What are the intake months for courses in New Zealand?
New Zealand universities mainly offer two intakes each year:
- February (Semester 1): The primary intake, with most courses available.
- July (Semester 2): A mid-year option, but fewer programs may be open.
Some institutions also offer:
- November: For select institutes and short-term or fast-track programs.
- Rolling intakes: Certain vocational courses may have multiple start dates throughout the year.
Available intakes and deadlines vary by program and university, so confirm options for your chosen course. If you need help identifying the right intake, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
More expert answers
The nearest intake for courses in New Zealand is typically the July 2026 intake, with universities like Waikato starting on 6 July 2026 and Auckland on 20 July 2026. However, since today is 17 June 2026, most application deadlines for July intakes have likely passed.
The next available intake is usually in November 2026 (for example, 2 November 2026 at Waikato). Intake schedules and deadlines vary by university and program, so dates are subject to change.
For guidance on upcoming intakes and application options, please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
Semester Two (mid-July) 2027 is the best intake for your Master’s in New Zealand if your current course ends in June or July 2027. This timing lets you start your new program soon after finishing your current studies.
- Semester Two intake: typically starts mid-July (e.g., 19 July at University of Auckland, 11 July at University of Canterbury)
- Application deadlines: usually several months earlier (e.g., 8 June 2026 for University of Auckland), subject to change
Semester One (Feb/Mar) would overlap with your current course, so Semester Two is the most suitable option.
If you need help with timelines or the application process, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.
September or January: which intake can you still make?
Get a personalised timeline before deadlines close.
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