Australia vs New Zealand: What’s best for Indian students in 2025?

Pros of choosing Australia

Australia

Top-quality education - 36 universities listed in the QS Rankings 2026

Multiple course options - IT and Data Science to Construction Management and Nursing

Favourable post-study work options - 4-6 years post studies

Stunning nature and coastline, varied options for outdoor activities

Geographically closer to India and hence cheaper flights.

Pros of choosing New Zealand

New Zealand

Top-quality education - All the 8 public universities made it to the QS Ranking list

High quality of life -  International Student Experience Survey, 2024

Safe and welcoming environment - 3rd on the Global Peace Index Report 2025

Great landscapes and adventure activities

Favourable post-study work visas - Up to 3 years after completing studies

Cons of choosing Australia

Australia

Comparatively expensive than New Zealand

Different grading system

Limited job options in regional areas

Increased proof of finances and visa application fee

Cons of choosing New Zealand

New Zealand

Less number of universities, so fewer course options

Limited public transport

Geographically farther from Australia and hence has costlier airfare

Australia vs New Zealand: Overview of the education system

Australia

• Australia has 42 universities (public and private) offering top academic degrees.
• TAFE institutes (government-funded) provide vocational, certificate, and diploma programmes, often job-oriented, with credit transfer options to universities.
• The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) ensures high-quality education.
• Australia’s National Office of Skills Recognition (NOOSR) system recognises overseas education and training, known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Australian education is often research-focused, with broader course options. The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is a prominent national body that conducts and supports educational research across Australia.

New Zealand

• Eight QS-ranked universities offering quality education and personalised learning.
• Strong focus on environmental sciences, IT, and innovation
• Small class sizes encourage greater interaction with professors. The average faculty-student ratio is 11.2.
• The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), the Ministry of Education, and NZ universities ensure top-quality education at all levels.
• Pathway programs (for example, foundation studies) support international students to bridge the eligibility gap.
• Tech institutes and polytechnics provide hands-on, career-focused, practical training.

Reputation and global rankings

Australia

Australian universities are renowned worldwide for their cutting-edge research and creative teaching methods, which attract many international students.

Australia has several top-ranking universities that are in the top 100 as per the QS World Rankings. Here are the top 5 universities:

University	QS World Rankings 2026
The University of Melbourne	19
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)	20
The University of Sydney	=25
Australian National University	=32
Monash University	=36

New Zealand

New Zealand has 8 universities, all consistently ranked in the top 2% of the world. Here are the top 5 universities in New Zealand as per the QS World University Rankings.

University	QS World Rankings 2026
The University of Auckland	65
The University of Otago	=197
Massey University	=230
Victoria University of Wellington	=240
The University of Canterbury	261

Australia vs New Zealand: Course options

Australian institutions offer more than 20,000 courses in various fields. The courses most preferred by Indian students include:

• Master of Information Technology
• Master of Data Science
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Information Technology

New Zealand

With around 1,200 degree programmes and 2,500 diplomas and certificates, you'll find options across almost every subject imaginable. Popular courses for 2025/2026 include:

• Master of Business and Management
• Master of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Business Administration

Australia vs New Zealand: The cost of education

Tuition fees

The course fees for international students depend on the university, the city, and the course chosen. In general, here are the tuition fee structures in New Zealand and Australia:

Type of Degree	Average Tuition Fee in Australia (Approx.)	Average Tuition Fee in New Zealand (Approx.)
Undergraduate courses	AUD 20,000 - 45,000 (INR 11.2 - 25 lakhs) per year	NZ$ 35,000 - NZ$ 55,000 (INR 17.7- 28 lakhs) per year
Postgraduate courses	AUD 22,000 - 50,000 (INR 12.3 - 28.3 lakhs) per year	NZ$ 20,000 - NZ$ 45,000 (INR 10.15 - 23 lakhs) per year

Cost of living

Australia

Australia is a favored destination for Indian students studying abroad. On average, the living expenses in Australia are about INR 12 lakhs per annum.

Here are the indicative living costs in Australia:

Type of expense	Cost per month
Accommodation	1,800-3,600 based on the type of accommodation (Approx. ₹1 - 2 lakhs)
Food, groceries	500 - 1000 (Approx. ₹28,000 - ₹57000)
Transport	170 monthly pass (approx. ₹9700)

New Zealand

Living expenses in New Zealand depend on the city you live in and your lifestyle. Smaller towns are cheaper than big cities. On average, the living costs for a single person can range from NZ$ 18,000 (INR 9 lakhs) to NZ$ 27,000 (INR 13.7 lakhs) per annum.

Here are the indicative living costs in New Zealand:

Type of expenses	Cost per month
Accommodation	2,000-3,200 (approx. ₹1 lakh - ₹1.5 lakhs)
Food, groceries	1000 (approx. ₹50,000)
Transport	178 monthly pass (approx. ₹9,000)

Scholarships

Australia and New Zealand offer several scholarships to international students, many of which are merit-based. Some of these scholarships cover both tuition and living costs.

Australia

A majority of Australian universities offer scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Here are some of the popular scholarships applicable to Indian students:

Scholarships to study in Australia

Australia Awards Scholarship

Destination Australia Scholarship

The Quad Fellowship (STEM) - a joint programme of Australia, India, Japan, and the US

India Global Leaders Scholarship

Australian Government Research and Training Programme (AGRTP) for research master’s and doctoral degrees

Australia for ASEAN scholarships in the areas of: Maritime Connectivity Economics Sustainable Development Cooperation

Maitri Scholarships in areas like: Advanced manufacturing Critical technology Life sciences Medical technology Critical minerals Clean energy

For a larger list of applicable scholarships, please explore the IDP Hotcourses - India scholarships database.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers the following types of scholarships:

• Government or country scholarships
• University scholarships

Scholarships

University of Canterbury International First-Year Scholarships

University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship

New Zealand ASEAN scholar awards

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for international students covering tuition, living, travel, medical insurance, and more

For more international scholarships in New Zealand, explore the IDP Hotcourses India scholarships database.

Australia vs New Zealand: Visa and immigration policies

Student visa - Australia

Australian study visas are of the following types:

• Student visa (subclass 500) for studies lasting more than 3 months
• Visitor or holiday visa for studies lasting less than 3 months

The Department of Home Affairs issues visas for full-time study programmes. The processing of visas may take up to four months.

Visa costs

The Australian student visa (Subclass 500) fee is AUD 2,000 (INR 1.12 lakhs)  for the primary applicant. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest fees.

Visa conditions

To obtain an Australian student visa, ensure you provide the following:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from an accredited Australian education institute that offers courses registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
• Enrolment in a full-time course that mandates at least 12 credits per semester
• OSHC cover for yourself and family (if any)
• Sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living, and travel expenses
• Genuine Student Requirement showing that your main reason for going to Australia is to study
• Character requirement demonstrating good character and no criminal record
• Good health requirement by undergoing a medical test by an approved doctor
• Travel and immigration history, including visa rejections, if any
• Sign the Australian Values Statement and read the Life in Australia booklet

Student visa - New Zealand

New Zealand offers several types of visas that you can apply for if you’re over 18 years old. Indian students are eligible to apply for the following types of visas based on their requirements:

• Fee paying student visa
• Exchange student visa
• Foreign government supported student visa
• Pathway student visa

Visa costs

A fee paying student visa costs about NZD 850 (INR 43,225), which is valid for 4 years or the duration of your study. For more complete information on the visas, check the official New Zealand immigration pages.

Visa conditions

You must follow all the student visa conditions, which include:

• Attending your course unless you have a valid reason for absence
• Making satisfactory academic progress
• Travelling in and out of the country only if your visa allows it
• Working within the permitted weekly limits
• Paying tax on any earnings
• Leaving when your visa expires, renewing it if it expires early (for example, due to passport expiry), or applying for another visa if eligible

Post-study work and residency

Post-study work visa, Australia

Australia offers a Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485, known popularly as a TR visa Australia, with the following visa subcategories:

Graduate stream

• For graduates qualified in any relevant occupation given in the skilled occupation list.
• They can study, live, and work in Australia, and can bring their family

Post-study work stream

• For recent graduates from Australian institutions registered under CRICOS.
• They can temporarily  study, live, and work in Australia, and can bring their family.

Second post-study work stream

• For graduates who are in Australia  (in a designated region) at the time of application and have studied in an institution from the same region.
• Should have stayed for at least 2 years before applying for this visa and holding a post-study work stream visa.

Post-study work visa New Zealand

Holders of degrees, postgraduate diplomas, certificates, or eligible lower-level qualifications can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. For lower-level qualifications, applicants must plan to work in a role directly related to their course. They must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, or the entire course duration if it was below degree level.

Eligibility

You can apply if you:

• Recently graduated with a degree (level 7 qualification or higher)
• Completed a course on the Qualifications Eligible for Post Study Work Visa list if below level 7
• Your job must be directly related to your course
   

Validity

• For courses lasting 30 weeks, including master’s or doctoral programmes, the visa is valid for 3 years
• For courses at level 8 or below, the visa is valid for the course duration only

Permanent residency (PR) pathways

Both Australia and New Zealand offer limited PR options to international students.

Australia

Permanent residency or PR gives many of the same rights as citizens, including work opportunities and medicare. You are free to enter and leave the country as you want. Apply for one of the following visa pathways based on your eligibility:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (SC 190)
• Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 186)

New Zealand

With its small population, New Zealand faces chronic skill shortages. Graduates who secure jobs in these areas can apply for a PR visa, provided they meet requirements such as having the right qualifications, relevant experience, financial stability, good character, and being under 55 years of age. The PR eligibility is based on a points system administered by the NZ government.

You  can apply for one of the PR visa categories in New Zealand:

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Partner/Family Category Visa
• Business and Investment Visa

Australia vs New Zealand: Employment opportunities

Part-time work

Both New Zealand and Australia offer plenty of part-time job opportunities. Types of part-time jobs you can expect to find include:

• On-campus jobs like call centre jobs, student ambassadors, assistantships, administration, library assistant, etc.
• Off-campus work, like working in restaurants, movie theatres, retail shops, etc.
• Tutoring jobs

Australia

As an international student in Australia, you can work either part-time or full-time. Many internships are also available.  Students can work up to 24 hours per week and more (unlimited) during holidays or breaks.

 You will be paid minimum wage; if your wages are less, you can inform the Fair Work Ombudsman. The minimum wage can range from AUD 24.95 (INR 1,399) to AUD 31.19 (INR 1,749) per hour.

New Zealand

Most full-time international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and more during breaks. You can find more than 200 roles on the national Green List of in-demand occupations, including software programmers, engineers, teachers, and nurses. The minimum wage in New Zealand is approximately NZD 23.50 (INR 1,194) per hour. You have the same employment rights as any other worker.

Cultural experience and lifestyle

Diversity and multiculturalism

Australia:

• Rich and diverse indigenous (Aboriginal) and ethnic communities /societies
• Home to migrants from more than 200 countries, making it a vibrant mix of cultures and traditions.

New Zealand:

• Rich Māori culture, with Rotorua as its cultural centre.
• A diverse population with students from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

Social life

Australia:

• The most popular cities are Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.
• You can enjoy an active city life, and the people are warm and welcoming.
• There are plenty of hangout spots, such as pubs and nightclubs.
• Networking opportunities are excellent, as you meet students from different countries and cultures.
• You’ll find plenty of exotic food and drink options, ranging from seafood to nuts, ginger beer to coffee — kangaroo meat, anyone?

New Zealand:

• Auckland and Christchurch are among the top student cities.
• Auckland, the largest city, has a diverse population and is home to top-ranking universities. Hamilton, in the Waikato region, is also a lively student hub.
• New Zealand universities host numerous events, festivals, and cultural activities that help international students network, participate, and explore.
• The country also hosts many unique festivals that students can enjoy, such as the Rhythm and Vines Music Festival, Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, Earth Beat Festival, and traditional Māori Kai Festivals.

Popular activities

Australia:

You will never run out of things to do in Oz. Love surfing? Australia is the place to be.

Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Bondi Beach
• Sydney Opera House
• Great Barrier Reef
• Uluru
• Fraser Island
• Blue Mountains
• Gold Coast

In addition, you can explore countless wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

New Zealand:

• New Zealand, often called the adventure capital of the world, offers everything from whitewater rafting and skydiving to scenic hikes like the Rangitoto Summit.
• For a calmer pace, explore the Moeraki Boulders or take a cruise through the stunning Milford Sound.
• Surfing enthusiasts can head to Taranaki, famous for its wild surf breaks.
• Wellington, the capital, is a cultural hotspot of New Zealand.

Student support

Australia

24-hour special support is provided to international students through:

• Welcome/orientation programmes
• Student advisers
• Employment and career services/support
• Language support
• Mental health and wellness support
• Plenty of student clubs and other societies for networking and community service
• Counseling
• Voluntary activities run by universities or student associations

New Zealand

New Zealand welcomes inclusiveness, progressiveness, and core values, such as Kaitiakitanga—care for people and the environment. This welcoming culture extends to international students, who enjoy the same rights as locals.

New Zealand’s  Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice ensures a high level of support, education, safety, and well-being for international students at all levels. For help with employment rights, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau, a free nationwide community service offering guidance on all aspects of life in New Zealand.

Which country is better for international students?

While both countries offer the same level of high-quality education and a safe environment, it depends on an individual’s choice. If you like more personal attention, smaller class sizes, or a practical approach, then choose New Zealand. If you like more research-based courses and more course options to select from, choose Australia.

Which country is more expensive - Australia or New Zealand?

Australia is more expensive for international students than New Zealand because of the high cost of living and comparatively higher tuition fees.

Which country offers a more relaxed studying and living environment?

New Zealand is more relaxing, while Australia offers a busier city life with its large metropolitan areas in comparison.