New Zealand
New Zealand hosts 85,535 international students between January-August 2025, representing a 14% increase over 2024 and strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels (72% of 2019's 115,705 total). The country's eight universities, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (now consolidated under Te Pūkenga/New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology), and over 500 registered Private Training Establishments offer world-class education with 87% student satisfaction rates (2025 International Student Experience Survey, up from 86% in 2024). International education contributes NZD $4.2 billion to New Zealand's economy in 2025 (projected), making it one of the nation's top 10 export sectors at 13.6% of services exports, with ongoing growth targets to reach NZD $7.2 billion by 2034. Students benefit from up to 3 years post-study work rights for Bachelor's degrees and above, with 77% of New Zealanders supporting maintaining or increasing international student numbers (ENZ 2025 survey). The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures all 500+ registered institutions meet rigorous quality standards.
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Key insights
85,535
International Students
87%
Employment Rate
Up to 3 years
Post Study Work Rights
25 hours
Part Time Work
NZ$20-27
Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs
77%
Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
Bachelor's Degree
$26,000 - $32,000
Bachelor's (High-Demand: Medicine, Veterinary, Engineering)
$35,000 - $80,000
Master's (Coursework)
$27,000 - $37,000
Master's (Research)
$19,000 - $32,000
Doctorate/PhD
$6,500 - $9,000 (domestic rate for thesis-based research)
Diploma/Certificate (Level 5-6)
$18,000 - $25,000
English Language Programs
$300 - $500 per week
Cost of Living in New Zealand
Admission Requirements for Studying in New Zealand
- Official academic transcripts and certificates from all previously attended institutions with certified English translations
- National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3, International Baccalaureate, or international equivalent for undergraduate entry
- Proof of English language proficiency unless from English-speaking country or English-medium education
- Personal statement explaining motivation, academic goals, program choice, and career plans (500-1000 words typically)
- Two academic reference letters from teachers, lecturers, or employers familiar with applicant's abilities
- Valid passport with minimum 3 months validity beyond intended study period
- Evidence of financial capacity: NZD $20,000/year living costs + full tuition fees for first year
- Criminal conviction certificates from all countries lived in 12+ consecutive months since age 17
- Medical certificate and chest X-ray certificate from Immigration New Zealand-approved panel physician
- Health insurance coverage from StudentSafe, Uni-Care, or equivalent provider (minimum NZD $500,000 medical coverage)
- Portfolio for creative programs (Architecture, Design, Fine Arts, Film, Music)
- Interview required for competitive programs and some postgraduate research positions
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Book A FREE ConsultationLanguage Requirements
| English Language Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor's: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) Master's: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) Teaching/Medicine: 7.0+ overall (7.0 in some bands) |
|
Bachelor's: 79-80 overall Master's: 90 overall Teaching/Medicine: 100+ overall |
|
Bachelor's: 50-57 overall Master's: 58-65 overall Teaching/Medicine: 65+ overall |
|
Bachelor's: 169 overall (B2 First) Master's: 176 overall (C1 Advanced) Teaching/Medicine: 185+ overall (C1+ Advanced) |
Visa Requirements
New Zealand Study Visa requirements:
Processing Time: 8-12 weeks for student visa applications (can extend to 16 weeks during peak season October-March). Apply immediately after receiving offer of place.
Visa Validity: Student visa granted for program duration, maximum 4 years for single application. Can be extended for further study.
Work Rights (Updated November 2025):
- During Studies: 25 hours/week during term (increased from 20 hours effective November 3, 2025), full-time during scheduled breaks (40 hours/week)
- Post-Study: 1-3 years open work visa depending on qualification level and field (see Post-Study Work section)
- Partner Work Rights: Open work visa for partners of students in NZQF Level 7-10 qualifications lasting 2+ years
Document Checklist:
- Valid passport with at least 3 months beyond intended stay
- Offer of Place from NZQA-registered Designated Learning Institution
- Receipt of full tuition payment or guarantee of funding from sponsor
- Evidence of funds: NZD $20,000/year living expenses + tuition through bank statements (3-6 months), scholarship letter, or sponsor declaration
- Completed visa application form (INZ 1012) through enhanced Immigration Online system
- Recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, taken within 6 months)
- Police certificates from all countries lived in 12+ consecutive months since age 17 (must be issued within 6 months)
- Medical certificate from Immigration New Zealand-approved panel physician (Form INZ 1007)
- Chest X-ray certificate if staying 6+ months (Form INZ 1096)
- Evidence of comprehensive medical and travel insurance (minimum NZD $500,000 medical coverage; StudentSafe, Uni-Care or equivalent)
- Academic transcripts and certificates with certified English translations if not originally in English
- English language test results meeting program requirements
- Statement of Purpose or Study Plan explaining academic goals
- Accommodation arrangements confirmation (homestay, university halls, rental agreement)
Important Updates (2024-2025):
- Visa fees doubled October 1, 2024 (student visa $375 to $750)
- Work hours increased to 25/week from November 3, 2025
- Enhanced Immigration Online system launched August 18, 2025 for all applications
- Processing prioritizes complete applications; incomplete applications may be declined without request for additional documents
- Visa Centre service fees increasing January 1, 2026 (application fee unchanged)
Intakes in New Zealand
|
Intake |
Application Timeline |
|
Semester 1 (February/March) - Main Intake |
August - November (previous year) |
|
Semester 2 (July/August) - Secondary Intake |
March - May |
Post-Study Work Opportunities in New Zealand
|
Field |
Average Salary (NZD/Year) |
Employment Rate |
|
Software Engineering |
$70,000 - $110,000 |
94% |
|
IT and Technology |
$65,000 - $95,000 |
92% |
|
Engineering (All) |
$68,000 - $100,000 |
91% |
|
Healthcare Professions |
$60,000 - $95,000 |
96% |
|
Business and Finance |
$55,000 - $85,000 |
87% |
|
Agriculture and Horticulture |
$50,000 - $75,000 |
93% |
Scholarships in New Zealand
|
Scholarship Name |
Administered By |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|
New Zealand Excellence Awards |
Education New Zealand (ENZ) |
Undergraduate and Master's students from selected countries (varies yearly) |
Full or partial tuition up to NZD $10,000/year, living allowance up to NZD $3,000 |
|
New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) |
New Zealand Aid Programme (MFAT) |
Students from developing countries (Pacific, Latin America, Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia) |
Full tuition, NZD $585/week living allowance, establishment grant, travel, insurance for full program |
|
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship |
University of Auckland |
High-achieving international undergraduate and postgraduate students |
Up to NZD $10,000 per year (renewable based on performance) |
|
Victoria University Wellington International Excellence Scholarship |
Victoria University of Wellington |
First-year international undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students |
Up to NZD $10,000 per year (renewable for program duration) |
|
University of Otago International Master's Scholarship |
University of Otago |
International Master's students with first-class honours equivalent (minimum 8.0 GPA or equivalent) |
NZD $13,000 towards tuition fees |
|
University of Canterbury International First Year Scholarships |
University of Canterbury |
First-year international undergraduate students with excellent academic records |
NZD $10,000-$20,000 (renewable based on continued excellence) |
|
Lincoln University International Pathway Scholarship |
Lincoln University |
International students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs |
20-50% tuition fee reduction for program duration |
|
Massey University International Excellence Scholarship |
Massey University |
New international students across undergraduate and postgraduate programs |
NZD $5,000-$25,000 per year depending on achievement level |
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About PFEC Global
Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global’s expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.