Indian Student Guide to Studying in New Zealand

Overseas education is excellent for students who want to gain exposure, study unconventional courses, and become a part of a diverse community that will help them grow as an individual. As more Indian students opt to study abroad, trends show that aspirants also assort their options while choosing their study destinations, and New Zealand is one of them.

New Zealand, located in the south of Australia and Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean, is known for its serene lakes, snow-capped mountains, and stunning coastlines. Apart from these natural aesthetic features, it ranks third for its education quality globally, and according to the Global Peace Index Report 2023, it is ranked fourth worldwide.

New Zealand has eight universities ranked in the top 3% worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025), and if you want to begin your application to study in New Zealand, contact SI-New Zealand today.

Why Study in New Zealand as an Indian Student?

Studying in New Zealand offers several benefits to Indian students, including:

1. High-quality education

New Zealand is known for its world-class education system. The universities and institutions maintain high academic standards, as eight New Zealand universities rank 3rd globally.

2. Wide range of programs and courses

New Zealand offers courses and programs in education, engineering, finance, healthcare, and architecture, giving students a wide range of options.

3. Post-study work opportunities

One of the best things that New Zealand has to offer Indian students is its post-study work opportunities. These allow graduates to work in the country for a certain period after completing their education. Through post-study work, students can gain excellent work skills and knowledge that can be efficient for their future. 

4. Innovative research

New Zealand has a strong economy with innovative research and development strategies. The country actively participates in cutting-edge research across various sectors, allowing students to work on creative projects. 

5. Indian student support

New Zealand offers vital support to Indian students in various ways. One of them is providing numerous scholarships and financial aid to support their education. In addition, most New Zealand universities provide students with orientation programs, counselling sessions, and accommodation assistance, helping them adapt to a new environment. 

Indian Culture in New Zealand

New Zealand is where people from all over the world with different ethnic backgrounds come together. Every individual carries an essence of their culture, tradition, festivals, and rituals. Indian culture in New Zealand is profound, as several Indian communities try to preserve it and maintain a strong-knit community with other organisations. 

• Wellington Indian Association (WIA)
• Tamil Society New Zealand 
• New Zealand Indian Central Association 
• Christchurch Indian Society (CIS)
• Dunedin Indian Association (DIA)

Apart from that, New Zealand has some famous Hindu temples that allow people to maintain their worship routine and offer religious rituals. Some include ISKCON, Kurinchi Kumaran Temple, Thirumurugun Temple, etc. Indian students might also tend to miss their homeland snacks and foods, for which New Zealand has some famous traditional restaurants that serve Indian cuisine so that you can eat to your heart’s content. 

Indian Student Life in New Zealand

Living a student life in New Zealand can be exciting, as it has a unique Kiwi culture essence. The natives are friendly and supportive; you can experience a super comfortable life. And the best part the New Zealand universities is that they have taken various measures to create an inclusive Indian community, such as -

• New Zealand universities conduct various cultural activities and programs and host different Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Holi. They also host exchange programs where students can meet and interact with people from other communities. 
• The universities also host various Indian Student Associations that aim to promote welfare, cultural exchange, and academic success. In addition, they organise festivals, workshops, and social events throughout the year. 
• New Zealand also has Indian homestays that offer a nurturing and comforting environment that makes you feel like a family. If you stay with an Indian family in New Zealand, you can enjoy Indian culture and homemade meals.

Cost of Living in New Zealand for Indian Students

The cost of living in New Zealand for Indian students entirely depends on the necessities and type of accommodation or lifestyle you want. The cost of studying in New Zealand for Indian students can be broken down into the following segments:

- Tuition fees

The tuition fee depends on the course and university you’ve chosen for. However, the average cost of living remains the same for every international student unless you do not opt for a luxurious stay. Here is a breakdown of the average tuition fee cost for different degree programs available in New Zealand -

- Accommodation

New Zealand offers on-campus and off-campus stays for international students. For on-campus accommodation, the fee will vary from university to university. On the other hand, for off-campus stays, the cost of living can range from $12,000 - $15,000 annually. Here is a breakdown of average individual expenses weekly for an Indian student -

Popular Areas of Study in New Zealand

• Engineering
• Animation
• Business Studies
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• IT and Computer Science
• Nursing
• Art and Design

Popular Courses

• MBA
• LLM
• Nursing
• Finance
• Education Studies
• Architecture

Study in New Zealand for Indian Students after 12th

After 12th education, New Zealand offers various courses and programs. From graphic designing to computer science, more than 21,000 applicants apply for the courses across the globe. However, certain eligibility requirements for studying in New Zealand include IELTS or TOEFL scores and academic transcripts. 

Admission to New Zealand universities is based on English proficiency tests, academic performance, and interview sessions. Students who do not meet the cutoff eligibility can apply for pathway programs offered by universities like the University of Auckland and Massey University. 

Master's in New Zealand for Indian Students

If you are interested in extending your career options or considering doing a research degree, a master’s in New Zealand for Indian students can be a great option, as it gives you a competitive edge. 

The master’s degree can range from one year to two years, depending on your chosen course. Through a master’s, students can gain specialist knowledge by studying for a research master's degree. You will also be able to work closely with the expert academic staff who will challenge you to think critically and creatively, helping you to develop a required skillset. After completing a master’s degree, you can opt for a Ph.D. 

A PhD in New Zealand offers world-class research opportunities and life experience for Indian students. Depending on the course and other criteria, the duration can range from three to six years. 

Jobs in New Zealand for Indian Students

• New Zealand has a high employability rate, as 93% of students can grab post-study work opportunities
• New Zealand has an excellent work-life balance
• Jobs in New Zealand for Indian Graduates have a relaxed work culture and quality of life.

Here are some high-demand job opportunities in New Zealand for Indian students.

Study in New Zealand

If you want to know more about studying in New Zealand and its bachelor's and master’s degree courses, why not arrange a free consultation with SI-New Zealand today? Our education consultants can take you through your study options in New Zealand and help you apply.