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 below, you can learn more about the New Zealand student visa, scholarships, popular courses and what to expect from Indian culture in the country. If you want to begin your application to study in New Zealand, contact SI-New Zealand today!

Studying in New Zealand | Indian Student Guide

Top New Zealand Universities

New Zealand hosts a range of globally recognised universities known for academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and student support services. Indian students often choose these institutions for their high-quality education and welcoming environment:

University of Auckland: The largest and most prestigious university in New Zealand, located in Auckland, renowned for business, engineering, medicine, and computer science programmes.

University of Otago: Known for vibrant student life and research-led teaching, Otago specialises in health sciences, humanities, and sciences.

Victoria University of Wellington: Strong in law, humanities, and environmental sciences, Victoria offers excellent research opportunities and is situated in the capital city, which provides great networking and internship prospects.

University of Canterbury: Located in Christchurch, the university is recognised for engineering, technology, and environmental sciences.

Auckland University of Technology: Focused on hands-on, practical education in fields like business, communication, and engineering, AUT is known for its modern facilities and industry partnerships.

New Zealand University Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Undergraduate Admissions

Academic Qualifications:

• Completion of Class 12 from a recognised board (CBSE, ICSE, or state boards).
• Competitive percentages, usually 70–85%, depending on the university and programme.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5.
• TOEFL: Minimum 80 overall, with a writing score of 20 or above.
• PTE: Minimum score of 50 overall.

For students not meeting direct entry requirements, foundation programmes (see below) are available to enhance academic skills and English proficiency.

Postgraduate Admissions

Academic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55–60% from a recognised Indian university.
• Some programmes may require work experience in a relevant field.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
• TOEFL: Minimum 90 overall, with a writing score of 21 or above.
• PTE: Minimum score of 58 overall.

Foundation Programmes for Indian Students

These programmes act as a bridge for students not meeting direct entry requirements, offering academic preparation and English language training.

• University of Auckland Foundation Programme: Prepares students for undergraduate study at the University of Auckland and AUT.

• Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Studies: Offers cultural orientation alongside academic preparation.

• UP Education Foundation: Partners with universities like AUT and the University of Auckland to provide tailored courses.

Studying in New Zealand for Indian Students after 12th

After 12th education, New Zealand offers various courses and programmes. 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.

Popular Areas of Study in New Zealand

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

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. 

A 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 PhD in New Zealand. 

New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students

Several scholarships help reduce the financial burden for Indian students:

New Zealand International Scholarships: Fully funded by the New Zealand government | Covers tuition, living allowances, and travel costs.

University-Specific Scholarships

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship: Recognises academic achievement and supports international students.

• Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship: Assists international students with tuition fees.

Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA): Government-funded scholarships supporting short-term studies and exchanges.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for students from Commonwealth countries, including India.

New Zealand Student Visa for Indian Students

To successfully secure a New Zealand student visa, students will need:

• Letter of acceptance from a New Zealand institution.
• Evidence of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses (minimum NZD 20,000/year).
• Medical certificate and police clearance (if applicable).
• Proof of English proficiency.

Post-Study Work Visa

Indian graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years. This is an excellent pathway for gaining work experience or pursuing permanent residency.

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)

New Zealand also has famous Hindu temples that allow people to maintain their worship routine and offer religious rituals, including ISKCON, Kurinchi Kumaran Temple, and Thirumurugun Temple. 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 about New Zealand universities is that they have taken various measures to create an inclusive Indian community.

• 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, fees will vary from university to university. For off-campus stays, the cost of living can range from $12,000 - $15,000 annually.

Other Expenses

Here is a breakdown of average individual expenses weekly for an Indian student:

Jobs in New Zealand for Indian Students

New Zealand has a high employability rate, an excellent work-life balance and a relaxed work culture and quality of life leads to increased happiness. With strong industries and a welcoming work environment, New Zealand offers ample opportunities:

• Information Technology: Growing demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals.

• Healthcare: Significant opportunities for nursing, medicine, and allied health graduates.

• Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: Roles in sustainable farming and environmental management.

• Engineering and Construction: High demand for civil, mechanical, and environmental engineers.

• Education and Research: Positions in teaching, academic administration, and research.

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.