Study in New Zealand: Top undergraduate courses after your 12th

Hey you! Did YOU know that the number of Indian students studying in New Zealand has gone up by 28%?

Hmmm… Lemme guess, you’re fresh out of school with a mind that yearns to explore the horizons of the world… That excitement to travel the world… to study on a foreign land… to make friends with mates around the world, to be independent with a part-time job and most importantly, to enjoy your international student life experience - We totally get you. Like the saying goes -“All our dreams begin in youth” 

To study in New Zealand is like educating yourself in a wonderland. Its breathtaking landscape, super-friendly folks, excellent quality of life and its growing economy attract thousands of Indian students like you. New Zealand is also a country that not just welcomes you as a student, but also encourages you to work and permanently settle there - thanks to its relaxed student visa system. 

There are about eight public universities and several educational institutes that offer internationally recognised programmes across the island country. 

Here’s what you can study in New Zealand depending on what stream you’ve chosen in your 12th standard.   

For 12th Science students

Applied and pure sciences: In the fields of applied and pure sciences, you’ll study literally about everything – because science is in everything.  You’re sure to develop and enhance your scientific thinking ability, knowledge and application of problem solving methods and excellent numerical skills. Top universities and institutes that offer undergraduate programmes in this disciple are:

• Auckland University of Technology 
• Massey University
• Southern Institute of Technology
• University of Canterbury
• Victoria University of Wellington 

Computer science: Ah yes! What doesn’t involve computer and technology? It’s the world’s future and the demand for these graduates will only grow. In here, you’ll learn about the production, design and use of computers, software and information technology. Few of the popular universities that offer undergraduate programmes in the field are:

• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology 
• University of Otago
• Southern Institute of Technology

Engineering: Engineering is all about innovating, developing, designing and maintaining. You’ll learn to practically apply science and maths across domains such as infrastructure, automobiles, systems and products. For your study in New Zealand, take a look at few of the top universities that offer bachelor’s programmes in this field.  

• Lincoln University
• Manukau Institute of Technology
• Auckland University of Technology
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
• Wellington Institute of Technology

Life sciences: The field of life sciences involves applying technology in biology. You’ll primarily study living organisms – right from microorganisms and plants to animals and human beings – and learn to apply biotechnology in molecular biology. Top universities that offer programmes in life sciences are:

• The University of Waikato
• University of Auckland
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Massey University
• University of Otago

Here’s all you need to know about the cost of studying in New Zealand. 

For 12th grade commerce students

If you’ve taken the commerce stream in your 12th standard, your options include bachelor’s in commerce, finance or accounting. Here are few of the popular universities and institutes to pursue programmes in this stream:

• University of Canterbury
• Southern Institute of Technology
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Massey University
• Tasman International Academies

For 12th grade arts students

Tourism/hospitality/Fashion: New Zealand is a popular study destination for hotel management, hospitality and tourism. The island country is a tourist hub and graduates in these industries are always in demand. Popular institutes that offer programmes at undergraduate levels are:

• Southern Institute of Technology
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
• Otago Polytechnic
• Wintec
• Ara Institute of Canterbury

Law: As the name suggests, you’ll learn the basics of legal studies. You’ll also be exposed to various streams within law – such as civil law, criminal law, human rights law and international law. These subjects have a heavy demand not just in New Zealand, but across the world. Top universities and institutes that offer undergraduate programmes in this disciple are:

• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Auckland
• The University of Waikato
• Auckland University of Technology
• University of Otago

Education: Considered as one of the noblest jobs in the world, New Zealand is on a look out for graduates to take up teaching roles, research roles and training profession. Here are the universities you need to consider to study education:

• University of Auckland
• Massey University
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• Ara Institute of Canterbury

Now that you have a better idea of the academic scene in New Zealand, you can start of by checking out the trending picks for students to study in New Zealand.

Then you can have a word with our advisors who will help you in short listing universities in New Zealand this year and make sure you get through the application procedures.

Since you have just completed 12th, you may or may not know everything about studying abroad. Try reading some of our articles or speak to our counsellors in-person. This will help you gather enough information and get all your options rechecked before you draw any conclusions.