Study in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the world’s best places to live and study. Discover our internationally-renowned education system and unbeatable lifestyle.

The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and/or polytechs. The academic year in New Zealand varies between institutions, but generally runs from late January until mid-December for primary schools, secondary schools, and polytechnics, and from late February until mid-November for universities.

Friendly and welcoming, New Zealand is a natural playground full of opportunities for unique experiences. Learn more about working while studying, where to stay, the cost of living and the best places to visit.

Qualification Types

Students in New Zealand are supported to solve problems, process information, work with others, create and innovate. Whichever level you’re studying at, New Zealand can give you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals.

All quality assured qualifications listed on the NZQF fit into a qualification type: a certificate, diploma or degree. Each qualification type is defined by an agreed set of criteria which includes the level at which the qualification is listed and the number of credits required at each level. Below is a list of qualification types with linked definitions.

All qualifications on the NZQF are listed in accordance with an agreed set of definitions. To see the definition click on the qualification type:

• Certificate

• Diploma

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Graduate Certificate

• Graduate Diploma

• Bachelor Honours Degree

• Postgraduate Certificate

• Postgraduate Diploma

• Master’s Degree

• Doctoral Degrees

Levels of Qualifications

The NZQF has ten levels. Levels are based on complexity, with level 1 the least complex and level 10 the most complex. All qualifications on the NZQF are assigned one of the ten levels. It is possible for qualifications to include credit achieved at levels above and below the overall level at which the qualification is listed.

Cost of Living and Working while Studying

As part of your student visa application, you must provide evidence that you can cover your living expenses while studying in New Zealand. If you’re studying in New Zealand on a scholarship or a sponsor/family member has agreed to accept financial responsibility for you while you’re here, you may not be required to show proof of funds.

If you will be studying in New Zealand for more than one year, you‘ll need to prove that you have at least $15,000 to support yourself for the first year. If you’re studying for less than a year, you must have at least $1250 for each month of study to contribute to your living expenses.

Living costs will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in. Some costs vary by region. For example, you may need to travel more in the main centres, and transport costs may be more expensive than in your home country.

As an example of how much to budget for, Victoria University recommends that students allow between $18,000-$27,000 each year, the University of Auckland recommends $20,000-$25,000, the University of Otago recommends $15,000-$17,000 and Massey University recommends $15,000-$18,000.

You may be able to offset some of your costs by working. Most student visas enable you to work up to 20 hours per week, or full-time in the holidays.

Working while studying can be a good way to gain New Zealand work experience and help support you while you’re studying abroad.

Gaining experience of a New Zealand workplace also helps you develop skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping, interpersonal skills and workplace-relevant English language skills.

Balance your work hours with your study obligations, so your academic performance isn’t compromised, and remember that some scholarships set limits on the number of hours you 
can work.

Contact us for more information if you wish to study in New Zealand.

Education Providers that We Represent in New Zealand

Cornell Institute of Business & Technology
Kaplan International – NZ
Kaplan International English – NZ
Kauri Academy
Professional Business and Restaurant School
Queenstown Resort College
Taylors Foundation NZ
Taylors Foundation NZ (Follow On Degree)
The Waikato Institute of Technology Limited Wintec
UC International College
Wilkinson’s English Language School