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Study in

New Zealand

Eight government-funded universities, accredited Institutes of Technology, and a Post-Study Work Visa that maps to graduation level.

Typical starts

February, July

Application

Programme-specific

Work guidance

Check live national rules

Popular subjects

Construction Management, Information Technology, Healthcare

Direct answer

Is New Zealand a good study destination for you?

Eight government-funded universities, accredited Institutes of Technology, and a Post-Study Work Visa that maps to graduation level.

Applicant fit

What to verify before applying

A useful shortlist connects your academic profile to a verified programme and a realistic application plan.

Good applicant fit

  • Up to 3 years depending on qualification and study length; degree-level 7 or higher can allow open work, while eligible non-degree qualifications carry study-related work conditions.
  • Construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT route to residency.
  • All eight NZ universities sit in the QS top 500.

Programme verification

  • Confirm the awarding institution and exact programme
  • Check entry, language, campus, delivery, and recognition
  • Read deposits, refunds, placement, and progression terms before paying

Application route

Build the route around the exact programme

  1. 1

    Choose the exact programme and verify its entry requirements

  2. 2

    Prepare the academic, language, and programme-specific documents

  3. 3

    Review the offer, conditions, provider terms, and next steps before accepting

  4. 4

    Use the live authority guidance for any visa or residence stage

Budget planning

Plan categories, then check live costs

Tuition, visa charges, living costs, financial-evidence rules, wages, scholarships, and salary thresholds change regularly. Use the live sources below and contact Earthlink for a current, profile-specific check.

Tuition and provider charges

Use the provider's current course page for tuition, compulsory fees, insurance, and materials.

Living and travel

Build a city-specific plan for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and flights.

Visa and financial evidence

Use Immigration New Zealand's live guidance for current charges and evidence requirements.

Scholarship checks

  • New Zealand Excellence Awards
  • University-specific entry scholarships

Education and subject choice

Three-year Bachelors, one to two-year Masters, with Postgraduate Diplomas widely available.

  • Construction Management
  • Information Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture & Environment

Document categories

  • Transcripts
  • IELTS 6.0/6.5
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Current financial evidence
  • Medical and chest X-ray

Work and post-study

Eligible students with the relevant visa condition may work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks. Holders of an older visa that still states 20 hours must obtain a variation of conditions or a new visa before working the extra hours. Post Study Work Visa duration depends on qualification and study length.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about studying in New Zealand

Does studying in New Zealand help with Australian PR?

Indirectly — NZ citizenship (obtainable after 5 years of residency) unlocks near-automatic Australian residency under the trans-Tasman agreement and the 2023 direct-citizenship pathway.

How much money do I need for a New Zealand student visa?

Use Immigration New Zealand's live guidance for the current amount, coverage period, and accepted evidence, then ask Earthlink to review the document plan.

What is the Post-Study Work Visa duration?

A Post Study Work Visa can last up to 3 years, depending on qualification level and how long the applicant studied in New Zealand. A degree-level 7 or higher qualification studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can allow open work. A non-degree level 7 or lower qualification must be on INZ’s eligible list and the work must relate to the study.

Which NZ occupations lead to residency the fastest?

The Green List (Tier 1) offers Straight to Residence for construction, engineering, healthcare, ICT (senior roles), and teaching. Tier 2 offers Work to Residence after two years of qualifying employment.

Can I bring my partner and children to New Zealand?

Masters and PhD students can bring a partner on an open work visa and school-age children who attend as domestic students. Bachelors and Diploma students face restrictions.

Are New Zealand universities good enough for a global career?

All eight public NZ universities sit in the QS Top 500. Auckland is Top 100, and Otago, Wellington, Canterbury, and Massey are consistently Top 300 in their subject areas.

Ready to shortlist New Zealand?

Get a profile-led programme shortlist and a current source check before you commit.