Making its way from picturesque landscapes to a progressive education system, New Zealand has grown to be a popular destination for Indian students. With its abundant research opportunities and work benefits, it is exactly the place where you need to be!
All eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked in the 2018-19 QS World University Rankings. Moreover, with all qualifications listed under the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), which is recognised and trusted worldwide to ensure quality of education.
It’s not just the tuition fee alone you should be calculating in your budget, there’re a lot more expenses involved when you plan to study abroad. Look at our guide of estimates to help ease your financial budgeting whilst your stay as a student in New Zealand. Yes, we’ve covered expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travel too!
The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. Here’s an overview of the type of visa you’d need for your studies and primary requirements to apply for one.
Without a doubt, New Zealand is one of the safest countries to live in as per the global peace index in 2018. It offers amazing job opportunities, a rich culture, a strong economy, and a conducive climate for all India students. New Zealand is a beautiful country but its significance goes beyond its scenic landscapes. It is becoming one of the top-most preferences among Indian students aspiring to study abroad. New Zealand is a powerhouse when it comes to the education system with internationally recognized qualifications and incomparable quality of life. Here are some reasons to choose New Zealand for your further education.
Worldwide recognized qualifications
Each of the eight universities of New Zealand reliably ranked high in QS World Rankings* and Times Higher Education Rankings. Pursuing any course at these universities open doors to a world of opportunities. It is of utmost importance that all New Zealand institutions are registered with New Zeland qualifications Authority (NZQA) to comply with highest standards of education and enroll international students. from any of these authorize over the globe, opening ways to prospects all over the place. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also ensures that institutions are enlisted to select worldwide students and consent to qualification guidelines.
Research and Innovation
New Zealand is a hub of new technologies, research, and development in an array of fields such as engineering, health care, computer science, agriculture, etc. It offers generous opportunities for students to pursue their research work. The country has won many Nobel prizes which testifies the vast scope of research in New Zealand. New Zealand gives bounteous opportunities in research for students. The nation gloats of very experienced faculty, well-equipped research facilities, access to the most recent innovation, equipment, and opportunities. Its innovative spirit has made it a center of new technologies, research, and developments in different fields, for example, healthcare, physics, geology, engineering, astronomy, computer science, agriculture, etc. Add to it, the Nobel prizes that the nation has in its kitty essentially reestablish the significance and vast scope of research in New Zealand.
Outstanding pedagogy
New Zealand education system takes cues from the UK education system and stresses on research-based teaching. It teaches you to deal with situations in a constructive manner and makes you more adaptable and flexible to work independently or in a team at various levels. The institutions ensure to keep a healthy student and teacher ratio to encourage critical thinking and frequent interaction. The pedagogy focuses on conceptual learning and the practical implementation of concepts to solve a real-world problem.
Safe and Pleasant
New Zealand positions second on the Global Peace Index 2018*, which talks about social tolerance and political stability. As an international student, New Zealand offers you a safe and peaceful study/work experience.
Quality of life
If you are someone who loves an adventurous lifestyle and carries a strong desire to travel from snow-covered mountains and large steaming volcanos to picturesque hills, attractive beaches, and deep green rain forest then New Zealand provides you all of it. It offers a unique study and travel experience.
The education system in New Zealand is known for its excellent pedagogy, subject matter experts, worldwide recognized qualifications, and plentiful research opportunities. Studying in New Zealand sets you up to excel in jobs of the future.
Study levels
New Zealand has categorized its education in five different stages
The universities provide the highest level of qualification at all levels. New Zealand also has several institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) and private training establishments (PTEs) that offer certificates in diploma programs
NZ Qualifications framework
The success of the New Zealand education system lies in the New Zealand qualifications framework. this framework ensures quality education and global recognization.
Higher education
New Zealand’s degrees at university level can be categorized under bachelors, masters, and doctoral whereas its sixteen ITPs offer postgraduate and graduate diplomas and PTEs offer certificates or diplomas programs
Under its tertiary education system, New Zealand offers advanced degrees, which can be categorized under bachelors, masters and doctoral. New Zealand has eight funded universities that offer higher degree-level education, 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) offering professional courses degree and more than 700 Private Training Establishments (PTEs) offering certificates. These qualifications are exceedingly looked after and perceived internationally. Educating may happen in large group lectures and small group tutorials.
Type of institution | Qualification offered |
Universities | Undergraduate degree, postgraduate diploma/degree, PhD |
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) | Graduate diploma, postgraduate diploma, certificates |
Private Training Establishments (PTEs) | Certificate, diploma |
Foundation programs
The institutions in New Zealand provide academic and English language pathway programs to those international students who need extra help or support to get familiar with another method for learning. A great way for international students to enter the more elevated amount of education is through pathway programs. These consist foundation courses and English language programs that offer extra help or assistance international students may require to get familiar with another method for learning.
Fee structure
New Zealand offers a variety of significant worth for-cash educational programs. Educational cost depends on the type of course and its length since every institution has its own expense section. Similarly, as with most different nations, medical, engineering and MBA programs can be somewhat more costly than another course. To cover the educational cost, you will, usually, require somewhere close to NZ$ 22,000 to NZ$35,000 per year (indicative).
Financial aid
Studying in New Zealand is budget friendly without any compromise on the quality of education. Since, institutions in this country keep the tuition fee affordable for international students hence scholarships, grants, bursaries are hard to come by however, an early application with outstanding academic achievement can help you earn the available scholarships and reduce your tuition fee expense.
Pedagogy in New Zealand classrooms
With an education style that consistently advances, New Zealand offers a highly supportive environment for universal students. Offering hands-on methodology for teaching, the faculty members don’t delay to form their teaching way to deal with the necessities of their students. Unlike different other western nations where the classroom is quite big, New Zealand’s teachers prefer teaching students in small groups and draw in students by means of different class activities.
Academic year
New Zealand offers two intakes under its higher education programs – July and February. Admissions for vocational courses may also be available in March, April and May while pathway programs may have additional dates available. Always check for available intakes in your course of preference.
Studying abroad can be a costly affair, however, strong financial planning can help you sail effectively. Before you depart from India, it is important to consider costs like settlement, travel, food, health to help you plan your budget intelligently.
1. The tuition fee is the main investment
The spend on tuition fee largely depends on the type of course and the university you choose. The average tuition fee ranges between NZ$ 22,000 and NZ$ 35,00 a year. Some of the courses like humanities, arts, and education are a little economical, while other subjects like engineering and medicine are more expensive. However, in order to bring down your tuition fee, it is recommended to apply to various scholarships available for Indian students.
2. Place of living
You can either stay on-campus or off-campus while studying in Australia the rent is usually high when you stay on-campus and thus many students opt for an off-campus accommodation where they share apartments with other students or stay with a local family. The rentals also vary from city to city.
3. Living expenses
It is important to keep aside some money for your routine shopping, recreational activities, and contingencies. It is recommended to keep track of your expenses to save you from over-spending you may refer the table below to get an indicative idea about some common expenses.
Average Monthly Expense
Average Monthly Expense | ||
In NZD | In INR | |
Transportation Pass | 120 | 5,640 |
Basic Amenities* | 200 | 9,400 |
Entertainment | 150 | 7,050 |
Estimated Total Monthly Expense | 470 | 22,090 |
* Basic Amenities include your food/ grocery bills.
4. Taxes
As an international student, you are legally allowed to work for 20 hrs per week during academic sessions and full time during vacations. Working while studying can help you lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent but your earned income is taxable hence you must acquire an Inland revenue department number (IRD) and adhere to the tax laws of the country.
The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you intend to stay in New Zealand.
If you are over 18 years and plan to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s an overview of the types of student visa available for you:
S.No. | Types of student visa | Description |
1 | Fee Paying Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time |
2 | Exchange Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program |
3 | Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship |
4 | Pathway Student Visa | Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time |
*For detailed information, please visit the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website
As an Indian student, you would most commonly require a Fee Paying Student visa.
While studying in New Zealand, it’s important to maintain your Fee Paying student status. This status relates to the purpose, or reason why you came to New Zealand.
Documentation required for New Zealand’s Fee Paying student visa
To apply for a visa to New Zealand, you will generally need:
Some additional documentation may include:
You may also have to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout the period of your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$ 15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month*. This may include:
You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the New Zealand embassy or consulate.
*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing
Applying for your visa online
You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the New Zealand Immigration website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of program’s start date. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.
How can we help you?
If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in New Zealand, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed on the latest visa requirements and conditions; and also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.
Our team will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest applications forms and guidance. In fact, to reduce the hassle, we can also help with certifying, translating and couriering your documents.
Visa fee
As an applicant from India, your immigration cost and receiving centre fee will depend on the kind of submission you make – online or paper.
Type of submission |
Application cost |
Receiving centre fee |
Online |
NZD 270 (approx. INR 13,033) |
INR 690 |
Paper |
INR 14,300 |
INR 1,038 |
English language requirements
To gain your New Zealand student visa, you’ll have to provide with an evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
You can always come to us for a free counselling session where we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.
We are India’s leading New Zealand Education Consultants in Delhi & represent several top-ranked institutions of New Zealand. We provide free services like application, scholarship, education loan assistance, visa filing, accommodation support, air-tickets, FOREX, and many more. Global Campus is one of the most trusted & student focused study in New Zealand consultants in Delhi.
Sr. No | University Name | Website |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Canterbury, Christchurch | www.canterbury.ac.nz |
2 | Lincoln University, Lincoln | www.lincoln.ac.nz |
3 | Auckland University of Technology, Auckland | www.aut.ac.nz |
4 | Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland | www.unitec.ac.nz |
5 | Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin & Auckland | www.otagopolytechnic.ac.nz |
6 | Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland | www.manukau.ac.nz |
7 | Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch | www.ara.ac.nz |
8 | Nelson & Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson & Blenheim | www.nmit.ac.nz |
9 | Whitireia New Zealand, Porirua & Auckland | www.whitireia.ac.nz |
10 | Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland | www.ais.ac.nz |
11 | Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill | www.sit.ac.nz |
12 | Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec), Wellington | www.weltec.ac.nz |
13 | North Tec, Whangarei | www.northtec.ac.nz |
14 | Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga & Rotorua | www.waiariki.ac.nz |
15 | Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), New Plymouth | www.witt.ac.nz |
16 | Aspire2International Group, Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga & Christchurch | www.ntec.ac.nz |
17 | EDENZ Colleges, Auckland | www.edenz.ac.nz |
18 | UUNZ Institute of Business, Auckland | www.uunz.ac.nz |
19 | New Zealand School of Education (NZSE), Auckland | www.nzse.ac.nz |
20 | Pacific International Hotel Management School, New Plymouth | www.pihms.ac.nz |
21 | Le Cordon Bleu, Wellington | www.lecordonbleu.co.nz |
22 | Computer Power Plus, Auckland | www.computerpowerplus.ac.nz |
23 | Cornell Institute of Business & Technology, Auckland | www.cornell.ac.nz |
24 | Taylors College, Auckland | www.taylorscollege.edu.au |
25 | Avonmore Tertiary Institute, Christchurch | www.avonmore.ac.nz |
26 | Media Design School, Auckland | www.mediadesignschool.com |