Auckland skyline with the Sky Tower at dusk

STUDY IN ASIA PACIFIC

Undergraduate & postgraduate study

Study in New Zealand

A compact university system with space for independent study, practical projects and outdoor life.

Compare New Zealand Universities & courses

Undergraduate tuition NZ$35,000–NZ$55,000 Typical international tuition / year · NZD

Typical fee range Annual national guide; updated March 2025

Postgraduate tuition NZ$20,000–NZ$45,000 Published postgraduate fee range · NZD

Guide range · period unstated National PG guide; fee period not specified

Living budget / month NZ$1,500–NZ$2,250 Reference budget · see conditions below

Why students choose New Zealand

The eight-university system makes it manageable to compare institutions in detail rather than build an unwieldy shortlist.

Environmental science, agriculture, engineering and computing connect naturally with the country’s research and industries.

Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin offer quite different student experiences and accommodation costs.

Explore strengths in Technology Engineering Business Health

Universities & courses

Undergraduate courses

Computer science
Engineering
Agriculture
Business
Nursing
Environmental science

Postgraduate courses

Information technology
Data science
Management
Public health
Engineering
Environmental studies

Universities & institutions

QS World University Rankings 2027 · Overall

University of Auckland

QS 2027 · 67 overall

University of Otago

QS 2027 · 198 overall

Victoria University of Wellington

QS 2027 · =241 overall

Intakes & start dates

When can you start?

February and July are the main starts. Some postgraduate courses have additional entry points; research starts may be arranged with the department.

Start dates vary by programme.

Tuition & living costs

Undergraduate tuition · NZD NZ$35,000–NZ$55,000 Typical international tuition / year

Typical fee range Annual national guide; updated March 2025

Postgraduate tuition · NZD NZ$20,000–NZ$45,000 Published postgraduate fee range

Guide range · period unstated National PG guide; fee period not specified

What these tuition figures coverCountry-level international planning ranges. The undergraduate range was updated in March 2025 and remains the published national guide. The postgraduate band has no explicit fee year or annual/whole-course period on the page; do not present it as a verified 2026 annual average. Medicine and veterinary science can cost more.

Typical living reference / month · NZD NZ$1,500–NZ$2,250 Housing and daily expenses depend on the city and your choices.

National agency city references are NZD 20,000–27,000/year for Auckland/Wellington and NZD 18,000–21,000/year in Dunedin, equivalent to NZD 1,500–2,250 monthly across the stated references. Keep city distinctions and describe a planning range, not a measured national average.

Part-time work & careers

Up to 25 hours / week if permitted

Eligible student visas issued under the rules from 3 November 2025 can allow 25 hours weekly during study. An older visa with a 20-hour condition needs an approved variation to use 25. Scheduled holiday rights and unrestricted work for eligible research master’s/PhD students depend on the visa.

After your degree

A Post Study Work Visa can last up to three years, depending on the qualification and study completed. Eligibility differs for degree and non-degree qualifications; a job is not guaranteed.

Career fields to investigate

Software & analytics Engineering Agritech Environmental services Health professions

Notable student cities

Auckland

The largest university and business concentration, with varied suburbs and housing options.

Wellington

Policy, digital work and creative sectors in a compact capital.

Dunedin

A strong student-city identity centred on the University of Otago.

Back to destinations Compare destinations