countries. Universities also offer their own scholarships; Universities New Zealand keeps a searchable list.

How to choose a university

• Subject: the comprehensive universities cover most fields, while Lincoln University focuses on land-based subjects
• City: the University of Auckland (founded in 1883, with over 40,000 students) is in the largest city; Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, founded in 1897 as Victoria College, is in the capital; the University of Waikato in Hamilton started with just over 100 students in 1964; the University of Canterbury in Christchurch has taught students for more than 150 years
• Campus model: Massey University has three campuses in New Zealand (Auckland, Manawatū in Palmerston North, and Wellington) and study facilities in Singapore
• Type of provider: alongside the universities, polytechnics such as Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin and private training establishments such as Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design (established in 1984) offer qualifications on the same framework; Whitecliffe, for example, teaches from level 4 up to master's level
• Recognition at home: check how a New Zealand degree and its credits are recognised in your country before you enrol

Frequently asked questions

How many universities are there in New Zealand?

There are eight universities, all autonomous and publicly funded. Seven are comprehensive and one, Lincoln University, specialises in land-based subjects.

How long does a bachelor's degree take in New Zealand?

A bachelor's degree requires at least 360 credits, which is normally three years of full-time study. Professional degrees such as engineering can take four years (480 credits).

How much does a university degree cost for international students?

Each university sets its own fees. At the University of Auckland, estimated 2027 fees for a full-time year range from NZ$42,236.40 for a Bachelor of Arts to NZ$60,909.60 for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

Can international students work while studying?

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