Lori Meadows
New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering stunning natural landscapes and excellent academic opportunities. The country has eight universities, and international students can expect to pay between NZ$25,000 and $45,000 per year, with higher fees for certain courses such as medicine and veterinary science. Postgraduate fees range from $20,000 to $37,000, and PhD programmes cost between $6,500 and $9,000 per year. To study at a New Zealand university, international students must prove their English language proficiency, usually through tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo English Test. Students will also need to apply for a student visa, which allows full-time study for up to four years. International graduate students in New Zealand can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, while PhD and master's students can work without restrictions. After completing their studies, graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Language | English is the nation's first language and the standard teaching language in its universities |
| Culture | The country's distinct culture has been strongly influenced by the native Maori people of the island. |
| Popular cities | Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington |
| Number of universities | 8 |
| Tuition fees for international students | On average, between NZ$25,000 and $45,000 per year |
| Postgraduate fees | Between $20,000 and $37,000 per year |
| PhD fees | Between $6,500 and $9,000 per year |
| Work rights for international students | Full-time international undergraduate students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week in term time and full time in the holidays, while PhD and master’s students can work without restrictions on hours |
| Work rights for PhD and Masters research students | Unlimited work rights |
| Student visa requirements | An offer of place from a New Zealand education provider, evidence of your health and character, and evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay |
| Post-study work visa | Allows graduates to stay and work for up to three years |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in New Zealand as an international graduate student, you will need to apply for a student visa. The most common student visa for international students is the Fee-Paying Student Visa, which allows you to study full-time for up to four years. You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider. The visa is available for study with approved Pathway Education Providers and for some courses of study.
To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- An offer of a place from your education provider
- Evidence of your health and character
- Proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay, such as bank statements or a financial undertaking form
- A completed Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012)
- A letter of acceptance from your host institution
- Receipt of payment of your tuition fees
In addition, while there are no English language requirements to apply for a student visa, most universities will require proof of your English-speaking ability before offering you a place. The most popular English language proficiency tests for international students include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET).
It is important to note that you must meet all student visa requirements throughout your stay in New Zealand. If you are no longer enrolled in a programme of study, your student visa will be terminated.
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English language proficiency tests
To enrol in a graduate programme in New Zealand as an international student, you must meet the English language proficiency requirements. These requirements do not apply if you are enrolling in an English language programme or a programme taught in a language other than English.
The English language proficiency tests accepted by New Zealand universities include the IELTS Academic, the TOEFL iBT, the PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). The IELTS Indicator is also accepted if students are unable to take the IELTS Academic test in person. The cost of these tests ranges from £40 to £200.
IELTS results are recognised in over 140 countries and are accepted by all educational institutions. The test has four sections: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. Each module is evaluated on a scale from 0.0 to 9.0 points, with a 0.5-point increment. The total score, known as the Overall Score Band, is formed from these individual section scores. For level 6-7 programmes, a total score of 6.0 is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each section. For level 8-9 programmes, a total score of 6.5 is needed, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.
The NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in English Language) is another English language exam recognised in New Zealand. NZCEL level 4 is considered equivalent to IELTS 6.0, and NZCEL level 5 is equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
If you have received a degree from an accredited institution in a country where English is the primary language, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, you may not need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores. However, if you received your degree more than two years before applying and have been residing in a non-English-speaking country, you must submit current test scores.
It is important to note that specific English language proficiency requirements may vary between universities and programmes. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your chosen university directly to understand their expectations and ensure you meet their specific requirements.
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Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for international graduate students in New Zealand vary depending on the university and course choice. On average, international students pay between NZ$25,000 and NZ$45,000 per year. Postgraduate fees range from about NZ$20,000 to NZ$37,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. PhD programmes in most subjects cost between NZ$6,500 and NZ$9,000 per year, and PhD students have the same rights as master's students to work without restrictions. PhD programmes cost the same for domestic and international students, but international professional doctorate students pay international fees.
Tuition fees in New Zealand can change from year to year, so it is important to check the latest information on the official university website. In addition to tuition fees, international students should consider the cost of accommodation, food, transport, and other living expenses. It is recommended to budget between 750 and 1,300 EUR per month to live in New Zealand.
International students can also explore scholarship opportunities to help fund their studies in New Zealand. Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand Government, universities, and private organisations. It is important to start looking and applying for scholarships early in the university application process and to pay attention to deadlines.
International students on a student visa are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZ$23.15 per hour. However, students should always check their visa conditions before taking on any paid work. After completing their studies, graduates can apply for a post-study work visa to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
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Work rights for graduate students
International students in New Zealand are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week if they are enrolled in a full-time programme of study that results in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). They can also work part-time if they are enrolled in a programme that is at least one academic year long and is part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme. International graduate students can also work full-time during vacations if they are studying full-time for at least one academic year.
There are no restrictions on the number of hours PhD and Masters research students can work while studying. However, it is important to thoroughly check your visa conditions before taking on any paid work. For instance, under no circumstances can you be self-employed.
If you want to stay in New Zealand after completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows graduates to stay and work for up to three years. To be eligible, you must have completed a full-time degree at Level 7 or above, or a non-degree Level 7 or below qualification that is on the Qualifications Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa list. The job you take must be related to what you studied.
New Zealand has a thriving service industry, a strong focus on international trade, and growing green energy and tech sectors, providing graduates with a range of career opportunities.
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Career opportunities after graduation
International students in New Zealand have a wide range of career opportunities after graduation. The country boasts high degree completion and employment rates, as well as low rates of underemployment.
Full-time international undergraduate students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. PhD and master's students can work without any restrictions on hours. The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZ$23.15 per hour.
For those who wish to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies, the Post-study Work Visa allows graduates to stay and work for up to three years. This visa provides a pathway to acquiring resident status. To be eligible, graduates must have completed a full-time degree at level 7 or above for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. The job taken must be related to the graduate's field of study.
New Zealand's biggest industry is agriculture, but there are also thriving service and international trade sectors. The green energy and tech sectors are also growing, providing graduates with a range of career options.
There is a high demand for skilled professionals in certain sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. The film industry in Wellington is also a popular career destination. International students with postgraduate degrees or doctoral qualifications have increased opportunities for employment and can apply for the Post-study Work Visa.
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Frequently asked questions
To apply for a student visa, you will need an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider, evidence of your health and character, and evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. You will also need to prove your English-speaking ability, although there is no English language requirement to apply for a student visa.
Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university and course, but international students can expect to pay between NZ$25,000 and NZ$45,000 per year. Postgraduate fees range from NZ$20,000 to NZ$37,000, while a PhD programme can cost between NZ$6,500 to NZ$9,000 per year.
Full-time international undergraduate students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during the holidays. PhD and master's students can work without restrictions on hours.
