Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a smaller, more relaxed alternative to Australia — eight universities, strong post-study work rights, and a famously high quality of life. This is the complete, current guide for international students.
Explore New Zealand
Visas
The Fee Paying Student Visa, funds requirement, and the Post Study Work Visa.
Cities
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton for international students.
Courses
Universities and the vocational sector — degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Institutes
New Zealand's eight universities and its institutes of technology.
Working
Term-time work hours, holiday work, and the Post Study Work Visa.
Cost of living
Rent, the funds requirement, and which cities are most affordable.
Accommodation
Halls of residence, flatting, and homestays.
Healthcare
Why international students need health and travel insurance.
Culture
What life as an international student in New Zealand is really like.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fee Paying Student Visa and what do I need to qualify?
Most international students study in New Zealand on the Fee Paying Student Visa, which requires an offer of place from an approved provider, proof you've paid your tuition, and agreement to hold health and travel insurance for your stay. See our New Zealand student visa guide for the full requirements.
How much money do I need to study in New Zealand?
Alongside tuition, the Fee Paying Student Visa requires proof of living funds of NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary study (or NZD $1,667 per month for shorter courses). This is a planning baseline, and many students budget for more once rent and insurance are added — see our cost of living guide.
Can international students work in New Zealand?
Yes — eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during term (increased from 20 hours on 3 November 2025), and generally full-time during scheduled course breaks. If your visa was issued under the old cap you may need a paid variation of conditions to move to 25 hours. Read more in our working in New Zealand guide.
How long is the Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
The Post Study Work Visa offers up to three years of open work rights, depending on your qualification level and how long you studied. Master's and doctoral graduates who studied at least 30 weeks in New Zealand generally qualify for the full three years, while bachelor's and certain other eligible qualifications get a visa matching their study length. See our courses and qualifications guide for how qualification levels affect eligibility.
Do international students need health insurance in New Zealand?
Yes — most international students are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare, so holding health and travel insurance for the full length of your visa is a condition of your student visa, not an optional extra. Good cover should include GP visits, hospital and emergency treatment, and medical repatriation. See our healthcare and insurance guide.
How many universities are there in New Zealand, and what about vocational study?
New Zealand has eight publicly funded universities, all internationally recognised, plus a vocational sector of institutes of technology offering diplomas and certificates. That vocational sector is being restructured through 2026 as the former Te Pūkenga network is disestablished and polytechnics return to independent regional governance. Compare your options in our New Zealand universities and institutes guide.
Which cities in New Zealand are best for international students?
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton are the main study destinations, and Auckland is generally the priciest thanks to higher rent. Dunedin, Christchurch, and Hamilton tend to be more affordable, with strong universities and an easier rental market — also compare accommodation options like halls of residence, flatting, and homestays.
Last reviewed . Rules and figures change — always confirm with the official source before applying.