Did you know that over 69,000 international students choose New Zealand each year? It’s not just for the stunning scenery (although that’s a bonus!)—New Zealand’s universities are known for their high-quality education, excellent teaching, and active student communities.
What’s more? Graduates from New Zealand universities do really well in the job market. On average, bachelor’s degree holders earn around INR 32L (NZD 64K) per year, and some industries, like energy and utilities, pay even higher at about INR 36L (NZD 74K). Plus, within two years of graduating, over 80% of students find jobs. Sounds pretty good, right?
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This guide will walk you through the top universities in New Zealand and why so many international students love studying there. Ready to discover which New Zealand university could be the perfect place for your higher education journey? Dive in.
Key Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Universities in New Zealand | University of Auckland University of Otago University of Waikato |
| Approx. Average Cost of University in New Zealand | INR 11L (NZD 22.3K) |
| Monthly Cost of Living | INR 86.5K (NZD 1.7K) |
| Scholarships Amount | Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships: NZD 10K (INR 5L) University of Otago Global Scholarships: NZD 15K (INR 8L) |
Top 8 Universities in New Zealand for International Students
Do you know that New Zealand’s education strategy for 2018–2030 prioritises providing an outstanding experience for international students? Choosing to study there means you’re making a well-supported decision.
What’s more? The top universities in New Zealand offer two primary intakes, providing greater flexibility in choosing when to begin your studies. The Winter intake starts in January, while the Spring intake begins in June.
Many Indian students like you opt for the Spring session, which aligns well with the end of the academic year, giving you time to prepare for the transition.
Here’s an overview of top universities in New Zealand.
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is New Zealand’s most prominent university. It has over 40,000 students, including 7,000 international students from 120+ countries.
Located in Auckland, a top global city for quality of living, the university offers five campuses in the heart of the country’s economic and cultural hub.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 65 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 19L (NZD 36.8K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 3L (NZD 5K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Social Work |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 75% to 80% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 80 |
2. University of Otago
The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university, established in 1869. With a population of over 21,000 students, it prides itself on high levels of student satisfaction and produces globally employable graduates. 95% of students enter directly into further study or work.
Otago offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across different divisions.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 214 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 3L to INR 4L (NZD 6K to NZD 8.5K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 90K (NZD 1.8K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Commerce Law Honours (LLB) |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 80 |
3. University of Waikato
Established in 1964, the University of Waikato has two campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, and it enrols over 12,500 students.
Known for its globally recognised Waikato Management School and pioneering AI research, the university offers a unique focus on Māori and Indigenous Studies.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 235 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 15L to INR 18L (NZD 31K to NZD 35K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 2L (NZD 3.4K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Business BA in Education and Society |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 75% to 80% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL:80 |
4. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington, established in 1897, is home to 22,000 students, including over 3,000 international students from 100+ countries.
The university offers nearly 200 programs and hosts over 40 research centres. It is a leader in research and global education.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 239 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 16L (NZD 31.7K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 2.6L (NZD 5.3K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelors in Humanities and Social Sciences Bachelors in Commerce |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 75% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 90 |
5. Massey University
Established in 1927, Massey University is home to over 5,000 international students from 100+ countries. It’s renowned for its flexible, world-class online education and research and for offering internationally recognised qualifications.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 244 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 15L to INR 21L (NZD 30K to NZD 41K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 2L (NZD 3K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Creative Media Production Master of Creative Enterprise |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 75 to 85% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 to 6.5 TOEFL: 80 to 90 |
6. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury (UC), established in 1873, offers a distinctive educational experience in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Known for its strong research focus and commitment to Māori values, UC has an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. Its 140,000+ alumni worldwide are part of a great community driving positive change.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 261 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 17L to INR 35L (NZD 33K to NZD 35K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 2L (NZD 3K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelors in Arts, Education & Social Science MBA in Business & Accountancy |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 55% to 75% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.5 to 7 TOEFL: 90 to 100 |
7. Lincoln University
Lincoln University, established in 1878, is New Zealand’s only specialised land-based university. It focuses on agriculture, viticulture, environmental studies, and more.
With students from over 80 countries and a low student-to-lecturer ratio, Lincoln offers personalised education and practical, applied learning experiences, including field trips.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 371 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 8L to INR 18L (NZD 17K to NZD 36K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 81. K (NZD 1.6K) |
| Popular Programs | BA Hons Marketing and Advertising Master of Environmental Management |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 65% |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 to 7.0 TOEFL: 79 to 100 |
8. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is the second largest university in New Zealand, with students from 140 different countries, highlighting its diverse student community. It has more than 5,000 industry partners around the world, making it one of the top universities in terms of employability.
Key Highlights
| QS Ranking 2025 | 412 |
| Cost of Studying | INR 19L to INR 22L (NZD 37K to NZD 45K) |
| Cost of Living | INR 3L (NZD 5K) |
| Popular Programs | Bachelor of Business Master of Philosophy |
| Entry Requirements | Minimum Percentage: 40 – 70 % |
| English Language Proficiency Scores | IELTS: 6.0 – 7.0 TOEFL: 80 – 98 |
When it comes to academics, New Zealand universities don’t just focus on education but also on preparing students for successful careers in a range of high-demand fields, such as engineering, business, and technology. Graduates from New Zealand often find themselves in well-paying roles, with tech and business professionals leading the pack in salary prospects. Now, explore some of the top universities in New Zealand for different fields.
Best Engineering Universities in New Zealand for International Students
Do you know the average annual salary for Engineer jobs in New Zealand ranges from INR 67L to INR 84L (USD 80K to USD 100K)? If you plan to study engineering in New Zealand, check out some of the best engineering universities in the country.
| University in New Zealand | Top Engineering Programs | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | M.Eng in Chemical and Materials Engineering | INR 24L (NZD 50K) |
| University of Canterbury | B.Eng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering | INR 23L (NZD 48K) |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Master of Renewable Energy | INR 33L (NZD 68K) |
| University of Waikato | Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Environmental Engineering | INR 17L (NZD 35K) |
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Top Business Universities in New Zealand for International Students
Before diving into the details of top business universities in New Zealand, here’s an interesting fact: Do you know the average annual salary of an operations manager in New Zealand ranges from INR 28L to INR 84L (NZD 55K to NZD 163K)? This makes studying business in New Zealand a lucrative option.
Top Business Universities in New Zealand Overview
| University Name | Top Business Program | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland University of Technology | Master of Business Analytics | INR 28L (NZD 58K) |
| University of Otago | MBA (Master of Business Administration) | INR 32L (NZD 66K) |
| University of Canterbury | MBA (Master of Business Administration) | INR 28L (NZD 58K) |
Top Technology Universities in New Zealand for International Students
Did you know that IT professionals in New Zealand earn an average annual salary of INR 30L to INR 62L (NZD 60K to NZD 125K), with roles like software engineers and data scientists in high demand? If you are aiming for a tech-driven career, here are some top universities offering cutting-edge technology programmes:
| University Name | Top Technology Programme | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | Master of Computer Science | INR 26L (NZD 52K) |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Master of Artificial Intelligence | INR 32L (NZD 64K) |
| Massey University | Master of Information Sciences | INR 21L (NZD 43K) |
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Application Process at Top Universities in New Zealand
Applying to top universities in New Zealand involves a series of steps to assess your eligibility and fit for your chosen program.
Here’s a general guide to help you understand the application process.
- Select Program and University: Decide on the university and specific program you wish to study.
- Check Requirements: Verify the program’s academic and language requirements.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form on the university’s website, attaching necessary documents like transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the required fee online during the application process, typically INR 5K (NZD 100).
- Await Decision: Wait for the university to review your application and issue a decision.
- Accept Offer: If offered admission, accept the offer to secure your place.
Apply for a Visa: With the offer letter, apply for a student visa. The visa acceptance rate is nearly 80%. Below is an overview.
| Visa Type | Approx. Visa Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | INR 37K (NZD 750) | 6 weeks |
Scholarships Provided by Top Universities in New Zealand
Securing a scholarship can significantly reduce your financial burden when considering studying at top universities in New Zealand.
Did you know? The University of Otago Global Scholarships offer benefits to new international Bachelor degree students from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam who are commencing their studies in 2025 or 2026.
Major Scholarships Overview.
| Scholarship Name | University Name | Award Amount Offered |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship | University of Auckland | Up to NZD 10K (INR 5L) bi-annually |
| Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | Up to NZD 10K (INR 5L) yearly |
| University of Otago Global Scholarships | University of Otago | NZD 15K (INR 8L) total lump sum |
| ADB-Japan Scholarship Program | University of Auckland | Fully funded (lump sum) |
| Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship | Lincoln University | NZD 2.5K (INR 1L) total |
Cost of Living in New Zealand
Do you know the cost of living in New Zealand is 15.1% lower than in the United States? The cost of living in New Zealand is INR 86.5K (NZD 1.7K) per month without rent.
Living costs in New Zealand vary depending on lifestyle and location. Due to lower housing and transport expenses, living in smaller towns can be more affordable than in big cities.
Monthly Expenses Overview
| Particulars | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Food & Grocery | INR 30K to INR 40K (NZD 600 to NZD 800) per month |
| Transportation | INR 9K (NZD 182) |
| Utility Bills | INR 11K (NZD 230) |
| Personal Expenses | INR 6K (NZD 116) |
| Rent | NR 93K (NZD 1.8K) |
Why Study in New Zealand for Indian Students?
Do you know the New Zealand government passed a budget of almost INR 25K crore (NZD 4.9 billion) in 2023 to be spent on the country’s education system in the next five years?
If this doesn’t inspire you enough to study in New Zealand, the following reasons will. Have a look.
1. Excellence in Education
New Zealand’s universities are highly regarded worldwide, excelling in fields like engineering, medicine, and communication as per the 2024 QS Ranking.
2. Strong Job Market
The University of Auckland ranks 87th globally for graduate employability according to Times Higher Education 2023-2024. Additionally, New Zealand’s low unemployment rate of 4.3% as of March 2024 contrasts sharply with the 8.1% unemployment rate in India, enhancing job prospects for graduates.
3. Safety
Ranked as the 4th safest country in the world, New Zealand offers a secure environment for international students, with a low overall crime rate of 4.08%. This makes it a worry-free destination for studying and living.
4. Quality of Life
Known for its work-life balance and serene environment, New Zealand ranks as the 11th happiest country globally according to Forbes. This contributes significantly to a positive student experience.
5. Affordability
Studying in New Zealand is considerably more cost-effective compared to other popular educational destinations like the US and UK, making it an attractive option for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What are the top universities in New Zealand for international students?
Ans. Some of the top universities in New Zealand for international students include the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington. These institutions offer diverse programmes, excellent research facilities, and globally recognised qualifications. International students benefit from inclusive campus environments and resources tailored to their academic and personal needs.
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Q. What is the average cost of university in New Zealand?
Ans. The average cost of a university in New Zealand ranges from INR 11L to INR 29L (NZD 22K –57K) per year, depending on the programme and university. Engineering and business courses tend to be on the higher end. Additionally, living expenses average INR 86K (NZD 1.7K) per month, which includes housing, utilities, and personal expenses.
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Q. Which are the best universities in New Zealand for international students?
Ans. The best universities in New Zealand for international students include the University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). These universities are known for their strong academic reputation, diverse student communities, and high employability rates for graduates. They also offer scholarships to support international students financially.
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Q. What are the best engineering universities in New Zealand?
Ans. The best engineering universities in New Zealand include the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, and Victoria University of Wellington. These institutions are highly regarded for their engineering programmes in fields such as chemical engineering, renewable energy, and electronic engineering, providing students with practical exposure and job-ready skills.
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Q. Can you provide a list of universities in New Zealand?
Ans. Here is a list of universities in New Zealand.
University of Auckland
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington
Massey University
University of Canterbury
Lincoln University
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
These universities cater to various fields of study and have excellent facilities for international students. -
Q. What are the top 10 universities in New Zealand?
Ans. The top 10 universities in New Zealand include the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Waikato, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). These institutions rank highly for their academic offerings, research output, and graduate employability.
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Q. Which are the top business universities in New Zealand?
Ans. The top business universities in New Zealand include Auckland University of Technology (AUT), University of Otago, and the University of Canterbury. These universities offer programmes such as Master of Business Analytics, MBA, and Bachelor of Business, designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills. Graduates from these institutions are well-prepared for high-paying roles in fields like operations management and business strategy.
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Q. Are there engineering universities in New Zealand for international students?
Ans. Yes, several engineering universities in New Zealand welcome international students. The University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, and the University of Waikato are known for offering world-class engineering programmes. These institutions provide practical training, internships, and research opportunities tailored to global industry standards.
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Q. What are the benefits of studying at the best universities in New Zealand?
Ans. Studying at the best universities in New Zealand offers international students a high-quality education, global recognition, and outstanding job prospects. Students also enjoy a safe, inclusive, and culturally diverse environment. Furthermore, the affordability of education and living expenses makes New Zealand an attractive destination for those seeking a well-rounded and enriching academic experience.
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Q. How can I apply to universities in New Zealand?
Ans. To apply to universities in New Zealand, choose a programme and ensure you meet its entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English proficiency scores like IELTS or TOEFL. Submit an online application with documents like transcripts, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters. Pay the application fee, and upon receiving an offer, confirm your acceptance and apply for a student visa.
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Q. Why should international students consider universities in New Zealand?
Ans. International students should consider universities in New Zealand for their excellent academic standards, affordable tuition, and strong support for international learners. The country offers a safe environment, a high quality of life, and abundant career opportunities post-graduation. With two flexible intakes and diverse courses, it’s an ideal destination for higher education.
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