Complete Guide to Study in New Zealand 2025

Thinking about studying abroad in 2025? New Zealand might be the ideal destination for your educational adventure! With its globally recognized universities, breathtaking natural beauty, and friendly, diverse community, New Zealand is quickly becoming a preferred choice for international students.

From academic excellence to exciting career opportunities and vibrant student life, this complete guide will cover everything you need to know about study in New Zealand curated by an experienced Licensed Immigration Advisor, Ms. Parwinder Kaur at West Highlander Immigration. Dive in to explore why New Zealand could be the perfect place for your studies in 2025!

New Zealand boasts an education system that is globally recognized for its quality and high standards. The country is known for its innovative teaching methods and student-centered approach to learning. Whether you are pursuing a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s degree, or even a doctoral program, New Zealand universities and colleges provide excellent opportunities for academic excellence.

Courses to Study in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wide range of study options for international students on New Zealand study visa. Depending on your academic background and career goals, you can choose from diplomas, bachelor’s, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and even doctoral programs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common study options

Undergraduate Programs in New Zealand

Diploma at Level 5 (1 year): The diploma at level 5 is usually a 1 year program which many students take up. This forms a basis for their higher education.
Diploma at Level 6 (2 years): A diploma program at Level 6 is typically a two-year course that provides specialized knowledge and practical skills in various fields.
Bachelor’s Degree at Level 7 (3 years): A bachelor’s degree in New Zealand generally takes three years to complete. These programs cover a wide range of subjects such as business, engineering, health sciences, and social sciences.
Bachelor Honours Degree at Level 8 (4 years): This is an advanced undergraduate program that generally takes four years to complete. It is ideal for students who wish to specialize in a particular area of study, often leading to further academic or career opportunities.
Graduate Diploma at Level 7 (1 year): A one-year graduate diploma is a great option for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain additional specialization.

Postgraduate Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8 (1 year): A one-year postgraduate diploma is typically pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree. These programs are more specialized and provide deeper knowledge in a particular field.
Master’s Degree by Coursework at Level 9 (18 months – 2 years): New Zealand offers a variety of master’s programs by coursework in fields such as business administration (MBA), engineering, IT, and health sciences. These programs typically take between 18 months to two years to complete.
Master’s Degree by Research at Level 9 (18 months – 2 years): A master’s by research involves extensive study in a specific research area and is ideal for students interested in academic careers.
Doctoral Degree at Level 10: New Zealand offers high-quality doctoral programs that allow students to conduct in-depth research in their chosen field. A PhD from New Zealand is highly regarded worldwide and offers excellent career prospects both within and outside of academia.

Green List Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Now that we’ve covered the different undergraduate and postgraduate programs you can pursue in New Zealand, let’s dive into something that could really boost your chances of settling down in the country after your studies – Green List courses. But what exactly are Green List courses? Simply put, they’re qualifications in fields where there’s a high demand for skilled workers in New Zealand. These areas are facing skill shortages, and the government is actively looking for professionals to fill those gaps. The real advantage for international students choosing Green List courses is that they have a faster, more streamlined path to residency. When you graduate from one of these courses, you’re eligible for priority processing when applying for residency visas. Plus, you’ll qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, allowing you to gain work experience in New Zealand after your studies, which is a great way to boost your career and improve your chances of staying in the country long-term.

In-Demand Fields on the Green List

Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical, and electronic engineering roles require qualifications ranging from diplomas to bachelor’s degrees.
Construction and Quantity Surveying: Positions like Construction Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor typically need a bachelor’s degree or relevant diploma.
Health Sciences: Roles such as registered nurses and medical laboratory scientists often require bachelor’s degrees and professional registration.
Education: Secondary school teachers, especially in science and mathematics, need a teaching qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher.

Choosing one of these Green List courses not only boosts your employability but also increases your chances of gaining permanent residency in New Zealand, making it an incredibly smart choice for students looking to build their future in the country.

For more information regarding the Green List:

https://www.westhighlander.com/qualifications-green-list-work-to-residence-job-roles/

Admission Requirements to Study in New Zealand

Every course would have different entry requirements depending on the subject and the educational institution in New Zealand, which means that international students on New Zealand student visa must check with the specific university to which they are applying. Admission requirements include two components:

Academic Qualifications

Diploma at Levels 5 and 6, Bachelors at Levels 7 and 8: Completed your 10^th and 12^th with good academic score.

Graduate Diploma at Level 7: A bachelor’s degree is needed to be eligible for a graduate diploma.

PG Diploma at Level 8: Students who want to pursue any of these degrees, must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a good academic score. Students must make sure that the bachelor is in a similar field or subject for which they are pursuing higher study in New Zealand.

Masters Degree at Level 9: Students interested in pursuing one of these degrees must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record. It is essential that the bachelor’s degree is in a relevant field or subject related to the higher studies they wish to undertake in New Zealand.

Doctoral Degree at Level 10: Since this is a research-based degree, academic qualifications include a masters degree.

English Language Requirements

For Diplomas at Level 6, Bachelor’s at Levels 7 & 8, and Graduate Diplomas at Level 7 students need an IELTS overall band score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each module. Some courses, such as nursing, may require a higher IELTS score.
For a Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8, a Master’s Degree by Coursework at Level 9, and a Master’s Degree by Research at Level 9, students would need an IELTS overall band score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each module. Specific courses may have different language requirements.

Consequently, students could also take the PTE exam to meet the English language requirements.

Intakes for Study in New Zealand

New Zealand universities and education providers typically offer two major intakes for international students on New Zealand student visa: March and July. Universities like the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and the University of Waikato follow this pattern for most programs. Some institutions, like Unitec, have intakes in February and July, while others, such as NMIT, offer three intakes (February, July, and October) for specific courses like the Masters in Management. Additionally, some Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and institutes like EIT provide multiple intakes throughout the year, including programs with up to four intakes.

Types of Educational Providers in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a diverse range of educational providers for international students on New Zealand study visa, catering to various academic and personal preferences. The three main types of education providers are:

Universities

There are eight universities in New Zealand, offering programs from diplomas to PhDs. These institutions are known for their world-class facilities and research opportunities. Popular universities include the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and Massey University.

Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology (ITPs)

These government-funded institutions focus on practical, career-oriented training. Known collectively as Te Pukenga, they offer courses such as diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate programs. Examples include Otago Polytechnic, Waikato Institute of Technology, and Southern Institute of Technology. They are ideal for students looking for specialized, hands-on education.

Private Training Establishments (PTEs)

PTEs are privately owned institutions offering more limited course options compared to universities or polytechnics. They are often smaller and provide more personalized support, making them a good option for students seeking a more focused learning environment. Students should ensure that the PTE is a Category 1 provider recognized by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Choosing the right provider depends on factors such as class size preferences, course options, and budget. Universities typically have higher fees, while polytechnics and PTEs offer more affordable alternatives.

Cost of Study in New Zealand

To obtain a New Zealand student visa, full fee-paying students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for the entire duration of their studies. The required funds typically include NZD 20,000 for living expenses and NZD 2,000 for travel costs. These amounts, along with the tuition fee, must be submitted as part of the visa application.

Acceptable sources of funds for Indian applicants include personal savings, fixed deposits, and education loans. Additionally, funds from General Provident Fund (GPF) or Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) are also considered valid. Students can be financially supported by close family members, such as parents, siblings, or grandparents (both maternal and paternal). If the student is married, the spouse or in-laws may also serve as acceptable sponsors. The financial sponsor must meet the criteria set by New Zealand Immigration to ensure the student’s visa application is processed smoothly.

Work Opportunities in New Zealand

Part-Time Work While Studying

Students who are enrolled in a full-time study program are allowed to work approximately 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. This is a boon for a lot of international students on New Zealand student visa who take this opportunity of working on a student visa to not just gain work experience but also earn some extra money which is a great help for them financially.

Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand

After making the most of part-time work while studying, New Zealand offers international students an incredible opportunity to continue their journey through the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). This visa provides graduates with the chance to stay in the country and work full-time, allowing them to gain valuable practical experience, build professional connections, and further develop their careers in the local job market. The duration of the PSWV depends on the level and type of qualification completed. For those who have earned a bachelor’s degree (NZQF Level 7) or a postgraduate diploma (Level 8), the work visa is typically granted for a period equal to the length of your full-time study in New Zealand. Graduates who complete a master’s degree (Level 9) or a doctoral degree (Level 10) are eligible for a Post Study Work Visa for up to three years, giving them ample time to gain hands-on experience and explore long-term career or residency options.

What makes the PSWV even more appealing is its connection to New Zealand’s Green List—a list of occupations in high demand such as engineering, healthcare, and teaching. If your qualification aligns with a role on the Green List, you’ll benefit from priority visa processing, increased employment opportunities, and in some cases, a clearer pathway to residency. Moreover, if you’ve completed a Green List qualification at any level (including non-degree levels like NZQF Level 5 or 6), you may still be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa. In these cases, the visa duration will also match the length of your course, provided it meets the government’s criteria. This ensures that even those completing shorter or sub-degree level courses in priority fields aren’t left behind in accessing valuable work experience.

It’s important to note that for non-degree Level 7 and below, your work visa will typically require you to work in a job directly related to your field of study. And for all levels, to apply, you must do so within three months of your student visa expiring (or six months for doctoral graduates. In essence, the Post Study Work Visa is not just an extension of your student life—it’s a strategic gateway to launching your professional career, growing within New Zealand’s dynamic workforce, and potentially laying the groundwork for permanent residency in one of the world’s most beautiful and opportunity-rich countries.

PSWV Duration by Qualification Level

Qualification Level	Minimum Full-Time Study Duration in NZ	PSWV Duration
NZQF Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree)	At least 30 weeks	Duration of study
NZQF Level 8 (Graduate Diploma)	At least 30 weeks	Duration of study
NZQF Level 9 (Master’s Degree)	At least 30 weeks	3 years
NZQF Level 10 (Doctoral Degree)	At least 30 weeks	3 years
Non-degree Level 7 or below	Full duration required for qualification	Duration of study

New Zealand Study Visa Checklist

To apply for a New Zealand study visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

Educational Documents: Academic records from high school, bachelor’s degree, or any other relevant qualifications.
Work Experience (if applicable): If you have any work experience, you will need to provide proof of employment.
IELTS/PTE Scorecard: You must provide your English language proficiency scorecard as part of your application.
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your studies in New Zealand.
Offer Letter Approved by NZQA: The offer letter from the university or institution must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs during your studies. This can include bank statements, affidavits, or sponsorship letters.
Family Income Proof: In some cases, you may need to submit documents that show your family’s income to support your visa application.
Medical Certificate: Some applicants may be required to submit a medical certificate showing they are in good health.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): A police clearance may be required as part of the visa application process.

New Zealand continues to be a top choice for international students in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or advanced postgraduate program, New Zealand offers a wide range of options to suit every academic need. With affordable tuition, a high quality of life, and plenty of work opportunities, New Zealand is an attractive destination for anyone looking to study abroad.

New Zealand Spouse Visa for Students

New Zealand offers two main types of spouse visas for international students

Partner of a Student Visitor Visa, and
Partner of a Student Work Visa

allowing couples to stay together while one partner studies.

The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa is ideal for partners who want to accompany their spouse during studies but don’t intend to work. This visa allows the partner to live in New Zealand for the same duration as the student’s visa, explore the country, and even study for up to three months. However, it doesn’t permit employment. Applicants must prove a genuine relationship, show financial stability, meet health and character requirements, and provide necessary documentation like relationship proof, bank statements, and police certificates.

On the other hand, the Partner of a Student Work Visa is suitable for those who wish to work while their spouse studies in New Zealand. To qualify, the student must be enrolled in a recognised program—either a Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) degree, or a Level 7 or 8 course listed on the Green List or eligible for a post-study work visa. This visa allows the partner to work full-time and study for up to three months. Similar to the visitor visa, proof of relationship, financial documents, medical exams, and police clearances are required.

Both visa types support couples in staying connected and thriving together while experiencing life in New Zealand.

West Highlander Immigration

West Highlander Study-Abroad Consultancy in Chandigarh is a trusted leader in providing expert guidance for students aspiring to study abroad. With a high success rate, we offer honest, transparent services to ensure a smooth application process. If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, reach out to us for a free profile assessment of your application. Our director, Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser certified by the IAA (Immigration Advisers Authority, New Zealand Government), will personally assist you throughout the entire visa application process. With over 19 years of experience, we are dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams of studying abroad.