Top 8 Universities in New Zealand in 2024

What fueled your dream to study at some top universities in New Zealand? Was it because you are a movie buff, and ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ made you fall in love with the country? Or was it simply that students who graduate from New Zealand public universities get staggering high-salary jobs? We’re not kidding. 

The average annual salary for HR and accounting is approximately INR 41L. Engineers can make as much as INR 97L per year in New Zealand. And these salaries only increase further with experience.

You’d also be delighted to know you won’t feel homesick while studying at the top universities in New Zealand. Why? Because many Indian students choose to pursue their education from the best universities in New Zealand. 

According to official data, the New Zealand government has approved the visas of as many as 41,784 Indian students in the last 5 years. 

Feeling more confident about your decision to study in New Zealand? If so, you will love this guide. 

It has been exclusively crafted for all you curious minds looking to find the top universities in New Zealand for international students, different scholarships available, details on intakes in New Zealand universities in 2024, and so much more. 

Let’s get you started without further ado. 

Key Highlights

Feature	Details
Top Universities in New Zealand	The University of AucklandUniversity of OtagoMassey University
Top Courses from Best Universities in New Zealand	Executive Master of Business Administration Master of Engineering Project Management (MEPM)Master of Education
Annual Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Degree Courses	*INR 10L to INR 13L
Annual Tuition Fees for Masters Degree Courses	*INR 10L to INR 15L
Intakes in New Zealand, 2024	Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses in a University: February, July Vocational Courses in Institutes/Colleges: February, March/April/May, July

*Please note: The annual tuition fee can significantly vary based on the college you choose and the course you pick. These numbers are only indicative.  

8 Top Universities in New Zealand for Indian Students 

Enrolling in the best universities in New Zealand for masters or bachelors degree surely opens doors to high-salary jobs. But that’s not all. 

New Zealand is known for its cinematically brilliant sceneries and beaches. 

If the breathtaking places from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ left you in awe, congratulations – you would be pleased to know that over 150 of those places were tucked in various corners of this beautiful country where you are planning to study. 

And not to forget, New Zealand is also the world’s 4th safest country to live in. 

Having said that, let’s walk you through the list of 8 top universities in New Zealand for international students that should be on your list, too. Have a look.

Top Universities in New Zealand	New Zealand Universities Ranking (QS Ranking, 2024)
The University of Auckland	#68
University of Otago	#206
Massey University	#239
Victoria University of Wellington	#241
University of Canterbury	#256
University of Waikato	#250
Lincoln University	#362
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)	#407

Eager to check out the tuition fees at these top universities in New Zealand and how your campus life will be?

The details are listed below. But before you take a plunge, you should know and keep two very important things in mind. 

1. Top universities in New Zealand charge student services levy fees on top of the tuition fees.
2. Some universities use a points system to calculate tuition fees. In these cases, your total tuition fee is based on how many courses (subjects) you take in your degree/diploma program. Each course is given a certain number of points. The more points a course has, the more expensive it is. Think of it like this: if a course has a lot of points, it means it’s a big part of your study time and you’ll pay more for it. Your total fee for the semester adds up from the points of all the courses you choose. So, picking your courses is also about planning how much you’ll spend on your education.

Also Read: New Zealand PR For Indian Citizens: Check Process and Eligibility

1. The University of Auckland

Looking to study in the number 1 university in New Zealand? You’ve just found your destination – it’s the University of Auckland. Out of the many subjects taught in this prestigious university that was established in the year 1883, 10 have been ranked in the top 50 subjects worldwide. 

The main campus is situated in the city centre of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. 

Additionally, the university has several satellite campuses, including the Grafton campus near Auckland Hospital, the Epsom campus primarily for education and social work, the Tamaki campus focused on research and innovation, and the Leigh Marine Laboratory, which supports marine science research.

Courses Offered

Enrolling in the below-listed courses (a part of the top 50 subjects worldwide) at this university will increase your chances of getting an exceptionally high-paying job. 

1. Marketing
2. Sports
3. Education
4. Anatomy and Physiology
5. Archaeology
6. Engineering
7. Psychology
8. English Language and Literature
9. Linguistics
10. Anthropology

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university. 

Courses	Approximate Tuition Fees for International Students (for the Entire Course)
Undergraduate courses	INR 19L to INR 27L
Postgraduate courses	INR 20L to INR 42L

Entry Requirements

1. For undergraduate courses, the IELTS band score should be 6 or higher. For postgraduate courses, the band score should be 6.5 or higher.
2. For some PG courses like Master of Philosophy, you need to prepare a research proposal.

Students and Their Success Stories 

Here’s an introduction to students who were once just grappling with details about top universities in New Zealand like you are today. They made it to this wonderful university, so can you. 

• Prachi Shah: Pursuing her Master’s in Law (LLM) from University of Auckland after obtaining her undergraduate degree from Mumbai. She aspires to pursue a phD in future.
• Marut Soontrong: Pursuing his Master of Arts in Criminology programme from the university after working as a policy analyst in Thailand.

2. University of Otago

Did you know that the University of Otago is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide by the QS World University Ranking? 

What’s more? It’s the oldest university in New Zealand, established in 1869, and is located in Dunedin. You will never fall short of options on what to study as the university teaches more than 200 postgraduate subjects. 

But if you think all you’ll do in this university is study, think again! You’ll also participate in themed parties, an annual ski trip, and sports and cultural events. 

Courses Offered

Thinking about studying law, medicine, or business from top universities in New Zealand? University of Otago has you covered. 

If you’re specifically looking for enrollment in a postgraduate course, you’ll be delighted to know that there are 4 academic divisions for the same.

1. Postgraduate in business
2. Postgraduate in humanities
3. Postgraduate in health sciences
4. Postgraduate in sciences

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university. 

Courses	Approximate Annual Tuition Fees for International Students
Undergraduate Courses	INR 20L
Postgraduate Courses	INR 12L to INR 38L

Entry Requirements

• For undergraduate courses, you will need a minimum CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) score of 8.
• For postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree in the same field and an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher. 

Students and their Success Stories

You won’t feel homesick at this university as you’ll find many Asian students (including Indians) within the university. 

• Tithi Shah is majoring in Reproduction and Genetics after completing her bachelor’s degree from India.  
• Kavya is majoring in psychology after completing her International Baccalaureate Diploma course.

3. Massey University 

Next on our list of top universities in New Zealand is Massey University. It was established back in 1927, making it a place with a rich history. 

The university has three campuses – Palmerston North, Albany, and Wellington. It also offers on-campus accommodation to international students in the ‘Massey Hall of Residence’. 

You can start applying for on-campus accommodations on August 1st for the full academic year and the first semester of the upcoming year. For the second semester of the current year, applications begin on April 1st.

Courses Offered

At Massey University, you’ll find many courses that can cater your interests and career aspirations. 

• In the sciences, Massey is renowned for programs in agriculture, veterinary science, and environmental sciences.
• In technology, the university offers courses in information sciences, engineering, and food technology.
• For human behaviour, Massey provides comprehensive programs in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education.
• For business, the university offers courses in finance, economics, management, and marketing. 

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university. 

Courses	Approximate Tuition Fees for International Students
Undergraduate Courses	INR 16L to INR 52L/year
Postgraduate Courses	INR 9L to INR 12L/year
Postgraduate Diploma Courses	INR 18L to INR 23L (for the entire course)
Master’s Degree	INR 27L to INR 34L (for the entire course)

Entry Requirements

• For undergraduate courses, you need an overall IELTS score of 6 or more (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band). 
• You will have to pass your 12th standard board examinations with an overall average of 75% and a minimum of 60% in English. 
• For postgraduate courses, the overall IELTS score requirement is 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6 in each band). 

4. Victoria University of Wellington 

If research is your calling, look no further than the Victoria University of Wellington. This university – established in 1897 – is the number one university for research in the country. 

It falls within the top 2% of universities in the world out of the total 18,000 universities (as per the QS World Ranking). 

What’s more? Nine of the hundreds of subjects taught at this university were ranked in the top 100 by the QS Ranking in 2024. 

Courses Offered

Enrolling in the following nine courses at this university will help you secure a very high-paying job:

• English Language and Literature
• Performing Arts
• Theology/Divinity and Religious Studies
• Development Studies
• Hospitality and Leisure Management
• Law
• Library and Information Management
• Politics and International Studies
• Geography

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Courses	Approximate Annual Tuition Fees for International Students
Undergraduate courses	INR 16L to INR 21L
Postgraduate courses	INR 17L to INR 23L

Entry Requirements

Here are a few requirements for all Indian students.

• You need an overall IELTS score of 6 or higher and a TOEFL score of 80 for undergraduate courses.
• For postgraduate courses, the overall minimum IELTS band requirement is 6.5.
• You will also need a minimum overall average of 75% in All India Senior School Examination (CBSE). If you have passed 12th from any other state board, you will need a minimum overall average of 80%.

Graduate Results and Alumni 

More than 1,15,000 students have already graduated from this prestigious university. Here are some heartwarming alumni stories that’ll inspire you to be a part of this university. 

• Arwind Sharma: Completed Bachelor of Commerce and Major in Accounting from the university. Was appointed as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a leading tech group.
• Srishti Narayan: Completed Bachelor of Commerce and Administration with Honours. Currently works as the Head of Global Marketing at Tourism Fiji.

Also Read: Requirements and Process to Get a Work Visa in New Zealand

5. University of Canterbury 

The University of Canterbury – founded in 1873 – is home to approximately 14,000 students from 80 countries. And why not? The campus welcomes students from different races. 

In fact, the university has over 130 clubs and societies ranging from academic and cultural to sports and recreation.

The campus itself hosts cafes, bars, eateries, a gym, a boxing training area, a sports court, lecture theatres, labs, libraries, computer suites, studios, and even prayer rooms. Yes, it’s that big — 76 lush green hectares of land! 

Courses Offered

Your academic journey at the University of Canterbury can span a wide array of disciplines. Whether you’re drawn to the sciences, arts, commerce, engineering, or education, the university has a program tailored for your aspirations. 

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Courses	Approximate Tuition Fees for International Students (per 120 points)
Undergraduate courses	INR 16L to INR 24L
Postgraduate courses	INR 18L to INR 24L

Entry Requirements 

• You need an overall IELTS score of 6 for undergraduate courses (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band). 
• For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS band requirement is 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6 in each band).

Graduate Outcomes and Alumni 

Ever heard of Ernest Rutherford – the father of nuclear physics? Well, he is the most popular alumni of the University of Canterbury. We’re not kidding. Mr Rutherford graduated from this university in 1895. 

Coming to the more recent times, here’s one more alumni with a success story like nobody else’s: Geoffrey Rice. Mr Rice graduated in MA from the university. He has authored the book ‘All Fall Down: Christchurch’s Lost Chimneys’, and is the emeritus professor of history in the university itself.

6. University of Waikato 

Want to study social science, psychology, or economics? University of Waikato is your destination. Why? Because as per the QS Ranking, this university is one of the top universities in the world for these courses. 

Established in 1964, the university’s approach to teaching is interactive and research-led. This means you get to engage directly with leading scholars and contribute to real-world research from early in your studies.

Courses Offered

At the University of Waikato, you can choose from a broad range of courses including arts, sciences, business, law, and engineering. 

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Courses	Approximate Annual Tuition Fees for International Students
Bachelor Courses	INR 15L to INR 20L
Masters courses	INR 24L to INR 42L

Entry Requirement

• You need an overall minimum IELTS score of 6 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band) for undergraduate courses. 
• For post graduate courses, you need a DET score of 95.

7. Lincoln University 

This is a 140-year-old University that practises sustainability in its true form. Established in 1878, Lincoln university is New Zealand’s oldest agricultural college and a leader in land-based studies. 

In fact, this university has been included in the world top 150 universities by the Times Higher Education in 2024. It’s located just outside of Christchurch in the beautiful Canterbury region.

What’s more? With a smaller student population than many other top universities in New Zealand, you get the benefit of personalised attention and the opportunity to form close relationships with your professors and peers. 

Courses Offered

At Lincoln University, the focus is on courses that enhance and sustain the natural environment and economy. 

You can enrol into a variety of programs including horticulture, environmental science, viticulture, landscape architecture, and tourism. The university is particularly celebrated for its agriculture and forestry programs.

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Courses	Approximate Tuition Fees for International Students
Bachelor Courses	INR 16L to INR 18L (for the entire course)
Postgraduate courses	INR 8L to INR 18L (per 120 points)

Entry Requirements

• You need an overall IELTS score of 6 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each band) for undergraduate courses.
• For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS band requirement is between 6 to 7.

Graduate Outcomes and Alumni

Many students who graduated from Lincoln university have found successful careers as celebrity cooks, TV presenters, sports commentators, politicians, founders and directors, and ministers of conservation.

These are some notable names that might inspire you to fight harder to secure a spot in top universities in New Zealand, such as Lincoln:

• Annabel Langbein: Completed Diploma in Horticulture and is now a popular celebrity cook.
• Richie McCaw, ONZ: He studied Bachelor of Agriculture at the university before he successfully captained the National Rugby team of New Zealand.
• Jeremy Rockliff: Earned Diploma in Farm Management in 1990. He is now the Deputy Premier of Tasmania, Minister for Education.

8. Auckland University of Technology (AUT) 

Last on our list of top universities in New Zealand is the Auckland University of Technology. This university, established in the year 2000, has already bestowed over 1,50,000 students with successful careers. You could be next. 

The university teaches more than 250 programmes and is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world by the Times Higher Education.

If this doesn’t convince you that AUT could be the perfect university for you, they also offer you a chance to chat with one of their students and ask away all your doubts – great, isn’t it? 

Courses Offered 

At AUT, you can choose from a range of courses like arts, business, law, and sports sciences. The university particularly shines with its strong programs in health sciences and engineering.

Here are the details of how much money you will be paying as tuition fees in this university.

Courses	Approximate Tuition Fees for International Students (per 120 points)
Bachelor Courses	INR 20L to INR 22L
Postgraduate courses	INR 22L to INR 24L

Entry Requirements

• You need an overall IELTS score of 6 for undergraduate courses. 
• For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS band requirement is 6.5.

Graduate Outcome and Alumni

Over 1,50,000 alumni for AUT have found jobs in leading companies including Deloitte, PwC, the BBC, WHO Switzerland, Tesla, and Apple. 

Some of the names who have secured elite designations are as follows.

• Lizzi Whaley: Completed Bachelor of Spatial Design in 2002 from AUT. She is now the CEO of Spaceworks Design Group.
• Jason Baxedine: Completed Bachelor of Business in Advertising and Marketing, and a Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing from the university in 2013. He is now the head of strategies and operations in Stripe, Singapore.

Also read: Cost of Living in New Zealand

Intakes in New Zealand 2024

Since you’ve tagged so far along in this guide, it means one thing – you are serious about enrolling in a New Zealand university in 2024. 

So, we have a bonus section for you – when can you apply for admission to the top universities in New Zealand? Let’s give you the answers – you’ll find two main intakes for international students:

• Semester One (Autumn Intake): This intake begins in February or March 2024, depending on the institution.
• Semester Two (Spring Intake): This intake starts in July or August 2024, also depending on the institution.

Besides these two, there are also rolling intakes in New Zealand that you should know about.

Rolling intakes let you start your courses at different times of the year, not just at the beginning of the traditional academic semesters. 

This flexibility allows you to choose the best time to begin your studies based on your personal circumstances, such as visa processing times or work schedules. 

Please note: Some programs may have only one intake per year, so it’s crucial to check with your chosen institution to confirm the intake dates for your specific program.

6 Popular Courses at Top Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Interested in inviting a high-salary job your way? Then here’s a list of 6 courses that you can enrol for in 2024. Have a look. 

University	Courses	Level of Study
University of Auckland	Geothermal Engineering	Post graduation
Massey University	Executive Master of Business Administration	Post graduation
University of Auckland	Master of Engineering Project Management (MEPM)	Post graduation
University of Waikato	Master of Education	Post graduation
University of Auckland	Global Studies	Under graduation
University of Canterbury	Bachelors of Communication	Under gradation

1. Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Engineering from the University of Auckland

If you’ve been dreaming about shaping your career in geothermal engineering, the University of Auckland is your calling. 

The experienced faculty at this university, who are official members of the prestigious Geothermal Institute and GNS Science, can help you master geoscience, geothermal modelling, reservoir engineering, and process control. The course’s duration is just 2 semesters (half year,when taken full-time). If you undertake the course part time, the duration will vary. 

The annual tuition fee for this course is approximately INR 16L. And with this initial investment, you will be able to get any of the following jobs: 

• Geothermal engineer: INR 42L to INR 74L
• Reservoir engineer: INR 54L to INR 97L
• Rig manager: INR 27L to INR 45L
• Site geologist: INR 46L to INR 92L

2. Executive Master of Business Administration from Massey University 

The minimum educational requirement for this course is a bachelor’s degree with a minimum B- grade. On top of that, you will also need a minimum work experience of 3 years. The course will cost you approximately INR 29L. 

These are the jobs you will get with this course: 

• Business Development Manager: INR 26L to INR 52L
• CEO: INR 49L to INR 1.7 CR 
• National Sales Manager: INR 41L to INR 92L

3. Master of Engineering Project Management (MEPM) from the University of Auckland 

You will need a minimum work experience of 2 years and a GPA of 4 or higher to enrol in this course, which will cost you approximately INR 26L. 

These are the jobs you can get after this course: 

• Engineering Manager: INR 69L to INR 79L
• Project Manager: INR 63L
• Project Director: INR 94L to INR 1 CR

4. Master of Education from the University of Waikato

This course requires 180 points and costs approximately INR 27L. To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum B grade. 

Here are the jobs you can get after completing this course: 

• Principal/ Headmaster: INR 40L to INR 85L
• Learning and Development Specialist: INR 31L to INR 57L

Also Read: High Paying Jobs in New Zealand: Top 10 Job Profiles With Salary

5. Bachelors of Global Studies from the University of Auckland 

This 3-year course costs approximately INR 24L and requires a minimum of 3.9 GPA and GPE scores. 

After spending this amount, you can get many jobs. The two high-paying roles are listed below.

• Billing and claims resolution officer: INR 30L to INR 33L
• Graduate advisor: INR 43L to INR 51L

6. Bachelor of Communication from the University of Canterbury

This course requires 320 points, and the tuition fee is approximately INR 16L per 120 points. You need more than 5 in the IELTS band to enrol in this course. 

Here are the job roles you can get after completing this course: 

• Public Relations Officer: INR 54L
• Event Manager: INR 36L to INR 45L

Also Read: New Zealand Student Visa 2024: Processing Time, Requirement & Fee in Indian Rupees

How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

Now that you’ve set your mind that you want to study in the top universities in New Zealand, it’s important that you also understand the entire visa process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you. Have a look.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you dive into the paperwork, make sure you tick all the right boxes.

• You should be in top-notch health and have a squeaky-clean character. This means no trouble with the law, especially if you plan to stay longer than two years.
• Have an offer from a university and ensure your course is full-time. If you’re a distance learner needing to be in New Zealand for over three months, you’re covered too!
• You’ll need proof that you can support yourself – think INR 10L (NZD 20,000/ year) if you’re in language studies.

Required Documents

Got your eligibility sorted? Next, gather these essential documents so you can successfully get a visa and study in the top universities in New Zealand.

• Identity Proof: A couple of photos and your passport (original or certified copy).
• Health Checks: Depending on your stay, you might need a medical exam or chest x-ray.
• Good Character: If you’re over 17 and staying more than two years, a police certificate is a must.
• Offer of Place: This document from your education provider should detail the course name, length, and type of study.
• Financial Evidence: Show that you’ve paid your tuition fees for the year or have a scholarship or loan in place.
• Insurance: Ensure your coverage includes medical care and travel both within and outside New Zealand.

Applying Online

Ready to apply? Here’s how you can do it online.

1. Start Your Application: Head to the Fee Paying Student Visa page on Immigration New Zealand’s website and click ‘apply online’. 
2. Upload Documents: Get all your documents scanned and uploaded as PDFs.
3. Pay the Fee: You can use Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay to settle your application fee.
4. Submit and Wait: Once everything’s in order, hit submit. Immigration New Zealand will keep you updated via email, and you’ll get eVisa once approved.

Applying on Paper

Prefer the old-school paper method? Here’s the rundown.

1. Fill Out the Form: Grab the Student Visa Application (INZ 1012) and fill it out. 
2. Book an Appointment: Schedule a time at a visa application centre. You’ll get a confirmation email.
3. Submit Your Documents: Bring everything to your appointment. Remember, you can reschedule only once.
4. Pay the Fees: You can pay by cash, Visa, or Mastercard on the day of your appointment.
5. Track Your Application: Stay informed with updates from Immigration New Zealand and SMS notifications about your courier.

Application Fees

Finally, here are the fees you’ll need to cover.

• Online Application: Approximately INR 22,000 (NZD 430).
• Paper Application: Between INR 22,000 to INR 25,000 (NZD $440 to $485). Visa Application Center Fee of INR 2,300 to 3,900 (NZD $46 to $77) and a courier fee of INR 660 to INR 5,000 (NZD 13 to NZD 100) will also apply.

Please note: These fees are typically non-refundable, so double-check everything before you submit.

Scholarships by the Government and Top Universities in New Zealand

Many top universities in New Zealand offer scholarships ranging between INR 2.5L to INR 10L (NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000) to international students. 

Excited about your chances of getting such financial help (even from the New Zealand government)? If so, have a look at the details below – these are the five amazing scholarships that can make your studies super affordable.

Scholarship	Offered By	Benefit
India High Achievers Scholarship	University of Auckland	Approximately INR 10L to cover the 1st-year tuition fee
International Master’s Research Scholarship	University of Otago	Approximate stipend of INR 9L per annum
Tongarewa International Scholarship	Victoria University of Wellington	A waiver of INR 2.5L to INR 5L towards their first-year tuition fees
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZ-IDRS)	New Zealand Government	A tax-free stipend of up to INR 13L (NZD 25,000)
New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship (NZ-GRADS)	New Zealand Government	INR 5L (NZD 10,000 annually for tuition)Annual stipend of INR 14L (NZD 28,000)

Also read: New Zealand Excellence Awards 2024

1. India High Achievers Scholarship

This scholarship by the University of Auckland amounts to INR 10L (NZD 20,000), which can cover the tuition fee for Indian students. 

• Opening date: 10 October 2024 and 7 March 2024
• Closing date: 21 November 2024 (Semester One intake) and 18 April 2024 (Semester Two intake)

Scholarship Details

• It’s offered bi-annually.
• It’s granted to 30 students.
• It’s provided for undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s degrees.

2. International Master’s Research Scholarship 

This is a handsome scholarship by the University of Otago for international students. It pays a stipend of INR 9L per annum (NZD 18,204). 

It also waives the 1st year tuition fees (capped at domestic tuition fee for the 1st year).

Please note: You can apply for the scholarship at any time of the year.

Scholarship Details

• Available only for international students enrolling in a research master’s program at the university. 
• Capped at domestic fee rates.
• It’s granted to 8 students.
• Only for those students who are enrolling in their 1st-ever thesis-based master’s program.

3. Tongarewa International Scholarship

The Victoria University of Wellington offers this partial fee-based scholarship. 

The university offers international students a waiver of INR 2.5L to INR 5L (NZD 5,000 to NZD 10,000) towards their first-year tuition fees.

Scholarship Details

• For all postgraduates and master’s research and coursework students.
• Applicable for 1st time applicants in the university.

4. New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZ-IDRS)

These scholarships, supported by the New Zealand government, are specifically for Indian students like you who are aiming to pursue a PhD in New Zealand. 

They cover your university tuition fees and any associated student levies. You’ll also receive a stipend of up to INR 13L (NZD 25,000). It’s tax-free and can help you manage your daily expenses comfortably. 

Plus, there’s health insurance coverage up to INR 30,000 (NZD 600 each year) for three years. Just remember, the exact benefits might vary depending on the educational institution you choose.

Scholarship Details

• You need to avail a phD course from any of the 8 top universities listed in this guide.
• You must have a minimum equivalent 3.6/4.0 GPA.
• You must apply for the scholarship by 5th July, 2024.

5. NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship

Are you focused on Agricultural Emission Science for your PhD? This scholarship by the New Zealand government offers comprehensive support for three years. 

You’ll receive up to:

• INR 5L (NZD 10,000 annually for tuition)
• Annual stipend of INR 14L (NZD 28,000) 
• Yearly medical insurance of INR 35,000 (NZD 700)

Scholarship Details

• You need a bachelor’s degree with honours in agriculture, soil science, microbiology, genetics, or other related fields.
• You should not hold a PR status in New Zealand or Australia.

Also Read: Intakes in New Zealand 2024: July & September Deadline and Universities

Wrapping Up

Enrolling in top universities in New Zealand is not a distant dream – each year, multiple students from India are making this dream come true, and so can you. 

In fact, the money you will invest in tuition fees will be easily recovered within the 1st year of your job placement after you complete the course you undertake. 

Our passion at LeapScholar is providing you with the right information about different universities and the cost of studying to give you a starting point. We hope we’ve given you all the information you need to know about your prospects in New Zealand as an Indian student. For more details, explore our site about life in New Zealand now. 

Frequently Asked Questions