For international students, New Zealand offers a well-regarded education system, a safe society and life in a country known for its landscape.
The New Zealand system is modelled on the British one, and assessment rests on academic and research performance rather than examination marks alone. Given the reasonable cost of studying and living there, this guide covers the documents and steps needed to secure a place, tuition and scholarships, the levels of study, the leading universities and how admission works. If you are considering a New Zealand student visa, read on.
Requirements for studying in New Zealand
Start with what the country asks of you. New Zealand has opened up considerably to migration in recent years, and its education system has substantial capacity for international students, along with good post-study work prospects. Teaching is in English, so alongside a recognised academic qualification you need a language certificate such as academic IELTS, TOEFL or PTE before you approach universities for admission.
For admission you generally need academic transcripts, a CV, references from previous lecturers and a statement of purpose. Some subjects also require a portfolio, an entrance test or an online interview.
Studying at universities in New Zealand
Plan the process carefully. If the administrative work and the correspondence with universities is more than you want to take on, the Aval Visa team can handle admissions while you focus on your language test and interviews. If you would rather do it yourself, the route is as follows.
The first step is choosing a university. Compare institutions, read the entry requirements and tuition fees, ask about funding, and apply to the ones that fit your profile.
On the admissions page of each university’s website, check the entry requirements, the application deadline, the fees and the documents needed, then submit your application at least three days before the official deadline, paying the application fee where one applies. You will usually need your degree certificate, transcripts, language certificate, statement of purpose and references.
Read more: A full guide to the New Zealand investor visa
If the supervisor, department and faculty are satisfied, the university issues a formal offer of place and you can start the student visa application with Immigration New Zealand. At that stage the university may ask for additional documents such as further references or a police certificate. If your funds are limited, apply for scholarships and for university accommodation at the same point. With that covered, here are the documents you need.
Documents required to study in New Zealand
What you need depends on the level and the subject, but in general the list is as follows:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic certificates and transcripts | Original and translation |
| English language certificate | TOEFL, IELTS or PTE |
| Motivation letter | Explanation of study goals |
| Letters of recommendation | At least two |
| CV | Listing all academic history |
| Medical certificate and police clearance | As required by the university |
| Proof of funds | Ability to cover tuition and living costs |
Scholarships in New Zealand
Funding tuition and living costs is a common concern, and New Zealand universities offer a range of scholarships and grants to strong applicants with good academic records. Some of the better-known schemes are below:
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are the best-known government awards for international students. Funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, they cover tuition, health insurance and living costs. Competition is strong and applicants need a high academic standard. The awards are open only to citizens of the countries on the programme’s official list, and Iran is not on it (checked 6 October 2026).
The Zero Fees Scheme is offered only by the Southern Institute of Technology. It covers tuition fees on eligible programmes; living costs are not included. It is open only to New Zealand citizens, New Zealand residents, permanent residents and Australian citizens living in New Zealand for the duration of their study, so you cannot use it on a student visa.
Universities also run their own awards for international students. Auckland, Otago and Victoria University of Wellington all offer them.
University of Auckland: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html
University of Otago: https://www.otago.ac.nz/
Victoria University of Wellington: wgtn.ac.nz/
New Zealand’s leading universities
New Zealand has eight public universities, all well placed in the global rankings, with strong teaching and research conditions for their students. The table below sets them out:
| University | QS world rank | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | See the current QS World University Rankings edition | Largest and most prestigious university in New Zealand |
| University of Otago | See the current QS World University Rankings edition | Oldest university in the country, internationally known for medicine |
| Victoria University of Wellington | See the current QS World University Rankings edition | Well regarded for political science, law and the arts |
| University of Canterbury | See the current QS World University Rankings edition | Among the best universities for engineering and computer science |
| University of Waikato | See the current QS World University Rankings edition | Known for respected business and social science programmes |
Is free study in New Zealand realistic?
A question that comes up often is whether it is possible to study in New Zealand without paying.
For an international student, study in New Zealand means paying tuition, and the only route to studying free of charge is a scholarship or a funded place. If you do not secure one, you have to show Immigration New Zealand that you have the funds to cover your tuition and living costs while you are there.
Recommended reading: our guide to the New Zealand work visa.
Studying in New Zealand with Aval Visa
New Zealand is a serious option for students who want good teaching, a safe environment and a route into the international job market after graduation.
Its universities have international standing, a range of scholarships and English-taught programmes. If you are considering a New Zealand student visa, contact the Aval Visa office for detailed advice on preparing your application.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I study in New Zealand without a language certificate?
Some universities offer conditional admission, with an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course first. An IELTS or TOEFL certificate significantly improves your chances of both admission and a visa.
2. What does living in New Zealand cost?
If you are paying for yourself, Immigration New Zealand’s student visa page asks for proof of NZD 20,000 for living costs if your course lasts a year or longer, or NZD 1,667 for each month if it is shorter. You do not need to show the money for later years yet. Six universities listed on the official NauMai NZ student portal suggest budgeting NZD 18,000 to NZD 27,000 a year, depending on the city, though the portal notes that some costs may not be included (checked 6 October 2026).
3. Can students work?
Yes. If your visa conditions allow work, the limit on a student visa granted from 3 November 2025 is 25 hours a week. If your visa was granted earlier, you need to apply to vary its conditions, or for a new student visa, to work 25 hours. Full-time work during scheduled breaks is allowed only if your course meets Immigration New Zealand’s conditions, and students on a doctoral or research master’s programme have no limit on weekly hours. The conditions are set out on Immigration New Zealand’s student work page (checked 6 October 2026); check the ones attached to your own visa too, as they vary by programme.
4. What are the entry requirements at each level?
Bachelor’s: twelve years of schooling and IELTS 6.
Master’s: a bachelor’s degree and IELTS 6.5 or above.
Doctorate: a strong CV, a statement of purpose, a research proposal and IELTS 7.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and it describes published official rules rather than any individual case.
