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Australia and New Zealand, capital Wellington

How to Apply to Universities in New Zealand (2027): Step by Step

New Zealand teaches international students at eight state-funded universities and a network of independent institutes of technology and polytechnics, with tuition and intakes set by each institution. A fee-paying student visa allows up to 25 hours of work a week during term, and graduates of a bachelor's degree or higher can generally apply for a post-study work visa of up to three years.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources
Public tuition, per year
NZ$19,000 to NZ$114,340
international students
Living cost, per month
NZ$1,670
typical range
Work during study
25 h
per week
Post study work
3 yr
after graduation
Intakes
Semester 1, Semester 2
main application cycles

Bachelor's degree

  1. Choose a programme and confirm the institution's academic and English language entry requirements.
  2. Apply directly to the institution online, or through a registered education agent; New Zealand institutions generally do not charge an application fee.
  3. Provide certified secondary school transcripts and certificates, and English test results if required.
  4. Receive a conditional or unconditional Offer of Place; some institutions issue a conditional offer before final school results or English evidence are confirmed.
  5. Pay tuition fees, or the deposit the institution requires, and obtain the paid-fees receipt needed for a visa application.
  6. Apply for a fee-paying student visa at online.immigration.govt.nz, submitting funds evidence, the tuition receipt, and medical or police certificates if requested.
  7. Arrange compulsory medical and travel insurance, then enrol in courses once the visa is granted.

Postgraduate degree

The process is the same as for a bachelor's degree, but many master's and all doctoral applications also need a research proposal or supervisor contact, and PhD applicants are charged the same tuition as domestic students rather than the international rate.

Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/plan-your-studies/cost-of-living
  2. https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/plan-your-studies/steps-to-studying-in-new-zealand
  3. https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/study-options/scholarships
  4. https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/why-new-zealand/education-system
  5. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/
  6. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/
  7. https://www.education.govt.nz/news/regional-polytechnics-be-re-established-2026
  8. https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-and-standards/about-new-zealand-qualifications-credentials-framework/