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Intakes in New Zealand for College Admissions

Updated on 05 January, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

With immense opportunities and the right to post-study work for up to 3 years, many students opt for New Zealand to pursue their higher education. Every year, intakes in New Zealand are rolled out, and you can make a decision as per your preference. However, it is crucial that you are aware of the admission requirements and details of the New Zealand intakes. In other words, intake refers to the academic cycle and respective admission process timeline. 

Popular Intakes in New Zealand

Before applying to New Zealand universities, you must be aware of the application deadline and the whole process. Pertaining to this, there are two intakes offered by universities in New Zealand - January and July Intake.

January Intake: 

January Intake or January semester starts at the beginning of the year. If you wish to partake in this intake, starting your application in November is advisable. 

July Intake: 

The July Intake or July semester starts in the middle of the year. The deadline for the application for the July intake ends in May. Many Indian students who wish to pursue their higher education in New Zealand opt for the July intake.

Top 10 New Zealand Universities 

Universities  QS World Ranking 2023
The University of Otago 217
University of Auckland 87
Massey University 292
University of Canterbury  284
Auckland University of Technology  486
Lincoln University  368
Victoria University of Wellington 275
University of Waikato 331
Eastern Institute of Technology  N/A
Unitec Institute of Technology 2472

Timeline for New Zealand January Intake 2023

Timeline  What is to be done?
April 2023 - May 2023

During this period, you must browse the universities and shortlist the subjects or courses as per your preference.

 

Look at the eligibility criteria. Admission deadline and ensure that you fulfill them. 

June 2023 - August 2023 To get admission to New Zealand universities, taking a few exams and getting the desired score is necessary. Entrance and English language tests, mostly including IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, and PTE. Prepare well for these exams and keep in mind the minimum score requirement. 
August 2023 - September 2023  During this period, you should start applying for colleges. There are various documents that you need to prepare to give a boost to your admission process. These may include SOPs, LORs, etc. Get your documents ready and start applying. 
October 2023 - November 2023 After much evaluation during this time, the university will get back to you with the interview dates or acceptance letters. As confirmation, you should revert back to the university as soon as you receive their mail. 
November 2023 - December 2023 After your acceptance, you should apply for education loans, and visas and lookout for scholarships, if any. The visa process may take some time, so be well prepared and keep the process in alignment with your departure. 
December 2023 - January 2024 The last and final step is to book your tickets and board the flight to your dream university. Gather all the necessary documents, make accommodation arrangements, and be well-prepared. 

Timeline for New Zealand July Intake 2023

Timeline  What is to be done?
August - December 2022 The first and foremost step is choosing the course you want to study. After this, look for the top universities providing the course and ensure you fulfill the eligibility criteria. 
December - February 2023

You need to take certain tests and score a required number per the particular university guideline. English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are required. Also, GMAT and GRE scores are mandatory. 

 

February - March 2023  After taking the necessary exams, start applying to the universities. Start preparing the documents like LORs, SOPs, and others for the application process. 
March - April 2023 After you have submitted the final application, during this time, the university reverts back to you with the final verdict. It is advisable to mail it back to the university as soon as possible, and in case of an interview, be prepared. 
April - June 2023 After your selection is made, start applying for education loans and visas and look for scholarships. 
June - July 2023 Once your visa arrives, it is time to book your ticket and fly off to your dream university. 

 

Other Intakes

Along with the January and July intakes, there are other New Zealand intakes for international students. The January and July intake offers a wide variety of courses - undergraduate, postgraduate and other levels by numerous universities. Furthermore, there are other intakes like March, May, and April that offer a limited number of courses; they may be vocational or short-term. 

Documents Required for 2023 New Zealand Intakes

Following documents are required for the 2023 New Zealand Intakes: 

  • Application Form 
  • University offer letter 
  • IELTS - minimum 6.5 bands 
  • TOEFL - 90 score 
  • Passport size photographs 
  • SOP and LOR
  • GRE and GMAT scores
  • Academic Essay 

Conclusion

Shifting to a new country can be overwhelming; however, you can easily board the flight to your dream college with the right guidance and knowledge. It is advised to thoroughly review the university requirements and make a smart decision. Furthermore, by referring to the guide as mentioned above, you can get a detailed idea about the New Zealand intakes and start applying to the universities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Zealand a safe country for international students?

New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students. As a result, thousands of students enroll in New Zealand universities every year. 

What is the minimum age requirement for New Zealand student visa?

To study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you need to acquire a visa. For this, you need to cater to the age limit for the same. You need to be 9 years old or younger to apply for a New Zealand student visa. 

Did you find this article helpful?

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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