Understand your options
Compare degrees, diplomas and research options by qualification level, curriculum, duration and entry requirements.
Your ambitions. A wider horizon.
Study in
New Zealand.
Find your direction.
Explore qualifications and campuses that fit your interests. Plan your New Zealand studies with guidance on admissions, full costs and application preparation for Indian students.
Bachelor’s · Taught master’s · Research degrees
EXPLORE NEW ZEALANDYour goals. A broader horizon.Start with a course that fits.
Study optionsUndergraduate & postgraduate
Common start periodsFebruary / March & July
Academic studyFee Paying Student Visa
Your first stepA personal study plan
Why study in New Zealand?
A course with purpose.
A plan with perspective.
Choose the credential and learning experience that suit your background. Compare the details before deciding where to study.
Look inside the programme
Look at subject modules, assessment, project work and research opportunities. Confirm the terms of any advertised placement component.
Choose with the details in view
Bring course costs, housing, insurance and visa preparation into your plan. Check any later work-visa eligibility separately.
What would you like to study?
Subject areas to explore in your shortlist.
Computing & data
Compare software, analytics and AI subjects with the technical background required.
Engineering & construction
Review specialisations, practical projects and any professional accreditation requirements.
Business & management
Compare degree level, course content and any work-experience requirements.
Environment & agriculture
Explore environmental, food and agricultural subjects and the balance of field, laboratory and classroom study.
Health & life sciences
Check academic prerequisites, clinical or placement conditions and separate professional registration.
Creative subjects & research
Review portfolio or research requirements and the supervision or facilities relevant to your interests.
Universities in New Zealand
Find the fit behind the name.
Use these examples to begin comparing credentials, campuses and admission requirements with your profile.
Auckland
University of Auckland
Compare the programme, campus, accepted qualifications and current international fees for your chosen intake.
Discuss this institutionDunedin · check your campus
University of Otago
Review course prerequisites, English evidence, programme duration and any additional assessment or placement conditions.
Discuss this institutionWellington
Victoria University of Wellington
Check the specific degree, subject requirements, course structure and available funding before applying.
Discuss this institutionCheck the exact campus and programme. Review the provider, programme, qualification level and Code of Practice signatory status, alongside any separate work-visa eligibility.
Understand the checksNew Zealand tuition fees & living costs
Give your budget the full picture.
Use your course’s published international fees and plan separately for housing, everyday expenses, insurance, travel and arrival.
Published tertiary student living-funds requirement
Plan your living-cost evidence.
NZD 20,000One year of tertiary study · tuition is additional
Outward-travel arrangements or additional funds for them must also be covered. Check the amount and evidence for the duration and category of your study.
This is a visa funding requirement, not a quote for your actual expenses. School-student requirements differ. Plan later study years and any family costs separately.
What belongs in your full budget?
- Tuition and compulsory chargesConfirm the quoted study period, payment schedule and refund terms.
- Housing and daily costsInclude rent, deposits, food, utilities and transport for your city.
- Medical and travel insuranceConfirm cover acceptable to your provider for the required period.
- Applications and arrivalAllow for applicable tests, checks, visa charges, travel and setup.
References: Immigration New Zealand student funding guidance and Study with New Zealand cost guidance; reviewed October 18, 2026.
Build your funding plan early.
Fees for the exact programmeCheck whether fees are quoted by year, points or the full course, and include compulsory charges.
Living costs for your locationCompare current student housing and private-rental options, including the initial deposit.
Insurance for your study periodAsk the provider what cover it requires and obtain a quote for your dates.
Documented fundingKeep evidence of savings, loans, awards or other accepted support. Avoid relying on an unconfirmed job.
Scholarships in New Zealand
Find funding that fits your study.
Explore provider awards and research funding. Check nationality, course and academic criteria, application dates and the terms of the award. Include only confirmed funding in your budget.
Discuss funding for my shortlistScholarship reference: Study with New Zealand scholarship guidance. Availability depends on the award and application cycle.
New Zealand admission requirements
Start with the credential you need.
Your academic background, subject requirements and language evidence should match the specific programme you choose.
Bachelor’s degree
Check the provider’s assessment of your Class 12 qualification, subject grades and English evidence. Some degrees require a portfolio, interview or additional assessment. Review any foundation route and its progression conditions.
Master’s or research degree
Confirm the accepted bachelor’s qualification, required subjects, grades and language evidence. Taught, professional and research degrees can have different entry criteria; research study may require a proposal and supervision arrangements.
Qualification & provider checks
Check the exact qualification and NZQCF level, provider approval and Code of Practice signatory status. A diploma, graduate diploma and postgraduate diploma are different credentials; any later work visa needs separate eligibility checks.
Qualification and provider references: NZQA qualification and Code of Practice guidance; reviewed October 18, 2026.
IELTS, PTE or other English evidence: what should I prepare?
Check the provider’s accepted tests, versions, scores and validity for your exact course. Requirements can depend on the qualification and programme. Confirm any exemption or English pathway, plus relevant visa instructions, before booking.
Explore test preparationWhat should I prepare for my application?
- Passport and academic transcripts or certificates
- Accepted language evidence, if required
- Course-specific statements, CV and recommendations where requested
- Portfolio, research proposal or supplementary application where needed
- Course deadlines, application fee and document requirements
Use the institution’s own checklist and confirm any translations, certification or additional assessment required. Review all offer conditions before making a payment.
New Zealand university intakes
Choose a start date you can prepare for.
Check programme availability, application deadlines and any earlier funding deadlines. Some courses offer only one start period.
Early-year intake
February / MarchCheck the course’s actual start date, orientation and application deadlines. Scholarship deadlines can be earlier.
Mid-year intake
JulyConfirm availability for your exact course, campus and study mode. Some degrees admit only once a year.
Other starts
Programme specificSome programmes have trimester, research or other start dates. Use the published calendar and allow time for application preparation.
From course choice to arrival
Make your next step a considered one.
Admission and visa decisions are separate. Build your plan around the university’s requirements and the visa conditions relevant to your case.
- 01
Choose the qualification
Compare subject content, level, duration, campus and full costs.
- 02
Check provider and course
Confirm approval, international enrolment and Code of Practice signatory status.
- 03
Apply and review the offer
Prepare academic and language evidence, then check offer conditions, payments and refunds.
- 04
Plan funding and insurance
Prepare tuition, living and outward-travel evidence, plus suitable medical and travel cover.
- 05
Prepare the student visa
Follow Immigration New Zealand instructions for your case, including any health or character evidence requested.
- 06
Coordinate arrival and enrolment
Check the visa decision and conditions, arrange housing and complete provider enrolment and orientation.
Prepare for the New Zealand study visa.
Explore your offer of place, funding evidence, insurance and any required health or character checks in the dedicated guide.
Work & graduate planning
Know your qualification.
Understand your options.
Choose a course for its learning value and fit with your goals. Check work conditions, graduate visas and any later residence route separately.
Post Study Work Visa: eligibility comes first
Eligibility, length and work conditions depend on the qualification and the study completed. Certain non-degree qualifications can qualify under specific rules. A course does not automatically lead to a three-year visa.
Check the exact qualification, study requirements and application timing. Admission and graduation do not guarantee a job or residence.
Explore post-study checksStudent employment: check your own visa
Eligible student visas can allow up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during permitted breaks. The conditions on your own visa determine your rights.
An existing 20-hour condition does not automatically increase. Confirm whether a variation or new visa is needed before changing your working hours.
Review student work conditionsComing November 16, 2026: graduate visa changes
Immigration New Zealand has announced a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and an expansion of Post Study Work Visa eligibility for certain Level 7 graduate-diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree.
These changes are scheduled for November 16, 2026. Check the separate eligibility rules and your application date before relying on a route.
Reference: INZ announcement, “New and updated post-study work visa options”; reviewed October 18, 2026.
Your questions, answered
Planning to study in New Zealand?
Practical answers for your first decisions.
How much does it cost to study in New Zealand for Indian students?
Use your exact course’s international tuition and compulsory fees, then add housing, daily living, insurance, travel and setup costs. The published NZD 20,000 annual living-funds requirement for tertiary study is separate from tuition and outward-travel arrangements; actual living costs may be higher.
What are the entry requirements for New Zealand universities?
The provider and course set academic, subject and English requirements. Confirm how your Indian qualification is assessed and check any additional portfolio, experience or assessment conditions. One percentage or test score does not apply to every course.
Which English test should I prepare for New Zealand?
Check accepted tests, versions, scores and any exemptions for the exact course. Confirm the provider’s current English evidence requirements and any relevant visa instructions before booking a test or relying on an alternative pathway.
What should I check about the provider and qualification?
Verify the provider and exact programme, NZQCF qualification level and international enrolment arrangements, including Code of Practice signatory status. Course approval and later work-visa eligibility are separate checks.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Eligible student visas can allow up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during permitted breaks. Check the conditions on your own visa. An existing 20-hour condition does not automatically become 25 hours; a variation or new visa may be needed.
Does every qualification lead to a three-year Post Study Work Visa?
No. Eligibility, duration and work conditions depend on the qualification, study completed and applicable rules. Some non-degree qualifications can qualify under specific criteria. Check the exact course rather than relying on a general three-year promise.
What changes are scheduled for November 2026?
From November 16, 2026, Immigration New Zealand plans a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and wider Post Study Work Visa eligibility for certain Level 7 graduate-diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree. These routes have separate requirements; confirm the rules for your application date.
How can Ratnas Overseas help with New Zealand study planning?
We help you compare courses, review your profile and organise study application preparation. Request free counselling in Uppal or Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad, Vijayawada or Hanamkonda, or ask about online counselling. Providers decide admission and New Zealand authorities decide visas.
Free New Zealand study counselling
Your direction.
A plan built around you.
Discuss your academics, course preferences, intake and budget. Get help organising a shortlist and the questions to resolve before applying.
+91 92810 31981New Zealand study counselling in Uppal and Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad; Vijayawada; and Hanamkonda. Online counselling available.
Find your nearest branch