International students choose to study in New Zealand for its globally ranked universities, up to three years of post-study work, the right to work 25 hours a week while studying, and a safe, welcoming lifestyle. All eight New Zealand universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and a master’s can lead to a three-year Post-Study Work Visa even after a one-year programme.
Studying in New Zealand at a Glance: Key Facts for 2027
| Key fact |
What it means for international students |
| Universities |
8 public universities, all ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2027 |
| Main intakes |
February and July |
| Typical tuition |
Around NZ$25,000 to 50,000 a year, depending on course and university |
| Living costs to show |
NZ$20,000 a year for your student visa |
| Work while studying |
Up to 25 hours a week in term, full-time in scheduled breaks |
| Post-study work |
Up to 3 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree |
| Student visa fee |
From NZ$850 |
What Has Changed for 2027 Applicants
- More work hours: Students can now work 25 hours a week during term, up from 20, since 3rd November 2025.
- Higher visa fee: The fee-paying student visa application now costs from NZ$850.
- Updated rankings: The University of Auckland is 67th and the University of Otago 198th in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
What Are the Top 10 Reasons to Study in New Zealand?
- Globally ranked universities: All eight universities are in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with Auckland 67th and Otago in the global top 200. See how they compare in the New Zealand university rankings.
- Up to three years of post-study work: Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can get a Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years, to work for any employer.
- A three-year visa after a one-year master’s: Unusually, a master’s of at least 30 weeks in New Zealand qualifies for the full three years, making a master’s in New Zealand a fast route to international work experience.
- Work while you study: Students can work up to 25 hours a week in term and full-time in scheduled breaks, and research master’s and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
- Family-friendly study: Partners of master’s and PhD students can usually get an open work visa.
- Practical, career-focused teaching: Small classes, project work and industry links help graduates move straight into work.
- Skills in demand: Engineering, IT, healthcare, construction and agriculture all face shortages, and many roles appear on the Green List with faster routes to residence.
- Scholarships for international students: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships and university merit awards help with fees and living costs.
- Safe and welcoming: New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s most peaceful countries, and its cities are multicultural and easy to settle into.
- Outstanding quality of life: Clean cities, a relaxed pace and easy access to the outdoors make student life in New Zealand hard to beat.
Which Universities Can You Study at in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s eight public universities each have distinct strengths. These are popular choices for international students.
- University of Otago: 198th in the QS rankings 2027 and New Zealand’s leader in health sciences, in Dunedin
- Massey University: 215th, known for agriculture, veterinary science, aviation and design
- Victoria University of Wellington: 241st, strong in law, public policy and computing in the capital
- University of Canterbury: 257th, New Zealand’s leading university for engineering, in Christchurch
- University of Waikato: 293rd, known for computer science, cybersecurity and management
- Lincoln University: 419th, a specialist in agriculture, environment and agribusiness
- Auckland University of Technology: 431st, career-focused study in business, IT and health in Auckland
Subject strengths, city costs and course options are compared in the guide to the best universities in New Zealand for international students.
Expert View
“New Zealand’s biggest advantage is how quickly study turns into work experience. A one-year master’s can give you three years of open work rights, so choose a course linked to a shortage area, and that time can build towards residence as well as your CV.” – Harsh Khemka, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in New Zealand?
| Cost |
Amount (NZD) |
Notes |
| Tuition |
Around 25,000 to 50,000 a year |
Varies by university and subject; medicine and MBAs cost more |
| Living costs (visa minimum) |
20,000 a year |
The amount you must show for your student visa |
| Student visa |
From 850 |
Fee-paying student visa application |
Auckland is the most expensive city, while Dunedin, Hamilton and Palmerston North are usually cheaper. The full cost of studying in New Zealand breaks down living expenses, and the cheapest universities in New Zealand are worth comparing on a tighter budget. Scholarships for international students can also reduce your fees.
How Does New Zealand Compare With Australia and the UK?
| Factor |
New Zealand |
Australia |
UK |
| Work while studying |
25 hours a week |
48 hours a fortnight |
20 hours a week |
| Post-study work after a master’s |
Up to 3 years |
2 years (coursework) |
18 months from January 2027 |
| Typical master’s length |
1 to 2 years |
1.5 to 2 years |
Usually 1 year |
| Main intakes |
February, July |
February, July |
September, January |
New Zealand stands out for postgraduates who want a short course followed by a long post-study work period.
What Do You Need to Study in New Zealand?
- Academic: Secondary school equivalent to New Zealand Year 13 for undergraduate study, or a recognised bachelor’s degree for postgraduate study
- English: Typically IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate study, or an equivalent score
- Funds: Tuition fees plus NZ$20,000 a year for living costs
- Visa: A fee-paying student visa from Immigration New Zealand
The full requirements to study in New Zealand explain each step, and most courses start in the February and July intakes in New Zealand. When you’re ready, follow the steps for applying to New Zealand universities.
What Can You Do After Studying in New Zealand?
With a Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years, you can work for any employer and build experience towards a residence application, especially in shortage occupations. Choosing courses with strong career outcomes makes the most of that time, and the post-study work visa in New Zealand explains eligibility in full.
Start Your Study in New Zealand With StudyIn
New Zealand combines ranked universities, generous work rights and a high quality of life, but your course, university and city choices all shape your costs and career options.
StudyIn, formerly SI-UK, has over 20 years of experience across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors help you choose the right course and university, apply for scholarships, prepare your student visa and plan your post-study options.
FAQs
Why should international students study in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers globally ranked universities, up to three years of post-study work, 25 hours a week of work rights while studying, and a safe, high-quality lifestyle.
Is New Zealand good for international students?
Yes. All eight New Zealand universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and graduates can stay for up to three years on a Post-Study Work Visa.
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?
Tuition is typically around NZ$25,000 to 50,000 a year, plus at least NZ$20,000 a year for living costs to meet student visa requirements.
How many hours can international students work in New Zealand?
Up to 25 hours a week during term and full-time in scheduled breaks. Research master’s and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
How long can I stay in New Zealand after graduating?
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates can usually get a Post-Study Work Visa of up to three years, if they meet the requirements.
Is New Zealand better than Australia for international students?
It depends on your goals. New Zealand can offer three years of post-study work after a one-year master’s, while Australia has more universities and larger cities.
