Last Updated: January 7, 2026
New Zealand offers a high-quality British-based education system combined with an exceptional lifestyle, stunning natural beauty, and a safe environment. The "Green List" of occupations provides clear pathways to residency for graduates in high-demand fields.
Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Visa Type | Fee Paying Student Visa |
| Visa Fee | NZD $1,670+ |
| Financial Proof | NZD $20,000/year |
| Work Hours | 20 hrs/week (degree level) |
| Post-Study Work | Up to 3 years (Level 7+) |
| Intakes | February (Sem 1), July (Sem 2) |
2026 Policy Updates
Student Visa Fees
Immigration NZ periodically adjusts fees. Check the official website for the most current visa application costs.
Green List Expansion
The Green List continues to be updated based on labor market needs. Tech, healthcare, and engineering roles remain in high demand.
Post-Study Work Rights
Graduates from Level 7+ qualifications continue to receive up to 3 years of open work rights.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Types of Programs
- Certificate/Diploma: Levels 4-6 (1-2 years)
- Bachelor's Degree: Level 7 (3 years)
- Graduate Diploma: Level 7 (1 year)
- Postgraduate Diploma: Level 8 (1 year)
- Master's Degree: Level 9 (1-2 years)
- Doctorate (PhD): Level 10 (3+ years)
Key Intakes
| Intake | Period | Application Window |
|---|
| Semester 1 | February-June | 6-12 months prior |
| Semester 2 | July-November | 6-12 months prior |
Application Process
- Research programs on studywithnewzealand.govt.nz
- Apply directly to institution
- Receive conditional offer
- Pay tuition (1 year minimum)
- Receive unconditional offer
- Apply for student visa
Step 2: Meet Program Requirements
Standard Admission Requirements
- High school completion or equivalent
- English language proficiency
- Specific subject prerequisites (varies by program)
- Academic transcripts
English Proficiency
| Test | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 60 | 79-90 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 58 |
| Cambridge | 169 | 176 |
Note: Some universities accept English-medium instruction letters.
Step 3: Apply for Student Visa
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Offer of Place from NZQA-approved institution
- Proof of Tuition Payment (minimum 1 year)
- Financial Evidence (living costs)
- Return Ticket or Funds
- Health Certificate (if staying 12+ months)
- Police Clearance (if staying 24+ months)
- Accommodation Proof
Visa Fees (2025/2026)
| Fee Type | Amount (NZD) |
|---|
| Student Visa (online) | $1,670+ |
| Student Visa (paper) | Higher |
| Immigration Levy | Included |
| Medical Exam | ~$250-400 |
Apply at: immigration.govt.nz
Processing Time
Typically 4-8 weeks; apply at least 3 months before course start
Important Notes
- Tuition must be paid in full (or at least 1 year) before visa approval
- Offer of place must be from NZQA-registered provider
- Some nationalities require medical exams
Step 4: Financial Requirements
Proof of Funds (2026)
| Expense | Amount (NZD) |
|---|
| Living Costs | $20,000/year |
| Return Ticket | ~$2,000-3,000 |
| Tuition | As per offer letter |
Acceptable Evidence
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Scholarship letters
- Government sponsorship
- Education loan approval
- Funds transfer (Flywire, etc.)
Accommodation Costs (Approximate)
| Type | Weekly Cost (NZD) |
|---|
| University Halls | $250-400 |
| Shared Flat | $180-280 |
| Homestay | $270-350 |
| Studio Apartment | $350-500 |
Living Costs by City
| City | Cost Level |
|---|
| Auckland | Highest |
| Wellington | High |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Hamilton | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Lower |
Step 5: Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance
International students must have appropriate health and travel insurance for the duration of their visa.
Coverage Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Medical Coverage | Minimum coverage required |
| Hospitalization | Must be covered |
| Repatriation | Recommended |
| Duration | Full visa period |
Popular Providers
- Studentsafe (Allianz)
- Southern Cross
- Orbit Protect
- nib
Approximate Costs
| Duration | Cost (NZD) |
|---|
| 1 Year | $600-800 |
| 2 Years | $1,100-1,500 |
Step 6: Work Rights While Studying
Work Conditions
| Program Level | Work Rights |
|---|
| Bachelor's (Level 7+) | 20 hrs/week during term |
| Master's/PhD | May have unlimited rights |
| During holidays | Full-time allowed |
Work Requirements
- Valid student visa with work conditions
- Must not affect studies
- Some programs have stricter limits
Popular Student Jobs
- Hospitality and retail
- Tutoring
- Campus jobs
- Agriculture (seasonal)
- IT and tech roles
Minimum Wage
| Year | Hourly Rate (NZD) |
|---|
| 2025 | $23.15 |
| 2026 | ~$23.50-24.00 (expected) |
Step 7: Post-Study Work Options
Post-Study Work Visa (Open)
After completing your studies, you can apply for an open work visa.
Duration by Qualification
| Qualification | NZQF Level | Work Visa Duration |
|---|
| Graduate Diploma | 7 | Up to 3 years |
| Bachelor's Degree | 7 | Up to 3 years |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 8 | Up to 3 years |
| Master's Degree | 9 | Up to 3 years |
| Doctorate | 10 | Up to 3 years |
Eligibility Requirements
- Completed eligible qualification in NZ
- Studied for minimum required period
- Applied within 3 months of eligibility
- Meet health and character requirements
Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount (NZD) |
|---|
| Post-Study Work Visa | $700+ |
Step 8: Green List Pathway to Residency
The Green List provides streamlined pathways to residency for occupations with severe skill shortages.
Straight to Residence (Tier 1)
Immediate residency eligibility for roles including:
- Doctors and Specialists
- Registered Nurses
- Software Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Construction Professionals
Work to Residence (Tier 2)
After 2 years in role:
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electricians
- Chefs (Grade 2)
- Early Childhood Teachers
- Veterinarians
Green List Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Job Offer | In Green List occupation |
| Qualification | Match for role |
| Registration | If profession requires it |
| English | IELTS 6.5 or equivalent |
Medical Studies (MBChB)
Pathway to Medicine
Entrance to Medical School (University of Auckland or University of Otago) is highly competitive.
| Stage | Details |
|---|
| Year 1 | First Year Health Science / Biomedical Science |
| Selection | Based on GPA + UCAT NZ + Interview |
| Years 2-6 | Medical Program (MBChB) |
UCAT NZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Format | Computer-based |
| Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement |
| Timing | July-August annually |
| Cost | ~NZD $390 |
Medical Program Costs
| Aspect | Amount (NZD/year) |
|---|
| International Tuition | $80,000 - $90,000 |
| Domestic Tuition | ~$16,000 |
| Duration | 6 years total |
Competitiveness
- Extremely competitive for international students
- Limited seats available
- GPA cutoff typically 7.5+ (out of 9)
- High UCAT scores required
Top Universities
Universities
| University | City | Known For |
|---|
| University of Auckland | Auckland | Highest Ranked, Research |
| University of Otago | Dunedin | Medicine, Health Sciences |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington | Law, Humanities |
| University of Canterbury | Christchurch | Engineering |
| Massey University | Palmerston North | Agriculture, Business |
| University of Waikato | Hamilton | Computer Science |
| Lincoln University | Christchurch | Agriculture, Environment |
| Auckland University of Technology | Auckland | Technology, Design |
Popular Programs by University
| Program | Top Universities |
|---|
| Medicine | Auckland, Otago |
| Engineering | Canterbury, Auckland |
| Computer Science | Auckland, Waikato |
| Business | Auckland, Otago, Victoria |
| Agriculture | Lincoln, Massey |
Tuition Costs (International Students)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (NZD) |
|---|
| Bachelor's (Arts/Commerce) | $28,000 - $35,000 |
| Bachelor's (Science) | $35,000 - $45,000 |
| Bachelor's (Engineering) | $40,000 - $50,000 |
| Master's (Coursework) | $32,000 - $45,000 |
| Master's (Research) | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| Medicine | $80,000 - $90,000 |
| PhD | Domestic rate (~$7,000) |
Note: PhD students pay domestic tuition rates regardless of nationality.
MBA & Business Programs
New Zealand offers quality MBA programs with excellent work-life balance and immigration pathways.
Top MBA Programs
| School | University | Duration | Cost (NZD) | Notes |
|---|
| Auckland MBA | University of Auckland | 12-15 months | $65,000+ | Top ranked in NZ |
| Otago Business School | University of Otago | 1 year | $50,000+ | Strong alumni network |
| Victoria MBA | Victoria University | 1 year | $55,000+ | Wellington location |
| Massey MBA | Massey University | 1.5 years | $45,000+ | Flexible options |
MBA Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Work Experience | 3+ years |
| GMAT/GRE | Recommended |
| English | IELTS 6.5+ overall |
| Interview | Usually required |
Why New Zealand for MBA?
- High quality of life
- 3-year post-study work visa
- Clear pathway to residency
- Small class sizes
- Access to Asia-Pacific markets
- Lower cost than Australia/UK
Important Links
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Skilled Migrant Category
The main pathway for graduates:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Points | 6-point system |
| Job | Skilled employment |
| Salary | Above median wage |
| Age | Under 55 preferred |
Points System
| Factor | Points |
|---|
| Skilled Employment | Required |
| NZ Qualification | Bonus points |
| Work Experience | Additional points |
| Age (20-39) | Full points |
| Partner Skills | Bonus points |
From Studies to PR
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|
| Study | 1-3 years |
| Post-Study Work | Up to 3 years |
| Skilled Migrant Visa | When eligible |
| Total | 4-6 years typical |
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Alternative pathway:
- Employer must be accredited
- Job must meet skill and pay requirements
- Can lead to residency after 2 years (some occupations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NZ expensive for international students?
Yes, particularly Auckland. Budget NZD $20,000-25,000/year for living costs plus tuition. Christchurch and Dunedin are more affordable.
Can I work immediately after arriving?
You can work from day one if your visa has work conditions. However, finding work may take time, especially in smaller cities.
How competitive is getting into medicine?
Extremely competitive. International students have very limited seats. Most successful applicants score in the top 5% on UCAT and maintain near-perfect GPAs.
Is the Green List guaranteed for residency?
Having a job on the Green List streamlines the process but doesn't guarantee residency. You still need to meet health, character, and other requirements.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Partners can apply for partner visas with full work rights. Children can attend NZ schools (fees may apply for visa holders).
What's the weather like?
Temperate climate. Auckland is mild year-round. Wellington is windy but temperate. Christchurch and Dunedin have colder winters. Seasons are opposite to Northern Hemisphere.
This guide is for informational purposes. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before applying.
