Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream destination from students all over the world. And with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and first-class educational institutions, it comes as no surprise! Studying in New Zealand means a lot more than academic excellence: small class sizes and practice-oriented teaching make for a great learning atmosphere. A lively campus life, lots of events as well as an open and warm society contribute to the intercultural experience that is studying in New Zealand. Last but not least, the country’s luscious greenery makes any nature-loving student’s heart skip a beat.

Before going off to study in New Zealand, you should familiarise yourself with the most important requirements and details involved. Feel free to use our “Studying in New Zealand” checklist below to jumpstart this exciting chapter of your life!

There are a few things to consider before signing up to study on the other side of the world:

Language skills: Having very good English skills is essential for international students wanting to study in New Zealand, which is why an official language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS is a common requirement.

University entrance qualification: You also need a university entrance qualification to study in New Zealand, such as the German Abitur or a similar qualification.

Application process: Each university has its own application requirements and deadlines. Depending on your study programme, you may need to submit extra documents or take relevant tests. Make sure you research your specific requirements well ahead of time to avoid missing any important deadlines.

Visa: You need a valid student visa to study in New Zealand. Depending on the duration and nature of your studies, you have the following options:

• Fee-Paying Student Visa: This visa is valid for a four-year full-time degree at a university or language school.
• Pathway Visa: This visa lasts up to five years and allows international students to complete up to three consecutive study programmes in New Zealand.
• If you would like to find out more about your visa options, have a look at the New Zealand’s government website.

Tuition fees: Tuition fees in New Zealand tend to be quite high, ranging from NZD 20,000 (EUR 11,000) to NZD 90,000 (EUR 50,000) a year, depending on the university.

Living costs: You will also need to factor in costs for rent, food, transportation and leisure activities, ranging anywhere from NZD 1,500 (EUR 850) to NZD 2,000 (EUR 1,200) a month.

Extra costs and requirements: You need health insurance to qualify for a student visa in New Zealand. Please also account for things like student services and teaching materials.

Studying in New Zealand is a diverse and vibrant experience. Modern campus facilities offer everything you need for work and play, including libraries, gyms, cafés and hangout spots for learning and social interaction. Universities usually also run clubs, associations and events, including sports, arts and cultural activities. You also get flexible housing options in New Zealand: many students live in halls right on campus, while others might opt for shared flats or stay with local host families. This is a popular choice especially in larger cities as you get to experience city life up close and personal. As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during an ongoing semester and even full-time during semester breaks. After graduation, you can get a Post-Study Work Visa to extend your stay and work in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s renowned study landscape features two main types of institutions: universities and state universities, aka Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s programmes, universities also offer postgraduate degrees, continuing education, and language courses. Compared to Germany, New Zealand’s higher education system is more hands-on, more flexible in terms of course selection, and more geared towards international students. University semesters run from the beginning of March to June and from July to November. Because New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, students get a summer break from December to February. A great opportunity to take an elective summer semester or enjoy some time off.

You have access to the following qualifications in New Zealand:

Bachelor’s degree: It usually takes three years to complete a bachelor’s degree in New Zealand. A bachelor’s degree is part of an undergraduate programme recognised on the international job market and also qualifies you for postgraduate programmes like a master’s degree.

Master’s degree: Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you can choose to continue with a master’s degree at a postgraduate level. A master’s usually takes two years to complete. You can get a master’s degree through independent research, by attending courses or by doing a combination of both.

Doctoral degree: A doctorate is the highest academic degree in New Zealand and takes three to six years to complete. To get a doctoral degree in New Zealand, you need a master’s or a bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class honours.

The New Zealand study system also offers degrees that are specific to the country itself: Certificates, short, practice-oriented degrees that teach vocational or technical skills, Diplomas, which provide in-depth subject knowledge and often act as a connector to a bachelor’s degree, and a Bachelor of Honours, a specialisation for gifted students. Please note that these degrees are generally not recognised outside of New Zealand.

Have you decided that you would like to study in New Zealand?  

Here are the documents you will need in English:

• Academic credentials, such as certificates or university transcripts
• Proof of English language skills
• Resume/CV
• Recommendation letter
• Financial records
• Certificate of good conduct
• Proof of good health
• Documents specific to your desired study programme