All 8 in QS top 500
Every Kiwi university ranks in the global QS top 500.
All destinations 
Country guide
Country guide Study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers eight globally-ranked universities, strong work rights during study, and post-study work visas of up to 3 years — in one of the world’s safest, most welcoming countries.
Why New Zealand
Globally ranked. Safe. Migration-friendly.
Quality degrees, real work rights, and one of the clearest skilled migration paths in the OECD.
Post-study work
Up to 3 years on the Post-Study Work Visa.
Safe & welcoming
Among the safest countries in the world — consistently top of peace indices.
Skilled migration
Clear residence pathway via the Green List occupations.
8 globally-ranked unis
Quality degrees, 3-year stay-back, safest study destinations.
Every Kiwi university sits in the QS top 500 — with a 3-year post-study work visa for master’s graduates and a clear PR pathway via Green List occupations.
8/8QS top 500
3 yrsPost-study work
Green ListPR pathway
ENMedium
Universities
Top universities in New Zealand
A representative shortlist across research universities and specialist institutions.
University of Auckland
QS top 100 — medicine, engineering, business.
University of Otago
Oldest NZ university — medicine, dentistry, sciences.
Victoria University of Wellington
Government-adjacent — law, public policy, sciences.
University of Canterbury
Christchurch-based engineering, forestry, sciences.
Massey University
Multi-campus; agriculture, veterinary sciences, aviation.
University of Waikato
Strong in management, computing, Maori studies.
Lincoln University
Specialist in agriculture, land use, and environment.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Industry-aligned design, business, and tech programs.
Programs
Popular programs
The most-applied tracks for international students.
Computer Science & IT Engineering Business & MBA Medicine & Health Sciences Agriculture & Environment Aviation Law Design & Architecture
Costs
Tuition and cost of living
Indicative ranges — final figures depend on program and city.
Undergraduate tuitionNZD 28,000 – NZD 45,000Per year · medicine higher.
Postgraduate tuitionNZD 30,000 – NZD 50,000Per year · MBA at the upper end.
Living — Auckland/WellingtonNZD 1,800 – NZD 2,200Per month · major-city rents.
Living — Other citiesNZD 1,500 – NZD 1,800Per month · Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin.
Funding & visa
Scholarships, funding & the New Zealand student visa
Two parallel tracks — how to fund the degree, and how to secure your stay.
Scholarships & funding
- New Zealand Excellence Awards for Indian students (NZ$5,000–$10,000).
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (fully-funded; select countries).
- University-specific entrance scholarships and PhD funding.
- Education NZ pathway scholarships for specific programs.
- Education loans through major Indian and international lenders.
Student visa snapshot
- Visa name: Fee-paying student visa via Immigration New Zealand.
- Requires an offer letter and proof of paid tuition.
- Proof of funds: NZD 20,000/year for living costs.
- Standard processing: 4–8 weeks.
- Work allowance: up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during scheduled breaks.
Timeline
Application timeline
A typical roadmap from profile review to arrival.
Profile review & shortlist
10–12 months out: program direction, budget, target city.
Tests & documents
6–10 months out: IELTS/PTE; GMAT/GRE if program requires.
Applications
Aug–Apr: most postgraduate programs.
Offers & deposit
Oct–May: accept offer, pay deposit, finalise loan.
Student visa
May–Jul: submit application, biometrics if needed.
Pre-departure & arrival
Jul–Aug: housing, banking, insurance, flights, arrival.
Plan your New Zealand application with us
From Green List-aligned shortlists to a clean visa submission — Voyage maps an NZ-ready application.
What you’ll get
A 30-minute counselor-led session, free of cost.
- Auckland vs Wellington fit
- Green List occupation check
- PSW & PR roadmap