10 Top Reasons to Study in New Zealand 2024

New Zealand has a lot to offer as a country with high education standards, consistent university rankings, and ample opportunities. New Zealand’s 8 prominent public universities ranked within the top 450 in QS World University Rankings 2024. 

Want to know more about the benefits and opportunities of studying in New Zealand? Continue reading to understand why taking education from abroad can be your best choice.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in New Zealand

Below are multiple compelling benefits that one can experience while studying in New Zealand; 

New Zealand's Education System

Why study in New Zealand? New Zealand's education system is renowned for its quality and structured approach:

Qualifications Framework

The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) governs qualifications, categorizing them into 10 levels. This framework ensures that qualifications, ranging from vocational certificates to doctoral degrees, meet international standards and are widely recognized.

Higher Education

Comprises eight state-funded universities, Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology), and over 550 Private Training Establishments (PTEs). These institutions offer a broad range of programs, from introductory levels to advanced degrees, focusing on applied learning and research.

School Education

Provides a flexible pathway from primary to secondary education. It includes state schools, state-integrated schools, and private schools. Secondary education culminates in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), with options for international programs like Cambridge and IB.

Broad Opportunities for Study and Research

Universities in New Zealand offer diversified research and study opportunities to students. 

For instance, according to Statista, around 36% of international students pursue STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics), while 33% pursue business and management. 

All other subjects combined add up to around 31%. The profound opportunities to pursue studies in their field of interest can be seen from these statistics.

Some of the exciting study courses in New Zealand include:

• Arts
• Engineering
• Aviation
• Architecture
• Health Sciences
• Business and Management

Similarly, there are more than 4,000 courses to choose from over 130+ educational institutes in New Zealand. Such broad opportunities in different fields have certainly attracted international students.

Globally Accepted Qualifications

To ensure global acceptance and competitive education standards, New Zealand has created the New Zealand Qualifications Framework to acknowledge the level and quality of education offered by different education providers. 

The framework consists of 10 levels:

• Level 1-4: For rating secondary schools and basic vocational training.
• Level 5-6: For analyzing Sub-Degree vocational certificates and diplomas.
• Level 7-10: For rating Degrees, Graduate and Post Graduate Education.

This framework has helped to ensure consistent education quality and standards throughout New Zealand. In addition to these ratings, New Zealand has made arrangements, offers, and partnerships with other educational institutions and universities worldwide to recognize each other’s qualifications.

These agreements and arrangements extend to many countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. New Zealand has also signed a specific qualification recognition partnership with Germany, France, and Spain. Making them a study destination with globally accepted partnerships and recognized qualifications. 

Quality Learning Experience

New Zealand ensures high-quality education across its education system, public and private, through robust quality assurance systems. The answer to why choose New Zealand for study is because the country has:

• Strong Government Oversight: 

The New Zealand government implements rigorous quality assurance mechanisms to uphold the standards of education at all levels.

• Internationally Recognized Qualifications: 

New Zealand's qualifications, such as the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) in secondary schools and bachelor's degrees, are widely respected globally. NCEA is recognized in countries like Australia, UK, Europe, Germany, India, and Thailand.

• Pathway to Global Opportunities: 

New Zealand’s qualifications open doors to prestigious universities worldwide for further studies at the postgraduate level.

• Valuable Assets in the Job Market: 

Holding New Zealand’s qualification enhances your employability globally, providing a competitive edge in the international job market.

• Future-Focused Learning: 

New Zealand’s education promotes critical thinking and emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. Students are urged to question, innovate, and cultivate skills necessary for their future careers.

Easy Entry Requirements

New Zealand has an open border policy to encourage international students to study in New Zealand. There are around five different types of visas for studying in New Zealand. Depending on the course duration and your native country, the visa type might change. 

However, the general study visa requirements for New Zealand include the following documents:

• Acceptance letter from the educational provider
• Copy of Identity pages of passport
• Proof of funds to cover your living expense
• Visa Application fee
• Medical Certificate
• Police Clearance certificate
• Proof of payment of education fees
• Proof of funds to afford an airline ticket

Affordable Cost of Living & Studying

The educational expenses for studying in New Zealand range between:

• $20,000 to $40,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹33,00,000) for a bachelor's degree
• $20,000 to $45,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹37,00,000) for a Postgraduate degree
• $6,500 to $7,500 (₹5,40,000 to ₹6,20,000) for PhD students

The living cost can depend on your lifestyle and the part of New Zealand you live in. On average, it costs around $20,000 to $27,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹22,40,000) to live in Auckland and Wellington, while it can go as low as $18,000 to $21,000 (₹15,00,000 to ₹17,50,000) in Dunedin.

Most student visas permit part-time employment, and therefore, you might be able to offset most of the cost by working part-time up to 20 hours a week during the semester or full-time in the holidays. 

New Zealand Student Visa Success Rate

New Zealand maintains a good 58% success rate for student visa applications from India. The government's efficient visa system and clear guidelines offer a smooth application process, ensuring qualified applicants can pursue their education in New Zealand without unnecessary hurdles.

Stay Back After Your Education in New Zealand 

After completing their studies in New Zealand, international students can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. This visa allows them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on the level of their completed qualification.

Immigration Benefits:

• Stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years based on your study level and duration in the country.
• Work for any employer in any job if you have a Level 7 qualification or above.
• Work in a job related to your field of study if your qualification is below Level 7, provided it is on the list of qualifications eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

Job Opportunities

Although New Zealand is well known for its strong academic background and skillful minds from top universities, but the smaller population size and density make it easier for skilled youth to find labor.

It is evident that firms and businesses all around welcome graduates from New Zealand due to their skillful and creative mindsets after completing their education. 

Safe and Secure Environment

Want to know why New Zealand is a good place to study? New Zealand offers a safe and secure environment for international students, backed by its reputation as one of the most peaceful and least corrupt countries globally. With a high standard of living, students benefit from clean air, a healthy lifestyle, and access to quality food and accommodation.

Top Universities in New Zealand

Why choose New Zealand? Following are the top universities in New Zealand according to the QS Rankings 2025:

QS Ranking 2025	University
65	The University of Auckland
214	University of Otago
235	University of Waikato
=239	Massey University
244	Victoria University of Wellington
=261	University of Canterbury
=371	Lincoln University
412	Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Scholarships for Indian Students

The following are notable scholarships available for Indian students pursuing studies in New Zealand:

Name of Scholarship	Description	Benefits
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)	Funded by the New Zealand government, these scholarships support Indian students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand.	Full tuition fees, living stipend, health insurance (up to NZD 25,000 tax-free), and health insurance coverage (up to NZD 600 annually)
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships	Available for Indian students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.	Full tuition fees, living allowance (NZD 491 per week), travel and health insurance, establishment allowance  (NZD 3,000)
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)	Supported by Education New Zealand and New Zealand universities, these scholarships are for Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies.	Scholarship amount of around NZD 10,000.
SEG Scholarship	Funded by Soshi Educational Group for geophysics and related geosciences studies.	Scholarships available annually (NZD 7,000 annually for Scholarship A, NZD 5,000 annually for Scholarship B) and other programs (NZD 3,000 annually for Scholarship C).
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship	Sponsored by Palmerston North City Council to promote the city as a destination for international students.	NZD 1,000 towards first-year tuition.

More Articles on Scholarships in New Zealand for Indian Students:
New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students	Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students

New Zealand Study Visa and PSWV

The New Zealand Study Visa provides international students with the opportunity to pursue their education in a country known for its high standard of living and quality education system. 

Upon completion of their studies, graduates can apply for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV), which allows them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their level of study. Those with a degree level 7 or above qualification can work in any job, whereas those with lower qualifications can work in a job related to their field if it's on the eligible list.

This visa pathway facilitates professional growth and offers a safe and supportive environment for students and their families. It includes provisions for partners to apply for work visas and for dependent children to study as domestic students. 

The New Zealand Study Visa and PSWV enable graduates to integrate into the workforce and contribute to New Zealand's vibrant multicultural society.

Read More in Detail About Visa Process for New Zealand:
Student Visa Process for New Zealand	Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

How to Get PR in New Zealand 

To obtain a Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand, several pathways are available depending on your circumstances, qualifications, and goals. Here are the primary pathways to get PR in New Zealand:

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is a points-based system designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. To be eligible, you typically need to:

• Meet the age requirement (under 56 years).
• Score sufficient points based on your age, qualifications, work experience, job offer in New Zealand, and family ties.
• Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List or meet other specific criteria.

The process involves an Expression of Interest (EOI), where you submit your details and points score. If selected from the pool of EOIs, you'll be invited to apply for residency.

Family Category

If you have close family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents, you may be eligible to apply for residency under the Family Category. Eligible relationships include:

• Partners (spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner).
• Dependent children.
• Parents and dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents.

Each relationship category has specific requirements, such as proving the genuineness and duration of the relationship.

Work to Residence Visa

The Work to Residence Visa allows skilled workers with a job offer in New Zealand to work in the country and then transition to residency initially. This pathway usually involves two stages:

• Work Visa: Initially, you obtain a temporary work visa based on a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
• Residence Visa: After working in New Zealand for a specified period (usually 24 months) and meeting other criteria, you can apply for residency under the Residence from Work category.

Investor Categories

For investors and entrepreneurs, there are specific visa categories that lead to residency:

• Investor Visa: Requires a significant investment in New Zealand, typically NZD 3 million or NZD 10 million, depending on the category.
• Entrepreneur Visa: For individuals who have successfully established a business in New Zealand.

Other Categories

There are additional pathways that may lead to PR in New Zealand, such as:

• Resident Visa: For individuals living in New Zealand on other visas and meeting certain criteria.
• Refugee Family Support Category: Allows refugees settled in New Zealand to sponsor their family members.

General Requirements for PR in New Zealand

• Character: Applicants must be of good character, which includes providing police certificates.
• Health: Applicants and their dependents must meet health requirements.
• Residency Conditions: Generally, applicants must have held a relevant visa with its conditions for a specified period.

Read More: PR in New Zealand

How to Study in New Zealand

To study in New Zealand, follow the given steps:

• Choose what to study: Decide on your preferred course or program of study based on your interests and career goals.
• Plan your budget: Calculate the total costs, including tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and other necessary expenses. Create a budget plan to manage your finances effectively during your studies.
• Apply for your course: Research and apply to the educational institution of your choice. Ensure you meet all the admission requirements and submit all necessary documents, such as academic transcripts and language proficiency scores.
• Apply for your visa: Once accepted into your chosen course, apply for a student visa through Immigration New Zealand. Provide all required documents, including your offer of place from the institution, proof of sufficient funds, and health insurance.
• Get ready to start: After receiving your visa approval, make travel arrangements to New Zealand. Plan for accommodation, familiarize yourself with the city or town where you'll study, and prepare for orientation and enrollment at your educational institution.

Related Articles:
Study in New Zealand	Why Study in New Zealand
Intakes in New Zealand	Cost of studying in New Zealand
Cost of Living in New Zealand	Jobs in New Zealand for Indians

Conclusion

The recognizable educational qualifications and frameworks laid out by New Zealand have made it more accessible and acceptable globally. Therefore, studying in New Zealand can be a great way to boost your career prospects.